The Two Ronnies, a classic British comedy duo, decided to take their shenanigans down under in a special program that aired before Ronnie Barker’s retirement in 1986. It’s a tale of humor, awkward cultural exchanges, and perhaps a few too many puns for the average viewer’s taste.
The premise is as simple as a well-timed punchline: the Two Ronnies—Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett—embark on a comedic adventure to Sydney, Australia, where they aim to recreate the magic of their hit British show for Channel Nine. Spoiler alert: they manage to make it just as chaotic, if not more so, than the original.
As the Ronnies touch down in Sydney, they are met with a mix of adoration and bewilderment from the locals. Picture this: a pair of middle-aged men in ill-fitting suits trying to navigate the beach culture and slang of the 1980s. Barker, with his usual dry wit, and Corbett, with his cheeky charm, dive headfirst into a series of sketches that are a delightful homage to both British and Australian humor.
Throughout the program, viewers are treated to a variety of segments. One standout sketch features the duo attempting to adjust to Australian customs, leading to a hilariously misguided interpretation of “throwing a shrimp on the barbie”—a phrase that, let’s be honest, is as much a cliché as it is a culinary suggestion. Spoiler: they end up creating a flaming disaster rather than a barbecue feast, leaving the locals in stitches and the fire department on speed dial.
In another sketch, the Ronnies take on the classic “newsreader” format, where they hilariously misinterpret Australian headlines. Imagine Barker’s stoic delivery as he announces that “kangaroo sightings are at an all-time high,” while Corbett, in his typical fashion, can’t resist making a quip about hopping into the news. It’s a delightful blend of wordplay and visual gags that showcases their comedic chemistry and timing.
The highlight, however, is the iconic “Four Candles” sketch, which makes a triumphant return. This time, it’s given an Australian twist, complete with a cheeky koala and a misunderstanding about what one actually needs from a hardware store. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about candles! The sketch serves as a reminder that even the simplest misunderstandings can lead to hysterical outcomes, especially when delivered with impeccable timing.
As the show progresses, the Ronnies find themselves in a series of increasingly absurd situations, from a misguided attempt at surfing to an even more misguided attempt at Australian rules football. Each misadventure is punctuated by their signature wit, with Barker often playing the more sensible straight man to Corbett’s lovable buffoon.
In the end, The Two Ronnies’ venture into Australian television is a nostalgic trip that highlights the duo’s timeless humor while also poking fun at their own cultural misunderstandings. Their chemistry shines through, proving that laughter knows no borders—even if the occasional punchline gets lost in translation.
So, if you’re in the mood for a comedy that’s as quintessentially British as it is delightfully Australian, look no further than this special program. Just be prepared for a few groan-worthy puns and a lot of cheeky humor. After all, if there’s one thing the Two Ronnies excel at, it’s leaving their audience laughing—whether they understand the joke or not!