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From The Times
September 23, 2008

Obituary: Robert Randell: television writer and producer


Robert Randell had a 25-year career in television, working principally on prime-time light entertainment shows such as Beadle’s About and The Generation Game, but was also involved in programmes such as the science and nature series Horizon and The Basil Brush Show. He later described it as a career trajectory of a man who aimed low and missed.

Demonstrating some flair for biological sciences, Randell studied at the Institute of Psychiatry in London. He completed degree studies in physiology and pharmacology before abandoning the rigours of academia for the more louche attractions of the London International Film School. It was here that he studied under the Ealing Studios director Charles Crichton, who made The Lavender Hill Mob.

He then used his knowledge of science and film production to secure a senior research position on Horizon, but quickly gravitated to the more populist The Burke Special, a single-subject science show with a studio audience hosted by the science historian James Burke. The BBC show regularly attracted audiences of 14 to 15 million. On both programmes Randell advised on appropriate topics and formats.

He then switched to light entertainment, becoming the first researcher and ideas-man on The Generation Game. He also worked as a Basil Brush researcher. Perversely, the BBC rewarded his creativity by making him production manager, basically an administrative role. Chafing at the bit, he joined former colleagues Marcus Plantin and Alan Boyd, respectively director of programmes and controller of comedy at London Weekend Television, working on the revolutionary but much maligned Game for a Laugh.

It was here that Randell met Jeremy Beadle (obituary, January 31). Over the next eight years he became a writer and producer for Beadle. Randell wrote a total of ten series, including eight of the highly successful Beadle’s About. His book on the subject, Beadle’s About, was the vade mecum for hidden- camera programmes.

Having taken the show to the top of the ratings, and kept it there, Randell had no wish to accompany its certain decline. So he accepted an executive production job with Scottish Television. The appointment was neither felicitous nor productive. Sensing that huge changes were about to take place in broadcasting, Randell decided to retire and indulge his passion for maritime history.

In retirement he was a regular contributor to the letters page of The Times (and to its Modern Times and Questions Answered columns), his submissions much valued for their erudition, brevity and wit..

He was writing a book entitled Great Fighting Admirals: From Themistocles to Nimitz, when he died.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine, their two sons and a daughter.

Robert Randell, television writer and producer, was born on February 4, 1945. He died of cancer on July 13, 2008, aged 63