Hi Wolfgang. I think the sketch was originally performed around Grimsby by Freddie Frinton. The production which we see on TV every year was made by NDR.Language apart, it is a very German production, which is unknown in the UK. Benny Hill did several similar "drunken butler" sketches, which was probably the reason why the BBC passed. It's funny, but I don't understand why it captured the hearts of its German audience...