How to Undress in Public Without Undue Embarrassment

How to Undress in Public Without Undue Embarrassment is a spoof documentary that presents a series of sketches exploring the act of undressing across different historical periods. The programme is narrated by Fenella Fielding and features Jon Pertwee in the starring role.

The piece is presented as a spoof documentary, packaged as a programme rather than a traditional series, and it falls under the movie genre. Its tongue‑in‑cheek approach treats the documentary form as a vehicle for comedy, setting the stage for a light‑hearted look at a rather unusual subject. The core of the show consists of a series of sketches that trace the act of undressing through the ages. Each vignette jumps to a different historical period, using the changing fashions and customs of the time to generate humour. By moving from one era to the next, the programme builds a playful chronology that keeps the audience guessing what the next ridiculous take on disrobing will be. The whole thing is guided by the distinctive voice of Fenella Fielding, whose narration adds a dry, witty commentary to the visual gags. Jon Pertwee appears as the principal performer, delivering the various roles required by the sketches. Their combined presence gives the spoof a recognisable British flavour, anchoring the comedy in familiar talent. Overall, the programme leans on its parody format to poke fun at the conventions of serious documentaries, swapping solemn analysis for a series of comic set‑pieces. With Fielding’s dry delivery framing each scene and Pertwee’s versatile performance anchoring the action, the film maintains a consistent tone throughout, turning an everyday activity into a source of continuous amusement.