So You Want To Be Top

1 9 8 3 – 1 9 8 5 (UK)
18 x 15 minute episodes

This BBC programme for kids was presented by Gary Wilmot (initially with the help of Bill Homewood) and featured games with adult “schoolchildren” contestants in teams called “Creeps” vs “Crawlers”.

Scores were decided via the “Top-o-meter”, a clapometer measuring the volume of the clapping and cheering of the children in the studio audience.

The Gemini Twins recorded scores in the first series, and Leni Harper did the honours in series two and three.

The show also presented a collection of pre-recorded anarchic slapstick sketches demonstrating how to make school more fun.

The real “pupils” in the comedy sketches were courtesy of the Barbara Speake Stage School.

Episodes featured spoof adverts for fake products used in pranks, most of which were made by a fictional company called ‘Top Kid’.

The show was filmed at the Open University studios at Milton Keynes.

Presenter
Gary Wilmot
Bill Homewood
Scorers
The Gemini Twins (1)
Leni Harper (2)
Creeps
Michelle Freeman
Vincent Hall
John Wadmore
Shaun Waller
Crawlers
Robert Kenley
Natalie Abbott
Catrina Hylton
Elizabeth Wendon
Teachers
Caroline Bernstein
David Coker
Pupils
Daniel Kipling
Natalie Finland
Catherine Elcombe
Marissa Lindsay
Maria Leonidou
Paul Walsby

Video