William Rushton

Live show of Willie Rushton and Barry Cryer, recorded at the Hackney Empire

The television campaign for Hamlet cigars, one of the longest running, most memorable and funniest campaigns in advertising history is now on video for the first time. One man who remembers the start of the 27 year campaign is Willie Rushton, one of the country's longest running humorists. Sit back and smile as he guides you through the cream of the ads that made Bach's 'Air on a C String' famous and the world aware that 'Happiness is a cigar called Hamlet'.

The events of the comedy take place in the country of Illyria, which for the English of Shakespeare's time was fabulous. The young Countess Olivia is loved by Orsino, Duke of Illyria. But the Countess is in mourning for her brother and refuses to receive the Duke's messengers.

After the criticisms of the 1987 show’s disproportionate focus on music - and the financial disaster of its music-only Festival Of Youth weekend concert in 1988, Amnesty returned to the original formula that had been so successful in the 1976-1981 era with a primary focus on comedy. Pat Duffy was dropped from organising any further benefit events for Amnesty and for the 1989 show, Amnesty hired producer Judith Holder.

Adapted from a play written by two Monty Python vets, this toothy satire launches with a tragic accident at Chumley's chocolate factory when hapless manager Ian Littleton (Tyler Butterworth) accidentally knocks several employees into a huge chocolate vat. The tragic mishap at the chocolate factory results in candy lovers getting an unexpected 'extra' in their sweets.

Danny La Rue plays Cinderella's wicked stepmother in this grand tradition of a Christmas pantomime.

Kenny gives us his rendition of Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol, "with apologies to C. Dickens, Esquire"

Old school comics join Kenny Everett for some old school comedy. Stand up routines are interspersed with sketches and stand up routines from Kenny Everett.

A feature-length compilation of the funniest and naughtiest bits from the legendary 1970s’ Adventures of series!

Sam dreams of meeting Father Christmas, so when Santa arrives at his house Sam hides in the big guy's sack. Later, Santa discovers the stowaway, and invites him to a special Christmas dinner, where he presents Sam with a special watch.