The most-popular New Year’s television program in Germany, by contrast ... to ring in the New Year with an 11-minute British comedy skit. Her essay is reprinted below. Best of all, Dinner ...

Ask any German and he/she will immediately know about the skit and would often be able to recite the bit ... The sketch opens with the table being set by her dutiful butler, James, and places being ...

In 1963, the 18-minute skit was broadcast on West German TV, starring comedy legends May Warden and ... meaning that each course is served individually to Sophie and the four empty seats at her table.