The Goon Show series 4 - Revision history

Kurt: /* Music */

2023-03-26T02:40:00Z

Music

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:40, 25 March 2023
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	\| Max Geldray		\| Max Geldray
	\| ''[[It Had to Be You (song)\|It Had to Be You]]''		\| ''[[It Had to Be You (song)\|It Had to Be You]]''
	\| [[Isham Jones]] (music)<br>[[Gus Kahn]] (lyrics){{efn\|group=nb\|Booklet 2 that comes with [[''The Goon Show'' Compendiums#Vol14\|Compendium 14]] states that the song "''It Had to Be You''" is written by "John Lindsay". This is incorrect, as the song is written by the team of [[Isham Jones\|Isham Jones]] and [[Gus Kahn\|Gus Kahn]]<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Had_to_Be_You_(song) \|title=It Had to Be You (song) \|access-date=2022-10-09}}</ref>}}		\| [[Isham Jones]] (music)<br>[[Gus Kahn]] (lyrics){{efn\|group=nb\|Booklet 2 that comes with [[The Goon Show Compendiums#Vol14\|Compendium 14]] states that the song "''It Had to Be You''" is written by "John Lindsay". This is incorrect, as the song is written by the team of [[Isham Jones\|Isham Jones]] and [[Gus Kahn\|Gus Kahn]]<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Had_to_Be_You_(song) \|title=It Had to Be You (song) \|access-date=2022-10-09}}</ref>}}
	\|-		\|-
	\| The Ray Ellington Quartet		\| The Ray Ellington Quartet
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	===Note===		===Note===
	{{notelist\|group=nb}}		{{notelist\|group=nb}}



	==References==		==References==

Kurt: /* The shows */

2023-03-26T02:39:12Z

The shows

Show changes

Kurt: /* Immediate payment! */

2023-03-25T20:14:31Z

Immediate payment!

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:14, 25 March 2023
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	Thursday 23 June saw the Home Service asking if the non-audience Goon special could be made available for transmission on Monday 2 August. The same day an Audience Research Report was made available, delivering the views of 313 listeners on the recent special. The [[Appreciation Index\|appreciation index]] of 61 was below the averages for both ''The Goon Show'' (66) and Educating Archie (63) with the general feeling that it had ‘''an overwhelmingly Goonish flavour''’. Keen devotees of [[Archie Andrews (puppet)\|Archie Andrews]] felt that he ‘''restrained the Goons from perpetrating some of their weirdest extravagances''’ while a Civil Servant lamented: ‘''Archie was murdered by the cast of radio's worst programme.''’ However, Goon fans enjoyed the show ‘''even when they regarded ''[[Educating Archie]]'' with distaste.''’ However, a sizeable group felt that the Goons were not at their best and believed that the broadcast was ‘''dreadfully marred by the ventriloquist''’. The conclusion was that ‘''there were not infrequent complaints […] that the mixture was not so successful as either of the component parts''.’ That week's issue of the [[Radio Times]] included a missive from Robert EC Tedd of [[Anstey, Leicestershire\|Ansty, Leicester]] in ''Letters from Listeners'', writing: ‘''my hope [is] that this production will not be the forerunner of a new series [as} the two groups of characters depicted in the original programmes are completely incompatible.''’ The correspondent preferred the ‘''Goons pursuing their adventures with their characteristic disregard of all the laws of nature''’ as opposed to being restricted by Mr Andrews' ‘''more logical and mundane life.''’		Thursday 23 June saw the Home Service asking if the non-audience Goon special could be made available for transmission on Monday 2 August. The same day an Audience Research Report was made available, delivering the views of 313 listeners on the recent special. The [[Appreciation Index\|appreciation index]] of 61 was below the averages for both ''The Goon Show'' (66) and Educating Archie (63) with the general feeling that it had ‘''an overwhelmingly Goonish flavour''’. Keen devotees of [[Archie Andrews (puppet)\|Archie Andrews]] felt that he ‘''restrained the Goons from perpetrating some of their weirdest extravagances''’ while a Civil Servant lamented: ‘''Archie was murdered by the cast of radio's worst programme.''’ However, Goon fans enjoyed the show ‘''even when they regarded ''[[Educating Archie]]'' with distaste.''’ However, a sizeable group felt that the Goons were not at their best and believed that the broadcast was ‘''dreadfully marred by the ventriloquist''’. The conclusion was that ‘''there were not infrequent complaints […] that the mixture was not so successful as either of the component parts''.’ That week's issue of the [[Radio Times]] included a missive from Robert EC Tedd of [[Anstey, Leicestershire\|Ansty, Leicester]] in ''Letters from Listeners'', writing: ‘''my hope [is] that this production will not be the forerunner of a new series [as} the two groups of characters depicted in the original programmes are completely incompatible.''’ The correspondent preferred the ‘''Goons pursuing their adventures with their characteristic disregard of all the laws of nature''’ as opposed to being restricted by Mr Andrews' ‘''more logical and mundane life.''’

