Frank Sidebottom’s Fantastic Shed Show – Nostalgia Central

1 9 9 2 (UK)
7 x 30 minute episode

Initially shown only in the Yorkshire Television Region, this anarchic, semi-scripted ITV comedy series was eventually screened in the Central, Border, Granada and Tyne Tees ITV regions.

The weird creation of Manchester comedian, musician and animator Chris Sievey, Frank Sidebottom was a human man with a papier-maché head.

The show was broadcast from the converted shed in his back garden in the small village of Timperley, near Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

Although Frank was supposedly 35 years old, he still lived at home with his mum, who was blissfully unaware of her son’s popularity.

Frank sometimes had a sidekick in the form of “Little Frank”, a hand puppet who was otherwise a perfect copy of Frank.

Mrs Merton (Caroline Aherne) was Frank’s next-door neighbour.

Guests included Pop Will Eat Itself, Midge Ure, The Farm, Nicholas Parsons, Gerry Anderson, Keith Chegwin, snooker star Dennis Taylor, Londonbeat, Dennis Locorrier from Dr Hook, Bob Holness and Adamski.

Chris Sievey was diagnosed with cancer in May 2010 and died at Wythenshawe Hospital on 21 June 2010. He was just 54.

Frank Sidebottom
Chris Sievey
Alfonse Allegro
Martin Sievey
Mrs Merton
Caroline Aherne
Mr Emmo Lake
Mark Radcliffe

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