The BBC Radio Scotland sketch comedy Naked Radio
proved to be a popular part of the local schedule (it wasn't heard
nationally until being given a one-off airing by Radio 4 on 26 April
1982), and in 1985 the cast successfully mounted the show on stage at
the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Its producer Colin Gilbert realised that
it had the visual potential for television and so Naked Video was born, shown on national BBC2.
For the TV version the radio cast was swelled by two
Sassenachs, Helen Lederer and John Sparkes, and the result was a
fast-moving, irreverent and lively production that featured a number of
recurring characters and situations. Gregor Fisher's scatological
scallywag Rab C Nesbitt was first unveiled to a national audience here,
as was his other invention, the gormless Baldy Man. Lederer performed
her own monologues from a wine bar, and John Sparkes appeared as Welsh
poet Siadwell (pronounced Shadwell). The show had a creditable run, was
never less than entertaining and its influence was long-lasting,
Fisher's characters re-appearing in their own shows (Rab C Nesbitt and The Baldy Man) and Lederer utilising her character in subsequent projects.
Note. On 31 December 1998 BBC2 screened A Kick Up The Archives, a highlights compilation from Naked Video, A Kick Up The Eighties and Laugh??? I Nearly Paid My Licence Fee.
