HISTORIC MOMENT – CLIFF RICHARD JOINS THE YOUNG ONES FOR A LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE OF THEIR NO. 1 SINGLE AT THE SHAFTESBURY AVENUE THEATRE DURING THE FIRST-EVER COMIC RELIEF IN APRIL 1986
Some performances become footnotes in music history, while others live on as defining cultural milestones. One such historic moment occurred in April 1986, when Sir Cliff Richard took the stage alongside the anarchic comedy troupe The Young Ones at London’s Shaftesbury Avenue Theatre. Together, they delivered an unforgettable rendition of their No. 1 single “Living Doll,” marking not only a musical triumph but also the birth of one of Britain’s most enduring charitable traditions — Comic Relief.
For Richard, already a national treasure by the mid-1980s, this was an opportunity to bridge generations. Originally released in 1959, “Living Doll” had been his first No. 1 hit, selling more than a million copies and cementing his status as Britain’s answer to Elvis Presley. Nearly three decades later, it was reborn through a quirky collaboration with The Young Ones — the irreverent stars of the cult BBC sitcom that had defined the rebellious spirit of the 1980s.
The re-recorded single, blending Richard’s polished vocals with the comedians’ offbeat interjections, soared to the top of the UK charts in 1986. More than just a novelty, the release was the very first charity single for Comic Relief, raising significant funds for causes both in the UK and abroad. Its success proved that laughter and music, when combined with generosity, could inspire real change.
The live performance at the Shaftesbury Avenue Theatre remains legendary. The energy of Richard’s timeless stage presence clashed hilariously yet harmoniously with the chaotic antics of Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, and Christopher Ryan. While Richard sang the verses with his usual composure, the comedians disrupted with absurd commentary, pratfalls, and their trademark irreverence — a performance that perfectly captured the spirit of Comic Relief: entertainment with heart.
Looking back, Richard described the moment with both pride and amusement. “I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself into with The Young Ones,” he admitted years later. “But it turned out to be one of the most joyful experiences of my career. We were having fun, but we were also helping to start something that would go on to change lives.”
Indeed, the legacy of that night has echoed for decades. Comic Relief, co-founded by Richard Curtis and Lenny Henry, has since raised over a billion pounds for charitable projects across the globe. But its origins — and the moment the British public truly embraced its mission — can be traced back to Richard and The Young Ones singing “Living Doll” with a mix of sincerity and silliness on that stage in 1986.
For fans, the performance was also a reminder of Richard’s adaptability. Few artists from the 1950s could reinvent themselves in such unexpected ways, yet Richard managed to do so without ever losing credibility. His willingness to embrace parody and humor while celebrating his own legacy helped endear him to a whole new generation.
Today, nearly four decades later, the video of that night continues to circulate, often replayed during Comic Relief retrospectives. It stands as proof of the magic that happens when music, comedy, and generosity unite.
As one critic summed up: “Cliff Richard gave Comic Relief its first anthem, The Young Ones gave it its spirit, and together they gave Britain one of the most unforgettable nights in entertainment history.”
For Sir Cliff Richard, the moment remains a career highlight. “We laughed, we sang, and we made a difference. What more could you ask for?”