Three of a Kind (1981–1983) User Reviews

A kick for the 80s

[Prismark10 · 8/10 · 29 July 2013]

Three of a Kind was a fast paced sketch comedy show. Its use of Ceefax type gags gave it a cutting edge added to the mix that it pushed alternative comedy to the mainstream.

Lenny Henry was the best known star and this was his first big vehicle for the BBC after spending the last few years doing kids television on ITV.

Tracey Ullman was the breakout star, the one who would go on to crack America and give birth to The Simpsons.

David Copperfield was the more traditional comedian but his Medallion Man act was fun.

Not only did the series showcased rising stars but also new writers that would revolutionise 1980s television comedy.

''Thatcher appeals for common sense, someone please send her some!''

[Rabical-91 · 8/10 · 25 April 2018]

'Three Of A Kind' was what put both Tracey Ullman and Lenny Henry on the comedy map in Britain throughout the early '80's. It was also the first comedy show to use Teletext style jokes ( named here as 'Gagfax' ). Also in the cast was David Copperfield, who surprisingly seemed to vanish after the show ended.

Like Russ Abbot's 'Madhouse' series which ran on ITV, 'Three Of A Kind' got laughs purely from its simplicity. Songs were commonplace, the best of all being a spoof of The Crystals' 'Da Do Ron Ron', with Tracey, Lenny and David as The Ruinettes. Some gags were corny but then that was part of the show's charm. This was my favourite gag.

LENNY: I'm a policeman, but for a laugh I let people arrest me at parties!

TRACEY: I'm an avon lady, but for a laugh I let people sell me things at parties!

DAVID: I'm a taxidermist. I hate parties!

'Three Of A Kind' ended in 1983 after its third series. Tracey Ullman later went over to the States to pursue a film career, whilst Lenny Henry became heavily involved with 'Comic Relief'. However, as I said at the start of this review, David Copperfield, just simply disappeared.

"Sing A Soppy Song In Voices So Pathetic...!"

[ShadeGrenade · 9/10 · 29 June 2006]

'Three Of A Kind' crept unheralded into B. B. C.-1's schedules in 1981, and, yet by the time of its third season two years later it was firmly established as one of the most popular comedy sketch shows on the air.

It is easy to see why. Other than Lenny Henry ( familiar to viewers because of 'New Faces', 'The Fosters' and 'Tiswas' ), the cast - Tracey Ullman and David Copperfield - had had little or no T. V. exposure, giving the show an unmistakable freshness.

Various recurring characters developed; there was Henry's Rastafarian rap artist 'Fred Dread', Copperfield's 'Medallion Man', all gold rings and sharp suits, typified the 80's, while Ullman's upper-class trendy 'Ros' gave the world the exclamation "Ya!".

Alternative humour this was not; even though Ben Elton and Angus Deayton were among the writers, some of the sketches ( such as 'Australian Blue Peter' ) could have come out of 'Russ Abbot's Madhouse'. One very funny item parodied the sickly pop group 'Dollar' ( or 'Dollop' as they were renamed, with Ullman as 'Thereze Bazar' and Copperfield as 'David Van Day'. The sketch accurately predicted Van Day joining Bucks Fizz! ), another took off the American series 'Fame'. Other comedians, such as Kenny Everett and Benny Hill, took a kicking. Musical acts abounded, including Toyah and Thin Lizzy.

After it ended, Henry landed his own show, Ullman went to the States, only Copperfield failed to achieve the expected solo stardom which was indeed a shame.

'Three Of A Kind' glittered like a 500W light bulb during its short run, ensuring it is fondly remembered by a generation of thirty somethings.

Alternative Humour...and the masses loved it!

[Zeech · 22 April 1999]

Three of a Kind, The humour, the social commentary, the sarcasm, the absolute lack of sexist and racist humour. Back then, this was pretty ground breaking. Sure it had been going in at 'alternative cabarets' etc. around London and Student Union's, but would the mainstream monocultural couch potatoes be able to appreciate this 'new wave of humour'? Three of a Kind worked, and how, reaching a wider audience than the narrow intellectual trendy students, it showed how what had been called alternative humour could go mainstream.

And yes, Tracy was there, and flanked by Dave and Lenny...Killer combo. Rent it just to see the Social Worker Stint.

Doesn't age well.... -at all.

[bjoernhund · 2/10 · 15 March 2020]

Just watched this again after nearly 40 years gone. I remember enjoying this as a child, however, what used to be "edgy" and "absurd" is unfortunately now just plain boring with a total lack of humorous backbone. Sorry....

Additional: If you after all these years still find the likes of "Fools & Horses", "Morecambe & Wise" and most Tommy Cooper shows to be amusing you'll probably enjoy this, if not, don't waste your time on this unless you need something to nod off to.

(two stars, -one each for Tracey & Lenny simply being Tracey & Lenny, but the script is so-o-o cringe...)