	Saturday 26 June saw Harry appearing on BBC TV's ''Three's a Crowd'' while Max could be heard again on ''Variety Playhouse'' prior to spending a week at the [[Glasgow Empire]]. Peter meanwhile was appearing at the [[Bradford Alhambra]] and on Tuesday 29 could be heard on ''Home and Away''. The same day, he was offered a contract for six editions of a new Light Programme seaside musical sitcom called ''Happy Holiday'' which was to be recorded at the [[Garrick Theatre]] on Sundays from 11 July for broadcasting the following Wednesday. The show, co-written by [[Jimmy Grafton]], was conceived as a vehicle for comedy actor [[Dennis Price]] and produced by [[Dennis Main Wilson]], the original producer of ''The Goon Show'', and Peter was to play the Mayor of Littleton-on-Sea. There was also consideration given to expanding the one-off ''Sellers at Your Service'' as a Home Service series for Saturday evenings. but this was quickly abandoned as Pat Hillyard was concerned about the performer's over-use. Meanwhile, thirteen new editions of ''The Goon Show'' were booked by the Home Service with an option on a further thirteen beyond this on Thursday 1 July; the series would air at 8.30pm on Tuesdays.		Saturday 26 June saw Harry appearing on BBC TV's ''Three's a Crowd'' while Max could be heard again on ''Variety Playhouse'' prior to spending a week at the [[Glasgow Empire Theatre\|Glasgow Empire]]. Peter meanwhile was appearing at the [[Bradford Alhambra]] and on Tuesday 29 could be heard on ''Home and Away''. The same day, he was offered a contract for six editions of a new Light Programme seaside musical sitcom called ''Happy Holiday'' which was to be recorded at the [[Garrick Theatre]] on Sundays from 11 July for broadcasting the following Wednesday. The show, co-written by [[Jimmy Grafton]], was conceived as a vehicle for comedy actor [[Dennis Price]] and produced by [[Dennis Main Wilson]], the original producer of ''The Goon Show'', and Peter was to play the Mayor of Littleton-on-Sea. There was also consideration given to expanding the one-off ''Sellers at Your Service'' as a Home Service series for Saturday evenings. but this was quickly abandoned as Pat Hillyard was concerned about the performer's over-use. Meanwhile, thirteen new editions of ''The Goon Show'' were booked by the Home Service with an option on a further thirteen beyond this on Thursday 1 July; the series would air at 8.30pm on Tuesdays.

	'''Programme notes, episode notes and cast biographies researched and written by Andrew Pixley'''		'''Programme notes, episode notes and cast biographies researched and written by Andrew Pixley'''

Kurt: /* Immediate payment! */

2023-03-25T20:13:00Z

Immediate payment!

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:13, 25 March 2023
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	[[Archie in Goonland]] was broadcast to a Home Service audience of just over a million at 9.45pm on Friday 11 June; it was then repeated to a larger audience of over three million at 7.30pm the following Thursday. During the week, Peter Sellers and Michael Bentine appeared at the [[Finsbury Park]] Empire and Peter recorded another appearance at short notice on ''Home and Away'' on Friday 18. Harry could then be heard on ''Show Band Show'' on Monday 21.		[[Archie in Goonland]] was broadcast to a Home Service audience of just over a million at 9.45pm on Friday 11 June; it was then repeated to a larger audience of over three million at 7.30pm the following Thursday. During the week, Peter Sellers and Michael Bentine appeared at the [[Finsbury Park]] Empire and Peter recorded another appearance at short notice on ''Home and Away'' on Friday 18. Harry could then be heard on ''Show Band Show'' on Monday 21.

	Thursday 23 June saw the Home Service asking if the non-audience Goon special could be made available for transmission on Monday 2 August.The same day. an Audience Research Report was made available, delivering the views of 313 listeners on the recent special. The appreciation index of 61 was below the averages for both ''The Goon Show'' (66) and Educating Archie (63) with the general feeling that it had 'an overwhelmingly Goonish flavour'. Keen devotees of Archie Andrews felt that he 'restrained the Goons from perpetrating some of their weirdest extravagances' while a Civil Servant lamented: 'Archie was murdered by the cast of radio's worst programme.' However, Goon fans enjoyed the show 'even when they regarded Educating Archie with distaste.' However, a sizeable group felt that the Goons were not at their best and believed that the broadcast was 'dreadfully marred by the ventriloquist'. The conclusion was that 'there were not infrequent complaints […] that the mixture was not so successful os either of the component parts.'That week's issue of the Radio Times included a missive from Robert EC Tedd of Ansty, Leicester in Letters from Listeners, writing: 'my hope [is] that this production will not be the forerunner of a new series [as} the two groups of characters depicted in the original programmes are completely incompatible.'The correspondent preferred the 'Goons pursuing their adventures with their characteristic disregard of all the laws of nature' as opposed to being restricted by Mr Andrews' 'more logical and mundane life.'		Thursday 23 June saw the Home Service asking if the non-audience Goon special could be made available for transmission on Monday 2 August. The same day an Audience Research Report was made available, delivering the views of 313 listeners on the recent special. The [[Appreciation Index\|appreciation index]] of 61 was below the averages for both ''The Goon Show'' (66) and Educating Archie (63) with the general feeling that it had ‘''an overwhelmingly Goonish flavour''’. Keen devotees of [[Archie Andrews (puppet)\|Archie Andrews]] felt that he ‘''restrained the Goons from perpetrating some of their weirdest extravagances''’ while a Civil Servant lamented: ‘''Archie was murdered by the cast of radio's worst programme.''’ However, Goon fans enjoyed the show ‘''even when they regarded ''[[Educating Archie]]'' with distaste.''’ However, a sizeable group felt that the Goons were not at their best and believed that the broadcast was ‘''dreadfully marred by the ventriloquist''’. The conclusion was that ‘''there were not infrequent complaints […] that the mixture was not so successful as either of the component parts''.’ That week's issue of the [[Radio Times]] included a missive from Robert EC Tedd of [[Anstey, Leicestershire\|Ansty, Leicester]] in ''Letters from Listeners'', writing: ‘''my hope [is] that this production will not be the forerunner of a new series [as} the two groups of characters depicted in the original programmes are completely incompatible.''’ The correspondent preferred the ‘''Goons pursuing their adventures with their characteristic disregard of all the laws of nature''’ as opposed to being restricted by Mr Andrews' ‘''more logical and mundane life.''’

