A Look Back at Series

A Look Back at the Nineties

by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell, and Pete Sinclair

Published 14 March 2024

The 1993 series that sees Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins 'looking back' at the decade that was yet to happen

Newsreader and ‘Godfather of Radio 4’ Brian Perkins and Spitting Image impressionist Kate Robbins star in this Sony Award-winning satirical show, set on New Year’s Eve at the turn of the millennium. As the Nineties come to a close, they recall the tumultuous, earth-shattering events of the years 1994-1999.

Join them as they revisit when the House of Commons voted for an Honesty Act; Blue Peter launched an appeal with a twist; the media’s attention turned to an unusual new breed of dog; The Archers went on strike; the Hubble space telescope discovered a new star sign and young people thrilled to an exciting new musical style blending dub reggae and horse-racing commentary…

Predicted using a crystal ball in 1993, this futuristic show was foretold by Spitting Image writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair, who also performed alongside special guests Chris Barrie, Hugh Dennis, Steve Coogan, Jack Dee, Rory Bremner and Alistair McGowan.

Cast and credits

Starring Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins

Written and performed by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair

Special guests: Chris Barrie, Hugh Dennis, Steve Coogan, Jack Dee, Rory Bremner and Alistair McGowan

Produced by Caroline Leddy

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates:

1995 10 July 1993

1996 17 July 1993

1997 24 July 1993

1998 31 July 1993

1999 7 August 1993

1994 31 December 1993

A Look Back at the Future

by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell, and Pete Sinclair

Published 14 March 2024

Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins ‘remember’ 21st Century years yet to happen in this futuristic 1994 comedy show

First broadcast (with the aid of a crystal ball) in summer 1994, the Sony Award-winning show returns for a second series starring the ‘Godfather of Radio 4’, Brian Perkins, and Spitting Image impressionist Kate Robbins. This time, they turn their comic gaze on six roller-coaster years from the 21st Century: 2001, 2005, 2010, 2021, 2025 and 2099.

Among the extraordinary events of this turbulent era were the invention of the Telepathone, the first ego transplant, the rise of the Church of the Latter Day Agnostics, and America’s invasion of Narnia. So strap in for a thrilling trip back to the extraordinary, turbulent era when ‘Toddler Power’ ran rampant, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party became the breakthrough third force in British politics – and time ran backwards…

Predicted by Spitting Image writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair – who also play supporting roles in the sketches – this sharp, satirical show features special guest comedians Jeremy Hardy, John O’ Farrell, Griff Rhys Jones, Tony Hawks, Nigel Planer and Hugh Dennis.

Cast and credits

Starring Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins

Special guests: Jeremy Hardy, John O’Farrell, Griff Rhys Jones, Tony Hawks, Nigel Planer, Hugh Dennis

Predicted by Spitting Image writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair

Produced by Caroline Leddy

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates:

2001 9 July 1994

2005 16 July 1994

2010 23 July 1994

2021 30 July 1994

2025 6 August 1994

2099 13 August 1994