News / television
Celebrating 40 years of The Young Ones
If ever there was a strong case for a new blue plaque for Bristol, it is for one to be placed on a house on Codrington Road in Bishopston.
Because it was here – exactly 40 years ago – that the British public were first introduced to The Young Ones, one of the most acclaimed comedy series of all time which helped launch the careers of Ben Elton, Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson.
This house in Bishopston was lived in by a group of students of Scumbag College, but little studying was done between their adventures which included discovering oil in the basement and an atomic bomb falling on the house.
is needed now More than ever
Demolition, the pilot episode for The Young Ones, was first aired on BBC Two on November 9 1982, with the sitcom running for only a dozen episodes until 1985.
Where was The Young Ones filmed in Bristol?
Much of the filming for the show done in Bristol, with many scenes shot on Gloucester Road.
These included the old swimming baths becoming the bank that the gang attempted to rob with water pistols and a laundrette where the four tried to wash their clothes but were unwilling to pay 50p.
The Nail Shed (previously the RSPCA shop) on Gloucester Road also featured as an army careers office.
And the Westbury Park pub – known for its unusual round shape and circular bar – became the Kebab & Calculator, where Vyvyan’s mum worked.
What is now the Westbury Park pub became the Kebab & Calculator in The Young Ones – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- The life of a Bristol film extra
- BBC comedy drama filmed in Bristol set to return to small screen
- Doctor Who’s Tardis appears in Bristol
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