Radio and TV - Memories and Favourites

Bang in the middle I think? 1965-1968 The fourth season was a travesty though. Bill Pertwee had left the cast, Marty Feldman stopped writing for the show and the gay jokes no longer worked due to a change in the law. Added to that the Light Programme was replaced by Radio 2 which adversely affected all comedy show audiences. In 1967 the BBC decided that Radio 2 would be a predominantly music station as opposed to a mixture of light entertainment and music. Some comedies and quiz shows were moved to Radio 4 and others to television. It was a bad mistake in my opinion.

Thanks Dutchman, I used to listen to all those funnies on the radio. Simply loved the Goon Show. What a sense of humour. Nothing anything like it now, not the same sense of humour any more.

Radio 4 is the place for comedy. Lots of brilliant shows. the "The Now Show", definitely my favourite. 6-30 pm every weekday evening,comedy in one form or another. All th classics are available on CD. Have many of the earlier, 50's & 60's shows on Cassette, listen to them often. Educating Archie, Jimmy Clitheroe, many many more. In my book, the finest ever, "Round the Horne", never been bettered in my book.

I remember my sister and several of her friends, gather round our radio, lights were put out as they listened to 'The Man In black' shrieks and groans all sorts of weird noises. long time ago.

Another show was Hancocks Half Hour, staring Tony Hancock and I think Sid James. Two very popular comedy performers from the mid 50's. Sid James went on to become a successful comedy actor on TV. I do believe that Tony Hancock committed suicide in the mid 60's. Like a lot of comedians he had a lot of inner demons and became severely depressed.

Thanks for reminding us of Tony Hancock, really funny, and I have just read one of his quotes :- "I don't want any publicity, you get too many begging letters. If they're anything like the ones I send out I don't want to know " The funny part about it he didn't laugh at his own jokes either, he was funny even with his straight face.

This used to be in Grafton Street, Liverpool (photo 2008) - it has since been demolished

I noticed ITMA got a brief mention - but it was the premier comedy show on BBC during and just after the war. It was the catch phrases that went with the characters that many people quoted. I - It`s T- That M- Man A- Again Colonel Chinstrap "I don`t mind if I do" (Jack Train) Mrs Mop " Can I do you now sir" (Molly Sugden?) TTFN "TaTa for now".(Tommy Handley" ???? "Mistaaah Handley" (stentorian voice - Hattie Jaques?) Poppypoopah Not sure if she had a part maybe just "appeared" (as in Samantha -Sorry haven`t a clue) Then there was Much Binding in the Marsh I think this might have started during the war but it certainly carried on after. Richard (Stinker) Murdoch, Kenneth Horne and Sam Costa Chiefly memorable (To me) for the final composed ditty which usually explored the daily goings on at the RAF establishment "Much Binding in the Marsh" Charlie Chester Accompanied by a message from the Jungle Drums "Down in the Jungle Living in a tent Better than a pre-fab No rent"

Mrs Mopp in ITMA was played by Dorothy Summers.

Who used to say:- "It's being so cheerfull that keeps me goin' " in a glum voice ? I had a feeling it was Reg Dixon but not sure.

From Wikipedia: ITMA "It's being so cheerful as keeps me going"

Most of these old comedy shows (and some not so old ones) are transmitted on Radio4extra quite often. They also transmit a lot of detective stories as well.

Don't forget Take It From Here. I bought an mp3 of 36 of the Glums sketches and still listen to them of a winters night.

Here's a few to remember - Music While You Work, In Town Tonight, Worker's Playtime, Come Dancing, Desert Island Discs, Family Favourites, any more anyone?

I am not sure if "Sing along with Joe" Joe (Mr Piano) Henderson was radio or TV. I went to a show at the Standard factory that was recorded in the 60's