Ronnie Barker; Ronnie Corbett ('The Two Ronnies')

This portraitback to top

The Two Ronnies was one of the most successful British television comedy shows, running from 1971 until 1987. It starred comedians Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett. As well as sketches, the programme is remembered for rambling monologues delivered by Corbett who, from 1981 also starred in the sitcom Sorry!. Barker, a prolific writer and performer, wrote much of the material for The Two Ronnies. He also starred in the popular sitcoms Porridge and Open All Hours. This caricature was made for the Radio Times.

Events of 1976back to top

Current affairs

Harold Wilson unexpectedly resigns as Prime Minister and is replaced by Leonard James Callaghan. Wilson's resignation honours list caused controversy due to the appearance of a number of wealthy businessmen whose principles were considered anathema to those of the party. It became known as the 'Lavender List' after it was alleged that it was drafted by Marcia Williams, the head of Wilson's political office, on lavender-coloured notepaper.

Art and science

The first commercial Concorde flights are made, operated by British Airways and Air France. The supersonic (faster than the speed of sound) aeroplane was developed through a British and French treaty, and operated until 2003 when it was retired due to falling passenger numbers following a crash in 2000.
The National Theatre opens on the South Bank in London under the artistic directorship of Lord Olivier.

International

North Vietnam invades and overpowers South Vietnam, reunifying the country as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under communist rule.
240,000 people die in the Tangshan Earthquake in China; one of the greatest death tolls from an earthquake in history. The event was part of the 'Curse of 1976', a year that also saw the death of Mao Zedong, and the attempted seizure of power by the Gang of Four.

Tell us more back to top