The programme originally started life as Packet of Three in 1991, but was renamed Packing Them In for its second and final run in late 1992. As with Packet of Three, the newly titled series followed the same formula: Frank Skinner acts as compere at the Crumpsall Palladium - actually Wakefield's Theatre Royal - whilst also dealing with all the backstage chaos. It's a bit like The Muppet Show, albeit without the legendary status afforded to Jim Henson's creation.
A few episodes of Packet of Three have surfaced over the years, but Packing Them In is a much rarer beast. A heavily compressed clip of John Shuttleworth on the programme was uploaded to YouTube back in 2007, but there's been little else since. Until today. Thanks to a recent donation of tapes, I've managed to secure the fifth episode, and the good news is that there may be another on the way. The opening titles are missing, but that's it.
Coincidentally, this is the episode featuring John Shuttleworth, but now in considerably better quality. Alongside Shuttleworth, we're treated to a quick set from Mark Lamaar and a wonderfully choreographed performance from Licassi and Siegel (no, I'd never heard of them either, although they also appeared in Killer Klowns from Outer Space). There's also, and I found this highly exciting, the TV debut of Kevin Eldon as Boyle. Skinner, as ever, is the everyman with a razor sharp intellect, combining mainstream appeal with a sophistication few comedians can match.
I'll let you make your own mind up. I can't say it had me rolling on the sofa in fits of laughter, but it's certainly an intriguing snapshot of British comedy in 1992. The alternative comedy boom may have come a decade earlier, but its influence is still apparent. By now, it's a more refined animal, less anarchic and more focused on the observational, sometimes fanciful comedy of people like Arthur Smith.
Looking back, Packing Them In offers a glimpse of British stand-up on its way to becoming the mainstream force it is today. Let's hope more turns up.
Thanks to Tim for sending this fantastic tape over!
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