	Saturday 26 June saw Harry appearing on BBC TV's Three's a Crowd while Max could be heard again on Variety Playhouse prior to spending a week at the Glasgow Empire. Peter meanwhile was appearing at the Bradford Alhambra and on Tuesday 29 could be heard on Home and Away.The same day, he was offered a contract for six editions of a new Light Programme seaside musical sitcom called Happy Holiday which was to be recorded at the Garrick Theatre on Sundays from 11 July for broadcasting the following Wednesday. The show, co-written by Jimmy Grafton, was conceived as a vehicle for comedy actor Dennis Price and produced by Dennis Main Wilson, the original producer of ''The Goon Show'', and Peter was to play the Mayor of Littleton-on-Sea. There was also consideration given to expanding the one-off Sellers at Your Service as a Home Service series for Saturday evenings. but this was quickly abandoned as Pat Hillyard was concerned about the performer's over-use. Meanwhile, thirteen new editions of ''The Goon Show'' were booked by the Home Service with an option on a further thirteen beyond this on Thursday I July; the series would air at 8.30pm on Tuesdays.		Saturday 26 June saw Harry appearing on BBC TV's ''Three's a Crowd'' while Max could be heard again on ''Variety Playhouse'' prior to spending a week at the [[Glasgow Empire]]. Peter meanwhile was appearing at the [[Bradford Alhambra]] and on Tuesday 29 could be heard on ''Home and Away''. The same day, he was offered a contract for six editions of a new Light Programme seaside musical sitcom called ''Happy Holiday'' which was to be recorded at the [[Garrick Theatre]] on Sundays from 11 July for broadcasting the following Wednesday. The show, co-written by [[Jimmy Grafton]], was conceived as a vehicle for comedy actor [[Dennis Price]] and produced by [[Dennis Main Wilson]], the original producer of ''The Goon Show'', and Peter was to play the Mayor of Littleton-on-Sea. There was also consideration given to expanding the one-off ''Sellers at Your Service'' as a Home Service series for Saturday evenings. but this was quickly abandoned as Pat Hillyard was concerned about the performer's over-use. Meanwhile, thirteen new editions of ''The Goon Show'' were booked by the Home Service with an option on a further thirteen beyond this on Thursday 1 July; the series would air at 8.30pm on Tuesdays.

			'''Programme notes, episode notes and cast biographies researched and written by Andrew Pixley'''

	==The shows==		==The shows==

Kurt: /* A Goon Wants to be Serious */

2023-03-25T19:54:59Z

A Goon Wants to be Serious

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:54, 25 March 2023
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	==''A Goon Wants to be Serious''==		==''A Goon Wants to be Serious''==
	Harry joined the bill at the Leeds Empire from Monday 17, and on Tuesday 18, Peter Sellers was formally booked as Spike's replacement on ''Paradise Street'' for shows recorded through to Sunday 11 July, while the Ray Ellington Quartet's summer season with vocalist Marion Ryan kicked off at the [[Torquay Marine Spa\|Spa Ballroom]] in [[Torquay]]. The delayed repeats of ''The Goon Show'' on the Home Service concluded with [[The Siege of Fort Knight\|The Siege at Fort Knight]] {{sic}} on Monday 24, after which the slot was given over to the independent adventure series [[Scarlet Pimpernel (disambiguation)\|The Scarlet Pimpernel]]. Monday 24 also saw Peter guesting on the Light Programme's ''Show Band Show'' and a piece about Harry in the [[Daily Mirror]]; entitled ''A Goon Wants To Be Serious''. This found Harry telling Clifford Davis ‘''I can't be a goon for ever. That's why I'm branching out into films and plays. I was delighted to have a straight part in the TV play ''Brass for Brass''''’. His role in the film now titled ''Trilby'' (and later to be released as ''[[Svengali]]'') was also noted.		Harry joined the bill at the Leeds Empire from Monday 17, and on Tuesday 18, Peter Sellers was formally booked as Spike's replacement on ''Paradise Street'' for shows recorded through to Sunday 11 July, while the Ray Ellington Quartet's summer season with vocalist Marion Ryan kicked off at the [[Torquay Marine Spa\|Spa Ballroom]] in [[Torquay]]. The delayed repeats of ''The Goon Show'' on the Home Service concluded with [[The Siege of Fort Knight\|The Siege at Fort Knight]] {{sic}} on Monday 24, after which the slot was given over to the independent adventure series [[Scarlet Pimpernel (disambiguation)\|The Scarlet Pimpernel]]. Monday 24 also saw Peter guesting on the Light Programme's ''Show Band Show'' and a piece about Harry in the [[Daily Mirror]]; entitled ''A Goon Wants To Be Serious''. This found Harry telling Clifford Davis ‘''I can't be a goon for ever. That's why I'm branching out into films and plays. I was delighted to have a straight part in the TV play ''Brass for Brass''’. His role in the film now titled ''Trilby'' (and later to be released as ''[[Svengali (1954 film)\|Svengali]]'') was also noted.

	Peter was on the air again on Tuesday 25 May broadcasting from [[Brighton]] in [[Workers' Playtime (radio programme)\|Workers' Playtime]] and on Saturday 29 recorded an edition of ''Home and Away'' for the Home Service. while the same day Harry featured in BBC TV's ''Variety Parade''. On Sunday 30, Harry featured alongside the Goons' old cohort [[Alfred Marks]] on ''The Forces Show'' on the Light Programme, and the next day was also heard on ''Show Band Show''. From Monday 31, Peter and Max could be seen on the same bill as [[Michael Bentine]] at the [[Embassy Theatre, Peterborough\|Peterborough Embassy]], part of a tour planned by the [[Moss Empires\|Moss Empire Group]] for various members of the Goons. Meanwhile, the Ray Ellington Quartet continued their ''Mecca Dancing Summer Tour'' at the Ilford Palais.		Peter was on the air again on Tuesday 25 May broadcasting from [[Brighton]] in [[Workers' Playtime (radio programme)\|Workers' Playtime]] and on Saturday 29 recorded an edition of ''Home and Away'' for the Home Service. while the same day Harry featured in BBC TV's ''Variety Parade''. On Sunday 30, Harry featured alongside the Goons' old cohort [[Alfred Marks]] on ''The Forces Show'' on the Light Programme, and the next day was also heard on ''Show Band Show''. From Monday 31, Peter and Max could be seen on the same bill as [[Michael Bentine]] at the [[Embassy Theatre, Peterborough\|Peterborough Embassy]], part of a tour planned by the [[Moss Empires\|Moss Empire Group]] for various members of the Goons. Meanwhile, the Ray Ellington Quartet continued their ''Mecca Dancing Summer Tour'' at the Ilford Palais.

