1 9 8 5 – 1 9 8 9 (UK)
10 x 25 minute episodes
13 x 15 minute episodes
20 x 10 minute episodes
This kid’s comedy series – made by Border Television for Children’s ITV – featured a mechanical joke machine named Fred (Charles in the second series) and a studio full of children.
Each short episode was packed with a barrage of gags – roughly one every 16 seconds.
“What is furry, crunchy and makes a noise when you pour milk on it?” “Mice Krispies!”
“What flies and wobbles?” “A jellycopter!”
The show originally featured “Fandabidozi” fun with The Krankies (1985 – 1986). Basil Brush took over for a series titled Basil’s Joke Machine in 1986, followed by Andrew O’Connor (1987) – as Andrew O’Connor’s Joke Machine.
The final series (1988 – 1989) featured Northern Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket (with occasional assistance from Pat Coombs and Jim Bowen).
The final series involved location filming from schools in the Border Television region, predominantly around the Carlisle and Cumbria areas.
Each short episode was packed with a barrage of gags – roughly one every 16 seconds.
The show originally featured “Fandabidozi” fun with The Krankies (1985 – 1986). Basil Brush took over for a series titled Basil’s Joke Machine in 1986, followed by Andrew O’Connor (1987) – as Andrew O’Connor’s Joke Machine.
