It was an 'inappropriate choice'

A school has apologised for showing a 'racist' Two Ronnies sketch to parents.

The clip, titled The Sheikh In The Grocery Store, involves Ronnie Corbett, in  dark makeup and traditional Arabic dress, mispronouncing English words.

The headteacher of Archway School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has apologised for showing the 'inappropriate' clip as an illustration of how misunderstandings can occur.

Playing the shopkeeper, Ronnie Barker repeatedly misunderstands his customer's 'foreign' accent. He mishears mousse as mouse, cinnamon as Chinaman and juice as Jews, to the laughs of the audience.

Several parents complained the 1985 sketch was offensive.

One told the local Stroud News And Journal: 'The Two Ronnies are brilliant, but there's just no place for this racist humour anymore Why not use the fork candles sketch instead? We all love that one.’

The school's headteacher, Colin Belford, said he had contacted parents to apologise.

He said: 'I was contacted by some parents following a year 9 information evening last week They were understandably and justifiably concerned and offended by a YouTube clip which was used on the evening.

'I have spoken to each of the parents who contacted me to apologise for this inappropriate choice. I am grateful that they recognised that this is neither typical of Archway nor its inclusivity.  The matter is being dealt with internally.'

Here's the offending clip:

Published: 11 Oct 2018