Kurt: /* Twice nightly with Bentine */

2023-03-25T19:53:31Z

Twice nightly with Bentine

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 25 March 2023
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	While the Goons were off the air, [[Peter Eton]] produced a second series of the [[Jack Warner (actor)\|Jack Warner]]/ [[Kathleen Harrison]] sitcom ''Meet the Huggetts'' which he had launched in July 1953; this returned to the Light Programme on Thursday 13 May and was scheduled to run to the end of August, shortly before the new run of ''The Goon Show''. Thursday 13 also saw the cast being offered contracts to record the special ''[[Archie in Goonland]]'' at the [[Playhouse Theatre]] on Sunday 16 May; this would be helmed by ''[[Educating Archie]]'' producer [[Roy Speer]]. Spike again dropped out of ''Paradise Street'' and for the recording at 3.45pm on Sunday 16 May was deputised by [[Peter Sellers]]. He and Peter were then joined by Harry, Peter Brough, Hattie Jacques and [[Wallace Greenslade]] at the Playhouse for the 8pm taping of ''Archie in Goonland''. The script featured Harry in his usual role of Dr Harold Secombe and Hattie as Miss Dinglebody In a tale in which Peter and Archie spotted a mouse in their home and called in a rodent exterminator (Peter Sellers as radio adventurer [[Dick Barton]]). Learning that London was being undermined by the burrowing rodents. Archie - the smallest - was sent down the mouse hole to locate Mouse Headquarters… encountering Bloodnock {{sic}}, his batman [[Eccles]], mouse catcher [[Bluebottle]] and pied piper saxophone player Mr Crun with Minnie. In keeping with [[Lewis Carroll]]'s [[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]]. this was supposedly a dream of Archie's… until mice did attack [[Big Ben]] when he woke up.		While the Goons were off the air, [[Peter Eton]] produced a second series of the [[Jack Warner (actor)\|Jack Warner]]/ [[Kathleen Harrison]] sitcom ''Meet the Huggetts'' which he had launched in July 1953; this returned to the Light Programme on Thursday 13 May and was scheduled to run to the end of August, shortly before the new run of ''The Goon Show''. Thursday 13 also saw the cast being offered contracts to record the special ''[[Archie in Goonland]]'' at the [[Playhouse Theatre]] on Sunday 16 May; this would be helmed by ''[[Educating Archie]]'' producer [[Roy Speer]]. Spike again dropped out of ''Paradise Street'' and for the recording at 3.45pm on Sunday 16 May was deputised by [[Peter Sellers]]. He and Peter were then joined by Harry, Peter Brough, Hattie Jacques and [[Wallace Greenslade]] at the Playhouse for the 8pm taping of ''Archie in Goonland''. The script featured Harry in his usual role of Dr Harold Secombe and Hattie as Miss Dinglebody In a tale in which Peter and Archie spotted a mouse in their home and called in a rodent exterminator (Peter Sellers as radio adventurer [[Dick Barton]]). Learning that London was being undermined by the burrowing rodents. Archie - the smallest - was sent down the mouse hole to locate Mouse Headquarters… encountering Bloodnock {{sic}}, his batman [[Eccles]], mouse catcher [[Bluebottle]] and pied piper saxophone player Mr Crun with Minnie. In keeping with [[Lewis Carroll]]'s [[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]]. this was supposedly a dream of Archie's… until mice did attack [[Big Ben]] when he woke up.

	Harry joined the bill at the Leeds Empire from Monday 17, and on Tuesday 18, Peter Sellers was formally booked as Spike's replacement on Paradise Street for shows recorded through to Sunday 11 July, while the Ray Ellington Quartet's summer season with vocalist Marion Ryan kicked off at the		==''A Goon Wants to be Serious''==
	Spa Ballroom in Torquay. The delayed repeats of ''The Goon Show'' on the Home Service concluded with The Siege at Fort Knight on Monday 24, after which the slot was given over to the independent adventure series The Scarlet Pimpernel. Monday 24 also saw Peter guesting on the Light Programme's Show Band Show and a piece about Harry in the Daily Mirror; entitled A Goon Wants To Be Serious. This found Harry telling Clifford Davis 'I can't be a goon for ever. That's why I'm branching out into films and plays. I was delighted to have a straight part in the TV play Brass for Brass'. His role in the film now titled Trilby (and later to be released as Svengali) was also noted.		Harry joined the bill at the Leeds Empire from Monday 17, and on Tuesday 18, Peter Sellers was formally booked as Spike's replacement on ''Paradise Street'' for shows recorded through to Sunday 11 July, while the Ray Ellington Quartet's summer season with vocalist Marion Ryan kicked off at the [[Torquay Marine Spa\|Spa Ballroom]] in [[Torquay]]. The delayed repeats of ''The Goon Show'' on the Home Service concluded with [[The Siege of Fort Knight\|The Siege at Fort Knight]] {{sic}} on Monday 24, after which the slot was given over to the independent adventure series [[Scarlet Pimpernel (disambiguation)\|The Scarlet Pimpernel]]. Monday 24 also saw Peter guesting on the Light Programme's ''Show Band Show'' and a piece about Harry in the [[Daily Mirror]]; entitled ''A Goon Wants To Be Serious''. This found Harry telling Clifford Davis ‘''I can't be a goon for ever. That's why I'm branching out into films and plays. I was delighted to have a straight part in the TV play ''Brass for Brass''''’. His role in the film now titled ''Trilby'' (and later to be released as ''[[Svengali]]'') was also noted.

	Peter was on the air again on Tuesday 25 May broadcasting from Brighton in Workers' Playtime and on Saturday 29 recorded an edition of Home and Away for the Home Service. while the same day Harry featured in BBC TV's Variety Parade. On Sunday 30, Harry featured alongside the Goons' old cohort Alfred Marks on The Forces Show on the Light Programme, and the next day was also heard on Show Band Show. From Monday 31, Peter and Max could be seen on the same bill as Michael Bentine at the Peterborough Embassy, part of a tour planned by the Moss Empire Group for various members of the Goons. Meanwhile, the Ray Ellington Quartet continued their Mecca Dancing Summer Tour at the ~~llford~~ Palais.		Peter was on the air again on Tuesday 25 May broadcasting from [[Brighton]] in [[Workers' Playtime (radio programme)\|Workers' Playtime]] and on Saturday 29 recorded an edition of ''Home and Away'' for the Home Service. while the same day Harry featured in BBC TV's ''Variety Parade''. On Sunday 30, Harry featured alongside the Goons' old cohort [[Alfred Marks]] on ''The Forces Show'' on the Light Programme, and the next day was also heard on ''Show Band Show''. From Monday 31, Peter and Max could be seen on the same bill as [[Michael Bentine]] at the [[Embassy Theatre, Peterborough\|Peterborough Embassy]], part of a tour planned by the [[Moss Empires\|Moss Empire Group]] for various members of the Goons. Meanwhile, the Ray Ellington Quartet continued their ''Mecca Dancing Summer Tour'' at the Ilford Palais.

