90-minute documentary on comedian's 93rd birthday

Channel 5 is to air a tribute to Scottish comedy legend Stanley Baxter on his 93rd birthday.

The 90-minute documentary, under the Comedy National Treasures banner, has been made by Victor Lewis-Smith and his Associated-Rediffusion production company

He previously made the Undiscovered Peter Sellers, Kenneth Williams and Tony Hancock for Sky Arts, after being given unprecedented access to Peter Cook’s archive for a similar programme for BBC Four.

Baxter, who started his career as a child actor in the 1930s agreed to a rare interview for the new programme. He told the filmmakers: ‘I kinda liked this programme, but my opinion on the matter probably shouldn't be trusted.’

Rory Bremner, Miriam Margoyles, Barry Cryer and  Geoffrey Palmer are among those interviewed for the film.

Known for his impersonations, particularly of the Queen, Baxter was a staple of British TV from 1961 onwards, and has previously been the subject of two tribute shows, in 1998 and 2001. He also played Mr Majeika in the adaptation of the children’s books by Humphrey Carpenter.

He has continued to work, with his Radio 4 show The Stanley Baxter Playhouse running for eight series from 2006 to 2016. 

Baxter’s  Comedy National Treasures will air on Friday May 24, Lewis-Smith announced on Twitter today. Howeve a Channel 5 spokesman told Chortle the show had  not yet been scheduled.

Published: 8 May 2019