Whether it's planned or not I don't know, but the improvised feel only enhances the comedy value.

I would recommend this to anyone with a half decent sense of humour!


Coming to a shed near you soon...   October 22, 2001
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

'Frank Sidebottom's Fantastic Shed Show' is quite possibly one of the best programmes Yorkshire Television has ever produced, but with a repertoire that includes 'Indoor League' and 'Smokie Goes To China', that last stamtement might not mean that much.

The show, originally transmitted back in 1992, is set in Frank's shed/back garden. In each episode, celebrity guests (including Keith Chegwin and Bob Holness - we're talking A list here) visit Frank to give him their advice on whatever harebrained scheme he has though up that week.

Accompanying Frank in his shed is the Godlike Mark Radcliffe playing shop owner/keyboardist Emerson Lake, and a rather pointless character Alfonso, who from what I understand undertakes manual repair work. There is also an early appearence from the wonderful Mrs Merton (aka Caroline Aherne) and a brief cameo from Stella Street's Phil Cornwell.

Whilst the above have gone on to huge success, Sidebottom seems to have retained showbiz anonyminty, but that seems to suit the character very well.

The show makes very little sense, is at times quite disturbing, and the production values are low - all together making it an absolute cult classic.
Fantastic, some might say.


This video won't work in a Betamax player.   September 30, 2001
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This video is only three episodes of Frank's (Chris Sievely) six episode TV series, actually. Shame that it originally aired at 3am on weeknights, had it been shown on a Saturday morning (or any civilised hour for that matter) Frank would have been exposed to a greater audience and would have found many new followers. That was about ten years ago now.

I found this show very humorous and funny. It looks 'home-made', as does most of Frank's stuff. It's very interesting to watch this show as it contains an early version of Mrs Merton (Caroline Aherne) who has been doing the Mrs Merton character for years even as part of Frank's Piccadilly radio show. It also features Phil Cornwell (that comedian from 'Stella Street' which I didn't watch but I remember him from his 'Gilbert the smelly alien' days). It also features Mark Radcliffe as Emerson Lake (the grocer). And if you enjoy Mark and Lard's comedy, then it's a good bet that you'll like this too as they were associated with Frank. In fact a very very lot of The Shirehorses songs sound similar to Frank songs...

Oh yes, and it contains music from Oceanic (remember them?) London Beat and someone else. Also Keith Chegwin, Bob Holness and the late 'Tosh' off of TV's 'The Bill'.

Frank is a comedy genius. You know he is, he really is.

Thank you.