	On Thursday 3 June, Roy Speer suggested a new vehicle for Harry to Pat Hillyard; this show would be along the lines of the Frankie Howerd Goes East series which he and Eric Sykes had worked on in 1952, where the comedian had toured Mediterranean Services RAF bases. The notion was that Harry could do the same in the Middle East and Germany in early 1955 with co-operation from the War Office. Scheduled for broadcast at 9.45pm on Friday 11 June, Archie in Goonland was promoted in the Radio Times by the short article Archie Meets the Goons, which explained how the two series would be 'merged'; the programme billing was accompanied by a photo of Archie with the Goons and the caption 'Spot the Dummy'. Sunday 6 June found Harry recording a guest appearance on Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise's Light Programme show You're Only Young Once in Manchester. The following week, Max was at the Brixton Empress with Peter at the Doncaster Gaumont; Peter's edition of Home and Away aired on the Tuesday evening, with Harry heard on You're Only Young Once on Thursday.		On Thursday 3 June, [[Roy Speer]] suggested a new vehicle for Harry to Pat Hillyard; this show would be along the lines of the ''Frankie Howerd Goes East'' series which he and [[Eric Sykes]] had worked on in 1952, where the comedian had toured Mediterranean Services RAF bases. The notion was that Harry could do the same in the Middle East and Germany in early 1955 with co-operation from the [[War Office]]. Scheduled for broadcast at 9.45pm on Friday 11 June, ''[[Archie in Goonland]]'' was promoted in the [[Radio Times]] by the short article ''Archie Meets the Goons'', which explained how the two series would be 'merged'; the programme billing was accompanied by a photo of Archie with the Goons and the caption ‘''Spot the Dummy''’. Sunday 6 June found Harry recording a guest appearance on [[Eric Morecambe]] and [[Ernie Wise]]'s Light Programme show ''You're Only Young Once'' in [[Manchester]]. The following week, Max was at the Brixton Empress with Peter at the [[Gaumont-British#Cinemas\|Doncaster Gaumont]]; Peter's edition of ''Home and Away'' aired on the Tuesday evening, with Harry heard on ''You're Only Young Once'' on Thursday.

	Peter Eton was now attempting to arrange the new series of ''The Goon Show''. On Thursday 10 June, he wrote to Spike and informed him that from now on any script which he submitted would be paid for immediately. The following day, the producer informed his superiors that ''The Goon Show'' would		==Immediate payment!==
	have to continue being recorded on Sundays due to the availability of Harry Secombe who already had variety bookings from September to December and was then committed to a pantomime in Coventry. Peter Eton noted that Harry was the most popular of the core trio, adding that Ray and Max also had bookings but were less essential. While he was unable co contact Peter Sellers - who was out on tour - he was sure that Spike would be the only artiste free for a weekday recording.		[[Peter Eton]] was now attempting to arrange the new series of ''The Goon Show''. On Thursday 10 June, he wrote to Spike and informed him that from now on any script which he submitted would be paid for immediately. The following day, the producer informed his superiors that ''The Goon Show'' would have to continue being recorded on Sundays due to the availability of Harry Secombe who already had variety bookings from September to December and was then committed to a pantomime in Coventry. Peter Eton noted that Harry was the most popular of the core trio, adding that Ray and Max also had bookings but were less essential. While he was unable co contact Peter Sellers - who was out on tour - he was sure that Spike would be the only artiste free for a weekday recording.

	Archie in Goonland was broadcast to a Home Service audience of just over a million at 9.45pm on Friday ~~I I~~ June; it was then repeated to a larger audience of over three million at 7.30pm the following Thursday. During the week, Peter Sellers and Michael Bentine appeared at the Finsbury Park		[[Archie in Goonland]] was broadcast to a Home Service audience of just over a million at 9.45pm on Friday 11 June; it was then repeated to a larger audience of over three million at 7.30pm the following Thursday. During the week, Peter Sellers and Michael Bentine appeared at the [[Finsbury Park]] Empire and Peter recorded another appearance at short notice on ''Home and Away'' on Friday 18. Harry could then be heard on ''Show Band Show'' on Monday 21.
	Empire and Peter recorded another appearance at short notice on Home and Away on Friday 18. Harry could then be heard on Show Band Show on Monday 21.

	Thursday 23 June saw the Home Service asking if the non-audience Goon special could be made available for transmission on Monday 2 August.The same day. an Audience Research Report was made available, delivering the views of 313 listeners on the recent special. The appreciation index of 61 was below the averages for both ''The Goon Show'' (66) and Educating Archie (63) with the general feeling that it had 'an overwhelmingly Goonish flavour'. Keen devotees of Archie Andrews felt that he 'restrained the Goons from perpetrating some of their weirdest extravagances' while a Civil Servant lamented: 'Archie was murdered by the cast of radio's worst programme.' However, Goon fans enjoyed the show 'even when they regarded Educating Archie with distaste.' However, a sizeable group felt that the Goons were not at their best and believed that the broadcast was 'dreadfully marred by the ventriloquist'. The conclusion was that 'there were not infrequent complaints […] that the mixture was not so successful os either of the component parts.'That week's issue of the Radio Times included a missive from Robert EC Tedd of Ansty, Leicester in Letters from Listeners, writing: 'my hope [is] that this production will not be the forerunner of a new series [as} the two groups of characters depicted in the original programmes are completely incompatible.'The correspondent preferred the 'Goons pursuing their adventures with their characteristic disregard of all the laws of nature' as opposed to being restricted by Mr Andrews' 'more logical and mundane life.'		Thursday 23 June saw the Home Service asking if the non-audience Goon special could be made available for transmission on Monday 2 August.The same day. an Audience Research Report was made available, delivering the views of 313 listeners on the recent special. The appreciation index of 61 was below the averages for both ''The Goon Show'' (66) and Educating Archie (63) with the general feeling that it had 'an overwhelmingly Goonish flavour'. Keen devotees of Archie Andrews felt that he 'restrained the Goons from perpetrating some of their weirdest extravagances' while a Civil Servant lamented: 'Archie was murdered by the cast of radio's worst programme.' However, Goon fans enjoyed the show 'even when they regarded Educating Archie with distaste.' However, a sizeable group felt that the Goons were not at their best and believed that the broadcast was 'dreadfully marred by the ventriloquist'. The conclusion was that 'there were not infrequent complaints […] that the mixture was not so successful os either of the component parts.'That week's issue of the Radio Times included a missive from Robert EC Tedd of Ansty, Leicester in Letters from Listeners, writing: 'my hope [is] that this production will not be the forerunner of a new series [as} the two groups of characters depicted in the original programmes are completely incompatible.'The correspondent preferred the 'Goons pursuing their adventures with their characteristic disregard of all the laws of nature' as opposed to being restricted by Mr Andrews' 'more logical and mundane life.'

