Two Ronnies Four Candles script to auction

The original script to the celebrated Four Candles sketch by British comedy duo The Two Ronnies is valued at £40,000 ($53,432) in an upcoming sale.

For our non-British readers, the hugely popular skit (originally broadcast in 1976) sees a man entering a shop asking for “four candles”. After much confusion, it emerges he’s actually after “fork handles”.

Four Candles sketch

The lot includes a pair of spectacles worn in the show - Image: Chloe Humenko / Hansons

Also known as “Annie Finkhouse”, the sketch regularly tops polls of the best moments in British comedy.

There’s even a pub named after it, The Four Candles in Oxford.

The script is written in Ronnie Barker’s handwriting, under the pseudonym Gerard Wiley.

It was recently authenticated by Ronnie Corbett.

Hansons Auctioneers consultant Marc Allum said: “I saw the script in 2006 and filmed it for the Antiques Roadshow at Carters Steam Fair in north London.

“It was then subsequently shown to Ronnie Corbett who confirmed its authenticity. On the day when I filmed it, I was completely amazed.

“To hold Ronnie Barker’s handwritten script for one of the most iconic comedy sketches in history was beyond words.”

The script has previously sold for £48,750 ($65,154) back in 2007,  a figure it's almost certain to exceed when it hits the block on December 20.

The lot includes a pair of spectacles from the show and a signed letter from Barker.

Interested in memorabilia? Come and take a look at our stock.

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about movie memorabilia auctions.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock