Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? (1973)

Concept and creative process

Titles for a classic 70s sitcom about two lads from Newcastle. Like the original ‘The Likely Lads’ it was written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais and ran for two series in 1973-74. The opening titles reflect the changes that have happened to Terry and Bob over the five years since they were constant mates. The sequence begins with a photo album of the pair of them featuring snaps from their youth together. After the credits, Terry is filmed live action against the backdrop of the more run-down parts of the city, whereas Bob has clearly joined the middle class to which he always aspired and is now a new home and car owner. The scene is set for class war, a hot topic in the 70s both on-screen and in real life.