‘Gumnut-flavoured’ British comedies and the representation of race, sexuality and suburb in Love Thy Neighbour in Australia

Abstract

In the 1970s, Australians with non-Anglo-Celtic backgrounds were successfully arguing for acceptance of their cultural roots as part of modern Australia. For many, ‘British’ Australia was dying; a more cosmopolitan Australia was – or appeared to be – emerging. Australian television of the 1970s-80s saw a short-run sitcom on the commercial Seven network, built around comedic tropes of the unrealised, egocentric, tyrannical, racist and verbally abusive white suburban male. Love Thy Neighbour in Australia was based on the long-running British comedy Love Thy Neighbour (1972-76). It intersected with a recently-launched and far more successful local ‘take’ dealing with many of the same themes, Kingswood Country (1980-84). Based on archival print sources and close readings of Love Thy Neighbour in Australia and contemporary sitcoms, this article explores the show’s representation of homosexuality, race and class and the attitudes and ideals attributed to female and straight and gay male characters; the value and meaning of suburbia; and the attitudes of audiences and critics.