Harold Snoad
Harold Snoad (28 August 1935 – 2 June 2024) was a British television producer, director, and writer renowned for his contributions to BBC sitcoms, particularly as the producer and director of the long-running series Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995).[1][2] Born in Mill Hill, Middlesex, Snoad trained at Eastbourne College and the Florence Moore Theatre Studios in Brighton before joining the BBC in 1957 as a floor assistant.[1][2] His early career included roles as a production assistant on classic comedies such as Hancock’s Half Hour and Hugh and I, and he later directed five episodes of the iconic wartime sitcom Dad’s Army (1968–1977).[1][2] Snoad also collaborated with writers David Croft and Jimmy Perry to adapt and direct 67 episodes of Dad’s Army for radio between 1974 and 1976, co-scripting them with Michael Knowles, which extended the series' popularity beyond television.[1][2] Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Snoad produced and directed several acclaimed sitcoms, including Ever Decreasing Circles (1984–1989), often working with writers like Roy Clarke.[1][2] His hands-on approach to casting and production was instrumental in the success of Keeping Up Appearances, where he selected Patricia Routledge to play the pretentious Hyacinth Bucket, turning the show into a global export that ran for five series and 44 episodes.[1][2] Beyond television, Snoad authored books on comedy production, such as Directing Situation Comedy (1988) and It's Bouquet – Not Bucket! (2009), a behind-the-scenes account of Keeping Up Appearances.[1] In his personal life, Snoad was first married to Anne Cadwallader in 1957 (later dissolved) and then to actress Jean Green from 1963 until his death; the couple had two daughters.[1][2] His career left a lasting impact on British television comedy, blending sharp social satire with ensemble performances that defined an era of BBC light entertainment.[1][2]Early life and career beginnings
Early life
Harold Edward Snoad was born on 28 August 1935 in Mill Hill, Middlesex, England.[2][3] He was the son of Sydney Snoad, an advertising executive who served in the British Army during the Second World War, and Irene Snoad (née Janes).[3] Snoad's early years were shaped by wartime experiences, as his family relocated to Bath during the conflict, where his father was stationed. There, young Harold developed an early passion for drama through frequent family visits to the Theatre Royal, fostering his interest in performance and the performing arts.[3] After the war, in 1947 when Snoad was 12, the family moved to Eastbourne, East Sussex, where his parents took over the management of a hotel.[2][3] He attended Eastbourne College, where he actively participated in school plays, enjoying acting and gaining practical experience by working backstage at the Devonshire Park Theatre during holidays.[3] Following his schooling, Snoad trained as an actor at the Florence Moore Theatre Studios in Brighton, honing his skills in dramatic production and performance.[2][3] During his two years of National Service with the Royal Air Force in the early 1950s, he organized and staged dramatic productions and designed a winning window display for a competition based on the television show What's My Line?, which involved broadcaster Gilbert Harding.[2][3] These formative experiences culminated in his entry into the BBC as a floor assistant in 1957, following advice from Harding, who suggested a career in television and helped secure the position.[2][3]Entry into the BBC
Harold Snoad joined the BBC in 1957 as a floor assistant, working on the sitcom Hancock's Half Hour in entry-level roles that included call boy duties for an episode, marking his entry into television production after prior experience in theatre.[3][4][2] This entry-level role involved coordinating performers and crew during live broadcasts, providing Snoad with his first hands-on exposure to the fast-paced environment of studio comedy recording.[2] In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Snoad progressed through operational positions, advancing from floor assistant—responsible for managing set movements and cueing talent—to floor manager and assistant floor manager on various programmes.[3][1] These roles honed his understanding of broadcast logistics, including timing cues, camera coordination, and audience interaction, essential for the live-to-tape format prevalent at the time.[1] Snoad's foundational training within the BBC emphasized practical skills in television operations, built through on-the-job experiences on early productions like Hancock's Half Hour in 1960, where he assisted in staging and execution.[1][2] This period laid the groundwork for his technical proficiency, focusing on the intricacies of multi-camera setups and script-to-screen transitions in comedy broadcasting.[3]Professional career
Directing and producing
