Sketch show · 1970s
The Two Ronnies
An Old-Fashioned Christmas Mystery
Two Ronnies, one Victorian Christmas Eve and a mystery to untangle.
- Family-safe
Content note: BBC guidance: contains adult humour (mild 1970s innuendo and dated gags).
BBC One
1973
First shown 26 Dec 1973
- First shown
- 26 December 1973
- Channel
- BBC One
- Runtime
- 58 mins
- Genre
- Sketch show
Where to watch
Spotted a broken link? Tell us and we'll fix it.
Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett turn the clock back to Christmas Eve 1874 for their Old-Fashioned Christmas Mystery, a festive romp in period costume with sketches, silly songs and the kind of wordplay only these two could deliver. Guests include Gabrielle Drake and Sally James, and the show builds towards a musical finale in the Two Ronnies tradition, Gilbert and Sullivan included. It is gentle, clever and gloriously old-fashioned, the sort of thing Nan will happily quote lines from. Cosy, fireside viewing from the golden age of Saturday night comedy.
Stay on the sofa
Watch next
The Morecambe and Wise Show
Christmas Show 1971
Eric, Ernie and a very patient pianist: the Christmas show everyone quotes.
Victoria Wood
Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings
A sketch special that sends up the BBC and the Christmas schedule.
Dad's Army
Battle of the Giants!
Mainwaring takes on the Eastgate platoon in an hour-long Home Guard showdown.

Checked 6 Nov 2026