Will the Real Mike Yarwood Stand Up?

1 9 6 8 – 1 9 6 9 (UK)
9 x 30 minute episodes

Debuting on New Year’s Eve 1968, this ATV series featured Britain’s most famous impressionist Mike Yarwood whose power of mimicry could summon the most surprising people – such as a particular pipe-smoking politician in a Gannex or a snowy-haired opponent of the permissive society with strong views on nearly everything.

Dilys Watling featured in each programme along with a dance troupe called The M.Y. Girls (Sandra Burville, Elaine Carr, Marilyn Corney, Doreen Cran, Suzanna Page and Maggie Vieler), The Mike Sammes Singers and an orchestra under the direction of Peter Knight.

Yarwood’s guests included Herman’s Hermits, Bob Monkhouse, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, Kathy Kirby, Diana Dors, Norman Vaughan, Vince Hill and Max Wall (pictured at right with Yarwood impersonating him).

Mike Yarwood died on 8 September 2023 after two years as a resident of Brinsworth House, a residential and nursing retirement home for theatre and entertainment professionals in Twickenham, West London. He was 82.