Harold Snoad developed a hands-on directing style that prioritized precise comedic timing, close collaboration with actors to refine performances, and the effective use of multi-camera setups in studio-based comedies, allowing for dynamic capture of ensemble interactions and audience reactions.[1][2] This approach emphasized discipline on set, as seen in his work on Dad's Army, where he rebuked the cast for not learning lines properly to maintain rhythm during recordings.[2] He often tinkered with scripts, rewriting sections to enhance character-driven humor and ensure seamless delivery, viewing sitcoms as "drama with laughs" rooted in everyday scenarios rather than overt farce.[3][1] Snoad's key collaborations included long-term partnerships with writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft, beginning with his direction of five episodes of Dad's Army in the late 1960s, where he contributed to adapting their historical ensemble comedy for television while fostering a cohesive cast dynamic among actors like Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier.[1][2] He also worked with ensemble casts in series such as Are You Being Served? (1974) and Ever Decreasing Circles (1984–1989), directing actors including Richard Briers and Penelope Wilton to build layered group interactions that amplified the scripts' relational tensions.[3] Later, on Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995), he collaborated with writer Roy Clarke and actors Patricia Routledge and Clive Swift, though tensions arose over his script revisions, which he justified as necessary to sharpen timing and character portrayal, such as envisioning Routledge's Hyacinth as a "stately galleon."[1][2] His career evolved from early 1960s productions, where he assisted on Hancock's Half Hour and debuted directing with Hugh and I Spy (1968), through the 1970s focus on ensemble sitcoms like Dad's Army and radio adaptations, to the 1990s swansong with the long-running Keeping Up Appearances, which he produced across five series and became one of the BBC's most successful exports.[1][3] This progression reflected his growing expertise in sustaining series longevity while adapting to changing production demands, culminating in a format that balanced studio efficiency with location filming.[2] Snoad's efficient production techniques, such as selecting practical locations like Thetford Forest for Dad's Army's Walmington-on-Sea and streamlining sketches for The Dick Emery Show into single-scenario formats, contributed to the reliability and scalability of the British sitcom model, enabling high-output seasons with consistent quality and strong audience appeal.[1][3] His methods, detailed in his 1988 BBC guide Directing Situation Comedy, influenced the genre by promoting actor-writer synergy and technical precision in multi-camera environments, helping establish a template for character-focused, exportable comedies.[1][2]Writing career and bibliography
Harold Snoad's writing career began with adaptations for BBC radio, where he collaborated with Michael Knowles to convert 67 episodes of the television series Dad's Army into radio scripts between 1974 and 1976, preserving the original cast and humor for audio format.[1][2][3] This project marked his entry into script adaptation, tailoring visual gags and dialogue for sound-only presentation while maintaining the wartime sitcom's essence.[1] In 1983, Snoad and Knowles co-wrote It Sticks Out Half a Mile, a 13-episode radio sequel to Dad's Army broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and later Radio 2, shifting the characters to a post-war setting where they attempt to restore a seaside pier.[1][3] The series built on their prior adaptations by introducing original plots centered on civilian life, blending familiar character dynamics with new comedic scenarios involving entrepreneurship and mishaps.[1] Snoad also contributed to the production of these radio episodes, overseeing the transition from script to broadcast.[2] Snoad extended this work to television with High & Dry, a 1987 sitcom for Yorkshire Television that he co-wrote with Knowles under the pseudonym Alan Sherwood due to his BBC contract.[2][3] Comprising seven episodes, the series adapted the pier-restoration premise from It Sticks Out Half a Mile, featuring a new cast in a similar seaside venture fraught with bureaucratic and personal hurdles.[2] Snoad authored two books that reflect his expertise in sitcom script development and production processes. Directing Situation Comedy (1988), published by BBC Television Training, outlines techniques for crafting and realizing comedic scripts, emphasizing timing, character arcs, and adaptation challenges in multi-camera setups.[1][3] Drawing from his experiences, it provides practical guidance on script revisions to enhance punchlines and ensemble interplay. It’s Bouquet – Not Bucket! (2009), issued by Book Guild Ltd, chronicles the scripting and evolution of Keeping Up Appearances, highlighting collaborative refinements to Roy Clarke's original material for sustained narrative coherence and visual humor.[1][2][3] These works offer unique perspectives on balancing writer intent with production demands in British sitcoms.[1]Personal life and death
Family and relationships
Snoad was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage to Anne Cadwallader took place in 1957 and ended in divorce.[1] In 1963, he married Jean Green on July 6, a partnership that endured for over six decades and provided stability during his later professional endeavors.[1] From his second marriage, Snoad and Green had two daughters, Helen and Jeanette.[1] Beyond his family, Snoad maintained a keen interest in the legacy of his work on Dad's Army. He was a member of the Dad’s Army Appreciation Society and, following the death of actor Bill Pertwee, became its vice president in 2013.[5] In his later years, Snoad pursued a hobby of delivering lectures on cruise liners, particularly aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, where he recounted anecdotes from his television production experiences.Death