Kurt: /* Twice nightly with Bentine */

2023-03-24T03:55:38Z

Twice nightly with Bentine

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:55, 23 March 2023
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	From Monday 19 April, Harry Secombe was appearing at the [[Hackney Empire]]. ''Paradise Street'' began broadcasting on Tuesday 20 April with Spike recording a new edition every Sunday afternoon. Max guested on the Light Programme's ''Variety Fanfare'' on Thursday 29 April and the following week was on the bill at the [[O2 Forum Kentish Town\|Forum Cinema]] in [[Kentish Town]], while from Monday 3 May audiences at the Southend Odeon could see Harry, Peter and Michael live on Stage. Delayed repeats of the last four editions of ''The Goon Show'' were also scheduled by the Home Service at 1.10pm on Mondays from 3 May as a replacement for reruns of the nostalgia show ''These Radio Times''.		From Monday 19 April, Harry Secombe was appearing at the [[Hackney Empire]]. ''Paradise Street'' began broadcasting on Tuesday 20 April with Spike recording a new edition every Sunday afternoon. Max guested on the Light Programme's ''Variety Fanfare'' on Thursday 29 April and the following week was on the bill at the [[O2 Forum Kentish Town\|Forum Cinema]] in [[Kentish Town]], while from Monday 3 May audiences at the Southend Odeon could see Harry, Peter and Michael live on Stage. Delayed repeats of the last four editions of ''The Goon Show'' were also scheduled by the Home Service at 1.10pm on Mondays from 3 May as a replacement for reruns of the nostalgia show ''These Radio Times''.
			[[File:Brough & Archie.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Archie Andrews and his assistant, Peter Brough]]
	By now, Spike and Eric - who shared an office - were collaborating on an experimental cross-over between their respective series: ''[[The Goon Show]]'' and ''[[Educating Archie]]'' (both of which featured [[Harry Secombe]]). This was planned as a [[Archie in Goonland\|special]] to be recorded while both shows were off-air over the summer and would use the Goon trio plus [[Hattie Jacques]] from [[Peter Brough]]'s supporting cast in a strange tale which would see [[Archie Andrews (puppet)\|Archie Andrews]] encountering various Goon characters. Hattie also appeared alongside Harry on the musical story ''Brass for Brass'' which had been written by his agent and former Goons script editor, [[Jimmy Grafton\|James Grafton]]; this one-off aired on [[BBC TV]] on Monday 10 May. Meanwhile, Spike dropped out of ''Paradise Street'' at short notice and did not attend the recording on Sunday 9 May.		By now, Spike and Eric - who shared an office - were collaborating on an experimental cross-over between their respective series: ''[[The Goon Show]]'' and ''[[Educating Archie]]'' (both of which featured [[Harry Secombe]]). This was planned as a [[Archie in Goonland\|special]] to be recorded while both shows were off-air over the summer and would use the Goon trio plus [[Hattie Jacques]] from [[Peter Brough]]'s supporting cast in a strange tale which would see [[Archie Andrews (puppet)\|Archie Andrews]] encountering various Goon characters. Hattie also appeared alongside Harry on the musical story ''Brass for Brass'' which had been written by his agent and former Goons script editor, [[Jimmy Grafton\|James Grafton]]; this one-off aired on [[BBC TV]] on Monday 10 May. Meanwhile, Spike dropped out of ''Paradise Street'' at short notice and did not attend the recording on Sunday 9 May.

Kurt: /* Twice nightly with Bentine */

2023-03-24T03:48:38Z

Twice nightly with Bentine

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:48, 23 March 2023
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	==Twice nightly with Bentine==		==Twice nightly with Bentine==
	The penultimate recording of ''The Goon Show's'' current series found the team back at the [[Playhouse Theatre]] on [[Northumberland Avenue]] on Sunday 11 April. Spike's [[The Great Bank of England Robbery\|crime story]] saw the smuggler 'Fingers' Secombe involved in a bank robbery along with Moriarty and also the 'Sanders' character (who would soon become [[Hercules Grytpype-Thynne\|Grytpype-Thynne]], Moriarty's usual cohort). The Light Programme sitcom ''[[Life with the Lyons\|Life With the Lyons]]'' was mocked, and the team's frustration about being restricted to the Home Service (with its smaller audience than the Light Programme) was also made clear in dialogue from 'Sanders'. During the following week, it was announced that ''The Goon Show'' was to be staged twice nightly at the [[Southend-on-Sea#History\|Odeon in Southend]] from the first week of May, with the bill including Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers alongside their former Goon colleague Michael Bentine.		The penultimate recording of ''The Goon Show's'' current series found the team back at the [[Playhouse Theatre]] on [[Northumberland Avenue]] on Sunday 11 April. Spike's [[The Great Bank of England Robbery\|crime story]] saw the smuggler 'Fingers' Secombe involved in a bank robbery along with Moriarty and also the 'Sanders' character (who would soon become [[Hercules Grytpype-Thynne\|Grytpype-Thynne]], Moriarty's usual cohort). The Light Programme sitcom ''[[Life with the Lyons\|Life With the Lyons]]'' was mocked, and the team's frustration about being restricted to the Home Service (with its smaller audience than the Light Programme) was also made clear in dialogue from 'Sanders'. During the following week, it was announced that ''The Goon Show'' was to be staged twice nightly at the [[Southend-on-Sea#History\|Odeon in Southend]] from the first week of May, with the bill including Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers alongside their former Goon colleague [[Michael Bentine]].

