The sadly missed Tim Brooke-Taylor made a Lake reference in an episode of the long running BBC Radio 4 series "I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue" during the Limericks round. I’ve managed to dig up an off air recorded audio clip but the quality is pretty horrendous but listenable.
It is from Series 25 Show #2 recorded 14 May 1995 at the Theatre Royal, Brighton and broadcast 03 Jun 1995.
The Limericks round is a game where, once given the opening line, each member of the team each takes turns to add a line that scans in the format of a limerick... Tim delivers this gem:
For those not in the know... I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue (ISIHAC) is a British radio institution having been on the air for over 50 years (and I’ve been lucky enough to see 4 of the shows being recorded live) and is made up of silly word games.
"I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue" is a long-running BBC radio comedy panel game that first aired on April 11, 1972. Often referred to as "the antidote to panel games," it has become a beloved institution in British comedy, known for its absurd and nonsensical games, witty banter, and humorous songs. The show was originally chaired by Humphrey Lyttelton until his death in 2008, after which Jack Dee and other guest hosts have taken the role.
The show features two teams of two comedians who are given silly tasks by the chairman. The games often involve wordplay, singing, and spoof competitions, with points awarded at the chairman’s discretion, often whimsically. Some of the most popular and recurring segments include "Mornington Crescent," a game that involves naming London Underground stations according to a set of made-up and ever-changing rules, and "One Song to the Tune of Another," where panellists sing the lyrics of one song to the melody of a completely different song.
Over the years, "I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue" has featured a rotating cast of panellists, with some becoming regulars due to their popularity. Notable regular participants have included Tim Brooke-Taylor, Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, and Willie Rushton, with each bringing their own unique humour to the show. The program also features a pianist, most famously Colin Sell, who is often playfully mocked by the host and panellists.
The show’s blend of clever wordplay, musical parodies, and surreal humour has endeared it to audiences for decades, making it a staple of British radio. It has won multiple awards and accolades for its contribution to radio comedy. "I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue" has also spawned a series of live tours, allowing fans to experience the show’s unique humour in person.
Despite the changes in cast and the passing of some of its key figures, "I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue" has maintained its popularity and continued to attract new listeners with its timeless format and the wit of its participants. The show’s ability to evolve while staying true to its original spirit is a testament to the creativity and talent of those involved.
