The opening credits introduces us to the guest stars. This is a nice touch and something that hasn’t been done since the early 1970’s BBC specials.

Little Ern is told by Eric that he’s been made the next Lord Mayor of Peterborough. And to prove it he’s given an impressive chain of office (“Fidelity, Integrity, Diligence, Obedience”). Hmm, I wonder what the initials of those words spell out?

This is another example of a very familiar Eric and Ernie trope – Eric conning the gullible Ern into believing that he’s about to receive an honour. It works because (as always) their interaction is spot on (the business with the top hat, for example). The reveal of the statue is also a nice touch.

Throughout the show we frequently cut to a snooker match between Steve Davis and Eric (Ernie has a passive role as the referee). Steve can’t pot a ball and Eric can’t miss (thanks to slick editing). Having won his first World title earlier in the year, Steve was a good sport to play along and it looks like he brought the actual World Championship trophy for Eric to briefly handle.

Next we cross to the flat, where Ernie is preparing to meet not only Robert Hardy but also Sir Ralph Richardson. In story terms, Hardy’s presence seems superfluous (Sir Ralph is the one that Ern wants to nab for his latest and greatest play) but maybe there  were concerns that Sir Ralph wouldn’t be able to handle all the byplay, so possibly Hardy was brought in to help shoulder the load.

And it’s true that Richardson does seem to be a little disconnected (although that seemed to be his public persona at the best of times). He warms up as time goes on though and genuinely seems to enjoying interacting with Eric and Ernie. In years gone by, this sort of preamble with a guest would occur before they appeared in the play but that’s pretty much your lot today for Sir Ralph (other stars later pop up in a totally different play).

Suzanne Danielle arrives to provide a touch of glam for the big song and dance number which is followed by a Health Food shop sketch that’s fairly inconsequential (although it does later provide the tag for the play).

Alvin Stardust has to withstand a fair bit of front curtain banter from Eric (which he takes in good heart) and then has to perform a song with the boys doing their best to upstage him. This is another very familiar M&W trope – although it’s interesting that in earlier days the musical guest would then be given the chance to sing another song without interference (poor Alvin doesn’t get this opportunity though).

Tonight’s play is another Shakespeare remake – Julius Caesar. Ian Ogilvy and Susannah York are dragged out in front of the curtain for some pre-play banter. Susannah seems a little nervous – she begins by calling Ernie the wrong name (Eric being Eric, of course, can’t let a slip of the tongue like that pass without comment).

Given the period, it’s not surprising that the play rehashes some moments from the earlier Cleopatra (with Glenda Jackson). What interests me more is just how basic the set is – an intentional choice or evidence that Thames couldn’t afford the same budgets that the BBC did?

We conclude the show with the whole guest ensemble (including Sir Ralph) dressed in overcoats, scarfs and flat caps – exiting the stage in the time honoured fashion. A joyous way to end a strong festive special.