Reappraise The Goodies as a catalyst for social change, says Samira Ahmed | TV comedy

They may be best remembered for wacky props such as their oversized flat caps and a bicycle made for three as well as their banging theme tune “Goodies, goody goody yum yum”.

But it may be time to reassess the surreal 1970s and early 80s sketch show The Goodies and regard it not just as silly fun but as a catalyst for social change.

At an event held as part of the Slapstick festival in Bristol, the broadcaster Samira Ahmed said the serious side of the show had been forgotten and that it was worth remembering how it had challenged attitudes of the time by defying gender stereotypes and…