Last of the Summer Wine series 15

Last of the Summer Wine
Series 15
No. of episodes10
Release
Original networkBBC1
Original release24 October (1993-10-24) –
27 December 1993 (1993-12-27)
Additional information
Filming dates
  • Series 15: 1993
  • Christmas Special: 1993
Series chronology
← Previous
14
Next →
16
List of episodes

Last of the Summer Wine's fifteenth series aired on BBC1 in 1993. All of the episodes were written by Roy Clarke and produced and directed by Alan J. W. Bell.

Outline

The trio in this series consisted of:

Actor Role
Bill Owen Compo
Peter Sallis Clegg
Brian Wilde Foggy

List of episodes

Regular series

Title Airdate Description Notes
How To Clear Your Pipes 24 October Now Foggy's on about Compo and Clegg being out of shape again, and he ends up putting them through an exhaustive training course that leaves them trapped inside sewer pipes. Howard's latest subterfuge has him publicizing the bicycle race he and Marina are "participating" in, but he does it a little too well this time.
Where There's Smoke, There's Barbecue 31 October The trio gets a gas grill from Auntie Wainwright, but its alarming potency brings an explosive touch to their barbecue. Howard is busy making improvements on his love-nest. Will it inflame Marina's passions, or just inflame Marina? And how did Howard end up with a wooden leg?
The Black Widow 7 November Too much home brew at a funeral tea leaves Compo and Foggy having to rescue Clegg from the arms of an amorous widow.
  • The concluding theme tune is played in the style of a two step, consistent with Foggy's predicament in the dance hall at the end of this episode.
  • Guest appearance of Zara Nutley as Mrs Jack Attercliffe.
Have You Got A Light Mate? 14 November Smiler is selling security lights. Howard is determined to buy Marina a china shepherdess-if he can persuade Clegg to visit Auntie Wainwright's.
Stop That Bath 21 November The trio finds they are involved in yet another of Howard's schemes to get a present to Marina-this time a cast iron bath!
  • Filming took place, again close to the nearby Standedge Tunnels
  • During the closing credits the Huddersfield Line, Aqueduct and Canal make a combined appearance.
  • It was this episode that inadvertently caused the phrase “Three old men in a bathtub” an unflattering shorthand for a series that had passed its prime.
Springing Smiler 28 November Smiler is sick of living in misery with Nora Batty and will hand over 50 quid to anyone who will help him move out and live in misery someplace else. Foggy has a plan to get Smiler thrown out, but will Compo murder Smiler before they can put it into action?
  • This episode marks the end of Smiler's tenure as Nora Batty's lodger, having moved in during the episode A Landlady For Smiler.
Concerto For Solo Bicycle 5 December Foggy comes up with the crazy idea of bicycle safety underwear after he collides with Compo riding his old bike.
There Are Gypsies at the Bottom of Our Garden 12 December Dewhirst's "Nature Tours" are launched by Foggy after he believes he's discovered the nesting place of a giant woodpecker.
Aladdin Gets on Your Wick 19 December After seeing a man on a sailboard, Foggy has the idea of inventing a three-man version.
  • This is the last episode to feature the memorably long concluding theme tune which had been used since the very first episode, 20 years before.
  • From the next series onwards, the shorter end theme and credits are used. It would remain that way for the rest of the series.

Christmas Special (1993)

Title Airdate Description Notes
Welcome to Earth 27 December The trio join Darren's friend in expecting a visitation from outer space (or maybe even Huddersfield)
  • The show's theme is adapted to the style of E.T. for the closing credits
  • Guest appearance of Paul Bown (of Watching fame)
  • Cameo appearance of John Cleese (of Monty Python fame)

DVD release

The box set for series fifteen was released by Universal Playback in October 2009, mislabelled as a box set for series 15 & 16.

The Complete Series 15 & 16
Set Details[1]
  • 20 episodes
  • 4-disc set
  • Language: English
Release Date
Region 2
26 October 2009

References

  1. ^ "Last of the Summer Wine Series 15 & 16 [1993] [DVD]". Amazon. Retrieved 20 August 2016.