Harold Snoad died on 2 June 2024 at the age of 88 in Chertsey, Surrey, England, following a long period of ill health.[6][7] His passing was first reported publicly by the British Comedy Guide on 5 June 2024, noting that he was survived by his wife Jean, to whom he had been married for 61 years, and his two daughters.[6] Obituaries soon followed in major publications, including The Guardian on 7 June 2024 and The Telegraph on 18 June 2024, which detailed the circumstances of his death and reflected on its timing after decades of contributions to BBC comedy.[1][2] Initial tributes poured in from fans and colleagues, emphasizing Snoad's pivotal role in shaping iconic British sitcoms such as Dad's Army and Keeping Up Appearances. The Dad's Army Appreciation Society, for instance, issued a statement expressing deep sadness and crediting him with key production decisions, including location work and radio adaptations that extended the show's reach.[4]Recognition
Awards
Harold Snoad's contributions to British television comedy were recognized through several prestigious nominations and awards, primarily for his directing and producing work on popular sitcoms. In 1987 and 1988, Snoad received BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Comedy Series for his production of Ever Decreasing Circles, highlighting the show's critical acclaim during its run on BBC One.[8] The series Keeping Up Appearances, which Snoad directed and produced from 1990 to 1995, earned two BAFTA Television Award nominations in the Light Entertainment Performance category for lead actress Patricia Routledge in 1992 and 1993, underscoring the ensemble's impact under his guidance.[9][5] In 1989, Snoad's production of Don't Wait Up won the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Award for Sitcom of the Year, celebrating its success as a multi-series hit starring Tony Britton and Nigel Havers.[10] Additionally, Keeping Up Appearances received the Silver TeleVizier-Tulip Award at the 1995 TeleVizier-Ring Gala in the Netherlands, recognizing its international export success and popularity abroad.[9]Memberships and honors
Harold Snoad served as vice president of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society starting in 2013, following the death of previous vice president Bill Pertwee, a role that underscored his esteemed status among fans and peers of the classic BBC sitcom he had helped adapt for radio.[11][5] Snoad was frequently invited to share insights from his career at industry gatherings and as a guest speaker on luxury cruises, including a 2005 voyage aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 where he recounted experiences from directing shows like Are You Being Served? and Keeping Up Appearances.[12] These engagements highlighted his respected position in British comedy circles, often tied to his contributions to enduring programs such as Dad's Army.[13] Following his death in June 2024, Snoad received widespread tributes in comedy publications and obituaries, with outlets like Chortle praising him as a "top comedy producer and director" whose work shaped generations of British television humor.[4] The Guardian similarly honored his prolific output, noting his direction of over 400 episodes across multiple sitcoms as a cornerstone of BBC comedy legacy.[1]Credits and appearances
Directing and producing credits
Harold Snoad's directing and producing credits encompass over 50 television projects across four decades, primarily BBC sitcoms, with notable episode counts for major series.[7][1] The following is a chronological overview of his key directing and producing roles, focusing on television series:| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Hugh and I Spy | Director | Debut directing credit on espionage sitcom starring Terry Scott and Hugh Lloyd.[1][14] |
| 1968–1970 | Dad's Army | Director | Directed 5 episodes across series 2–4 (including "Sgt. Wilson's Little Secret" from series 2, "The Lion Has 'Phones" and "Branded" from series 3, and "Don't Forget the Diver" and "Don't Fence Me In" from series 4).[15][1][16] |
| 1969 | Oh, Brother! | Producer, Director | Clerical sitcom starring Derek Nimmo.[1][14] |
| 1971 | Sykes and a Big, Big Show | Director | Variety show with Eric Sykes.[1] |
| 1972 | His Lordship Entertains | Producer, Director | Starring Ronnie Barker as Lord Rustless.[1] |
| 1973 | Casanova '73 | Producer, Director | Starring Leslie Phillips.[1] |
| 1973 | Seven of One | Director | Anthology series including pilot for Open All Hours.[17] |
| 1974 | Are You Being Served? | Producer, Director | Directed 5 episodes of series 2 ("The Clock," "Cold Comfort," "The Think Tank," "Big Brother," "Hoorah for the Holidays").[1][18] |
| 1974–1976 | Dad's Army (radio adaptation) | Director, Producer | Directed 67 episodes adapted from TV series with Michael Knowles.[1][14] |
| 1976 | Not Now, Comrade | Director | Film adaptation of stage farce.[1] |
| 1978–1980 | Rings on Their Fingers | Producer, Director | Domestic sitcom.[1] |
| 1982 | The New Adventures of Lucky Jim | Producer, Director | Sitcom based on Kingsley Amis novel.[1] |
| 1983 | Tears Before Bedtime | Producer, Director | Sitcom starring Peter Davison and Joanna Phillips.[1] |
| 1983–1984 | It Sticks Out Half a Mile (radio) | Producer | Sequel to Dad's Army, co-produced with writing role.[1] |
| 1983–1990 | Don't Wait Up | Producer, Director | 6 series, 39 episodes, starring Tony Britton and Michael Williams.[1][16] |
| 1984–1989 | Ever Decreasing Circles | Producer, Director | 4 series, directed later seasons (1986–1989).[7][1] |
| 1985 | High & Dry | Producer | Maritime sitcom starring Bernard Cribbins.[7] |
| 1986 | Divided We Stand | Producer | Housing estate sitcom.[7] |
| 1986–1992 | Brush Strokes | Producer, Director | Directed series 3 (1989); produced overall.[1][19] |
| 1990–1995 | Keeping Up Appearances | Producer, Director | 5 series plus specials, 44 episodes total, starring Patricia Routledge.[1][14][20] |