	Sunday 18 April saw Spike recording Paradise Street at the Paris at 3.45pm and then joining the cast of ''The Goon Show'' at the Playhouse for the 9pm taping of [[The Siege of Fort Knight]]. With Max Geldray performing the usual playout number of [[Crazy Rhythm]] in his spot for this show, the series concluded with the orchestra's rendition of [[Walter Donaldson]]'s [[You're Driving Me Crazy]] after the closing signature tune. ''The Goon Show'' concluded its successful run on Easter Monday (apart from Northern Ireland), with the 8.30pm slot then taken by the nostalgic variety show ''Follow On''.		Sunday 18 April saw Spike recording Paradise Street at the Paris at 3.45pm and then joining the cast of ''The Goon Show'' at the Playhouse for the 9pm taping of [[The Siege of Fort Knight]]. With Max Geldray performing the usual playout number of [[Crazy Rhythm]] in his spot for this show, the series concluded with the orchestra's rendition of [[Walter Donaldson]]'s [[You're Driving Me Crazy]] after the closing signature tune. ''The Goon Show'' concluded its successful run on Easter Monday (apart from Northern Ireland), with the 8.30pm slot then taken by the nostalgic variety show ''Follow On''.

Kurt: /* It's a boy! */

2023-03-24T03:46:13Z

It's a boy!

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:46, 23 March 2023
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	[[Educating Archie]] concluded its broadcast for the season on Thursday 1 April. Anne Sellers gave birth to the couple's first son, Michael, on Friday 2 April… the same day that Peter joined Harry and Spike at the [[Langham Hotel, London\|Langham]] for the Goons' live contribution to ''The Hundredth Boat Race''. The main script, written by producer John Bridges, followed the [[Towpath\|towpath]] exploits of [[Jimmy Edwards]] and [[Dick Bentley]] (the stars of [[Take It from Here\|Take it From Here]]) as they encountered various guests… all of whom were crammed into a cartoon publicising the programme in the Radio Times (Harry wore a top hat, Peter sported a checked cap and Spike was depicted in diving goggles). While the Welsh, West and Scottish Home Services had their own shows, the rest of the network heard the broadcast from 7.45pm to 8.30pm. Jimmy Edwards bumped into his old friend Major Bloodnock {{sic}} who was with his friends Captain the Lord Hairy Seagoon and [[Eccles]] (who had found Dick Bentley's empty wallet); the trio had come to see the Grand National and believed that the horses were still running despite the course being flooded…		[[Educating Archie]] concluded its broadcast for the season on Thursday 1 April. Anne Sellers gave birth to the couple's first son, Michael, on Friday 2 April… the same day that Peter joined Harry and Spike at the [[Langham Hotel, London\|Langham]] for the Goons' live contribution to ''The Hundredth Boat Race''. The main script, written by producer John Bridges, followed the [[Towpath\|towpath]] exploits of [[Jimmy Edwards]] and [[Dick Bentley]] (the stars of [[Take It from Here\|Take it From Here]]) as they encountered various guests… all of whom were crammed into a cartoon publicising the programme in the Radio Times (Harry wore a top hat, Peter sported a checked cap and Spike was depicted in diving goggles). While the Welsh, West and Scottish Home Services had their own shows, the rest of the network heard the broadcast from 7.45pm to 8.30pm. Jimmy Edwards bumped into his old friend Major Bloodnock {{sic}} who was with his friends Captain the Lord Hairy Seagoon and [[Eccles]] (who had found Dick Bentley's empty wallet); the trio had come to see the Grand National and believed that the horses were still running despite the course being flooded…

	A tale of the hunt for strange acts for Bogg and Crun's circus was recorded at the Camden on Sunday 4 April, complete with references to comedian Arthur English (a fellow guest in The Hundredth Boat Race) and the Home Service's music programme Henry Hall's Guest Night. The show aired on Monday 5, and on Tuesday 6 Peter Sellers took on the many roles of characters at a gramophone record shop on the Home Service's Sellers at Your Service programme. Spike had also recorded the trial episode of Paradise Street on Sunday 4 but it had been decided not to air this, with regular tapings starting at the Paris Cinema on Sunday 18 and transmitted from Tuesday 20. Meanwhile, the Ray Ellington Quartet recorded two more musical inserts to complete the series on Thursday 8 April, and Peter's edition of Me and My Shadows aired on the evening of Friday 9 April.		A tale of the hunt for strange acts for Bogg and Crun's circus was recorded at the [[KOKO (music venue)\|Camden]] on Sunday 4 April, complete with references to comedian [[Arthur English]] (a fellow guest in ''The Hundredth Boat Race'') and the Home Service's music programme [[Henry Hall]]'s ''Guest Night''. The show aired on Monday 5, and on Tuesday 6 Peter Sellers took on the many roles of characters at a [[gramophone record]] shop on the Home Service's Sellers at Your Service programme. Spike had also recorded the trial episode of ''Paradise Street'' on Sunday 4 but it had been decided not to air this, with regular tapings starting at the [[Paris Theatre\|Paris Cinema]] on Sunday 18 and transmitted from Tuesday 20. Meanwhile, the Ray Ellington Quartet recorded two more musical inserts to complete the series on Thursday 8 April, and Peter's edition of ''Me and My Shadows'' aired on the evening of Friday 9 April.

