Rab C. Nesbitt
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Rab C. Nesbitt was a Scottish comedy programme produced by the BBC. It starred Gregor Fisher as the eponymous Rab, a cantankerous unwashed Glaswegian drunkard. First broadcast in Scotland, it was later shown throughout the United Kingdom. The strong Glaswegian dialect made the show quite difficult for those not used to it - the subtitles were of little help as they were generally in dialect as well.
Rab C. Nesbitt began life as a sketch on the show Naked Video. A full-length Christmas special, Rab C. Nesbitt's Seasonal Greet was produced for BBC Scotland in 1989. The success of this broadcast, later shown throughout the UK, led to a six-episode series in 1990. Seven further series and three specials followed, with the final series broadcast in 1999.
Set in Govan, it follows Rab (who fancies himself something of a "street philosopher") in his various travails to enjoy and understand life, while getting as much to drink as possible. Rab is usually seen wearing a shabby black pinstripe suit, string vest, and a filthy headband.
Starring comedy actor Fisher, it featured guest appearances by much of the Scottish acting community. The programme was written by Ian Pattison. It reflected the most negative stereotypes of Glaswegian and Scottish working-class life. It proved to be popular with the viewing population; but raised the ire of some, who felt it perpetuated an unfavourable view of the city which was undergoing an urban renaissance at the time.
Cast and characters
- Gregor Fisher as Rab C. Nesbitt.
- Elaine C. Smith as Mary "Mary Doll" Nesbitt, Rab's long-suffering wife.
- Andrew Fairlie as Gash Nesbitt, the couple's elder son.
- Eric Cullen as Burney Nesbitt, the couple's younger son (the first three seasons).
- David McKay as Screech Nesbitt, Rab's nephew (the fourth, fifth, and six season).
- Tony Roper as Jamesie Cotter, Rab's longtime friend. Jamesie is always seen with his trademark shabby sportsjacket and half bottle of Irn Bru.
- Barbara Rafferty as Jamesie's fiery wife Ella Cotter, with her red beehive haircut and leopardskin coat.