The Last of the Summer Wine director and producer Sydney Lotterby dies at 93

Sydney Lotterby, a television director and producer who for years worked on The Last of the Summer Wine, has died at the age of 93.
Sydney Lotterby, who has died aged 93. Picture: BBC.Sydney Lotterby, who has died aged 93. Picture: BBC.
Sydney Lotterby, who has died aged 93. Picture: BBC.

Mr Lotterby was also associated with Porridge, Yes Minister, As Time Goes By, Butterflies, May To December and Open All Hours.

BBC Director-General Lord Tony Hall said: "Sydney Lotterby wasn't just part of the golden age of British comedy - he made many of the shows that stand out as real icons of the period.

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"He will be hugely missed by many. Sydney leaves behind a true legacy of laughter."

Lotterby's first directing credit was in 1960 for two episodes of Charlie Drake, and he also directed Twist!, Sykes And A..., and On The Margin.

He also produced shows such as Up Pompeii!, Me Mammy, Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em and A Gentlemen's Club.

According to the Internet Movie Database, Mr Lotterby produced 31 episodes of The Last of the Summer Wine between 1976 and 1983, directing 29 of them.

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Filmed in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, the show was about three old men struggling to grow up and attemping to stay young by reminiscing about the days of their youth.

Made between 1973 and 2010, it is believed to be the longest-running sitcom in the world.

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