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In the programme “Shedding the Load”, Grace Brothers is forced to lay off staff as sales figures and profits are low. The episode is a classic British comedy starring John Inman. The storyline follows the company’s difficulties and is delivered in a classic British comedy style.

"Shedding the Load" is an episode‑length programme that falls squarely within the comedy genre. It is presented as a stand‑alone installment, rather than a serial, and its format is that of a typical British television comedy slot. The storyline centres on the firm Grace Brothers, which finds itself in a difficult financial position. Because both sales figures and overall profits have slipped, the company is compelled to reduce its workforce. The narrative follows the repercussions of those compulsory redundancies, highlighting the pressures the business faces as it attempts to cope with the downturn. The production is described as a classic example of British comedy, employing the humour and timing traditionally associated with the style. Its comedic approach reflects the conventions of the genre, delivering the situation with a light‑hearted touch that is characteristic of the era’s television comedy.