Hardwicke House is possibly the most unique sitcom of all time, essentially because of its impact and what happened to it. It was directed by John Stroud and its main star was Roy Kinnear. A storm of controversy erupted after it was first screened on ITV in February 1987 and although a full series of seven episodes had been made, the powers-that-be pulled the plug following the second episode and it has never seen the light of day since. The final five episodes remain unseen.
Has a sitcom ever caused such an outrage before or since? Certainly the likes of The Young Ones and Bottom raised a few eyebrows, but neither generated the level of protest that Hardwicke House encountered. But was it really that bad? Did it really contain the kind of violent black comedy that could never be viewed by the general public? Based on the two episodes that were shown, it’s not family entertainment by any means but there have been far more shocking programmes or movies featured on TV. With hindsight, it seems like it was all blown out of proportion, which is nothing new. Remember the outcry here in the UK that surrounded the release of Rambo: First Blood Part II, which included an MP trying to get it banned? It all seems ridiculous now.
What also sets Hardwicke House apart is that it has never resurfaced….anywhere! It’s never been repeated, even though we are now graced with a multitude of satellite channels, including ITV 2, 3 and 4. Nor has it ever been granted a video or DVD release. Why? Is it because of its content? Surely not, bearing in mind that anyone can waltz into a branch of Borders or HMV and buy Natural Born Killers, a movie which any level-headed individual must consider “more offensive” than Hardwicke House.
Hardwicke House HQ is dedicated to this almost-forgotten show. There are still fans out there who remember it fondly and want to see it. If there are any top dogs in TV land who are reading this please, please, please give this sitcom some long overdue exposure. Give it a DVD release. Or repeat it late at night on ITV 4. There are a lot of people who would appreciate it.
Of course, maybe there is someone out there who has the complete series already. Somehow, someway they’ve got it. Or if anyone knows how to get it, please enlighten us. Perhaps the director, John Stroud, could peruse this site and be kind enough to get in touch and offer assistance. It would be a real sad shame if fans never got to see Hardwicke House in its entirety.
Please click on the headings underneath each picture below, which will take you to further pages of information:
If anyone has any queries or comments, please send an email to:
hardwickehouse@yahoo.co.uk
If any members of the programme’s cast or crew would like to get in touch at the email address above
they would be most welcome!
The Information on this website has been gathered from a wide range of sources, including ITV,
back issues of TV Times, the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, essays by Tim Worthington,
Nottingham County Council, TV Companion and a number of other books and websites
(sources on sitcoms, history of TV comedy, Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson featured prominently).
Wholehearted appreciation is offered to all.
All information in this website is given in good faith.
However, should there be any inaccuracies, they will be amended accordingly