	The penultimate recording of ''The Goon Show'''s current series found the team back at the Playhouse Theatre on Northumberland Avenue on Sunday 11 April. Spike's crime story saw the smuggler 'Fingers' Secombe involved in a bank robbery along with Moriarty and also the 'Sanders' character (who would soon become Grytpype-Thynne, Moriarty's usual cohort). The Light Programme sitcom Life With the Lyons was mocked, and the team's frustration about being restricted to the Home Service (with its smaller audience than the Light Programme) was also made clear in dialogue from 'Sanders'. During the following week, it was announced that ''The Goon Show'' was to be staged twice nightly at the Odeon in Southend from the first week of May, with the bill including Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers alongside their former Goon colleague Michael Bentine.		==Twice nightly with Bentine==
			The penultimate recording of ''The Goon Show's'' current series found the team back at the [[Playhouse Theatre]] on [[Northumberland Avenue]] on Sunday 11 April. Spike's [[The Great Bank of England Robbery\|crime story]] saw the smuggler 'Fingers' Secombe involved in a bank robbery along with Moriarty and also the 'Sanders' character (who would soon become [[Hercules Grytpype-Thynne\|Grytpype-Thynne]], Moriarty's usual cohort). The Light Programme sitcom ''[[Life with the Lyons\|Life With the Lyons]]'' was mocked, and the team's frustration about being restricted to the Home Service (with its smaller audience than the Light Programme) was also made clear in dialogue from 'Sanders'. During the following week, it was announced that ''The Goon Show'' was to be staged twice nightly at the [[Southend-on-Sea#History\|Odeon in Southend]] from the first week of May, with the bill including Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers alongside their former Goon colleague Michael Bentine.

	Sunday 18 April saw Spike recording Paradise Street at the Paris at 3.-45pm and then joining the cast of ''The Goon Show'' at the Playhouse for the 9pm taping of The Siege of Fort Knight.With Max Geldray performing the usual playout number of Crazy Rhythm in his spot for this show, the series		Sunday 18 April saw Spike recording Paradise Street at the Paris at 3.45pm and then joining the cast of ''The Goon Show'' at the Playhouse for the 9pm taping of [[The Siege of Fort Knight]]. With Max Geldray performing the usual playout number of [[Crazy Rhythm]] in his spot for this show, the series concluded with the orchestra's rendition of [[Walter Donaldson]]'s [[You're Driving Me Crazy]] after the closing signature tune. ''The Goon Show'' concluded its successful run on Easter Monday (apart from Northern Ireland), with the 8.30pm slot then taken by the nostalgic variety show ''Follow On''.
	concluded with the orchestra's rendition of Walter Donaldson's You're Driving Me Crazy after the closing signature tune. ''The Goon Show'' concluded its successful run on Easter Monday (apart from Northern Ireland), with the 8.30pm slot then taken by the nostalgic variety show Follow On.

	From Monday 19 April, Harry Secombe was appearing at the Hackney Empire. Paradise Street began broadcasting on Tuesday 20 April with Spike recording a new edition every Sunday afternoon. Max guested on the Light Programme's Variety ~~Fonfare~~ on Thursday 29 April and the following week was on the bill at the Forum Cinema in Kentish Town, while from Monday 3 May audiences at the Southend Odeon could see Harry, Peter and Michael live on Stage. Delayed repeats of the last four editions of ''The Goon Show'' were also scheduled by the Home Service at 1.10pm on Mondays from 3 May as a replacement for reruns of the nostalgia show These Radio Times.		From Monday 19 April, Harry Secombe was appearing at the [[Hackney Empire]]. ''Paradise Street'' began broadcasting on Tuesday 20 April with Spike recording a new edition every Sunday afternoon. Max guested on the Light Programme's ''Variety Fanfare'' on Thursday 29 April and the following week was on the bill at the [[O2 Forum Kentish Town\|Forum Cinema]] in [[Kentish Town]], while from Monday 3 May audiences at the Southend Odeon could see Harry, Peter and Michael live on Stage. Delayed repeats of the last four editions of ''The Goon Show'' were also scheduled by the Home Service at 1.10pm on Mondays from 3 May as a replacement for reruns of the nostalgia show ''These Radio Times''.

	By now, Spike and Eric - who shared an office - were collaborating on an experimental cross-over between their respective series: ''The Goon Show'' and Educating Archie (both of which featured Harry Secombe). This was planned as a special to be recorded while both shows were off-air over		By now, Spike and Eric - who shared an office - were collaborating on an experimental cross-over between their respective series: ''[[The Goon Show]]'' and ''[[Educating Archie]]'' (both of which featured [[Harry Secombe]]). This was planned as a [[Archie in Goonland\|special]] to be recorded while both shows were off-air over the summer and would use the Goon trio plus [[Hattie Jacques]] from [[Peter Brough]]'s supporting cast in a strange tale which would see [[Archie Andrews (puppet)\|Archie Andrews]] encountering various Goon characters. Hattie also appeared alongside Harry on the musical story ''Brass for Brass'' which had been written by his agent and former Goons script editor, [[Jimmy Grafton\|James Grafton]]; this one-off aired on [[BBC TV]] on Monday 10 May. Meanwhile, Spike dropped out of ''Paradise Street'' at short notice and did not attend the recording on Sunday 9 May.
	the summer and would use the Goon trio plus Hattie Jacques from Peter Brough's supporting cast in a strange tale which would see Archie Andrews encountering various Goon characters. Hattie also appeared alongside Harry on the musical story Brass for Brass which had been written by his agent and former Goons script editor, James Grafton; this one-off aired on BBC TV on Monday 10 May. Meanwhile, Spike dropped out of Paradise Street at short notice and did not attend the recording on Sunday 9 May.

	While the Goons were off the air, Peter Eton produced a second series of the Jack Warner/ Kathleen Harrison sitcom Meet the Huggetts which he had launched in July 1953; this returned to the Light Programme on Thursday 13 May and was scheduled to run to the end of August, shortly before		While the Goons were off the air, [[Peter Eton]] produced a second series of the [[Jack Warner (actor)\|Jack Warner]]/ [[Kathleen Harrison]] sitcom ''Meet the Huggetts'' which he had launched in July 1953; this returned to the Light Programme on Thursday 13 May and was scheduled to run to the end of August, shortly before the new run of ''The Goon Show''. Thursday 13 also saw the cast being offered contracts to record the special ''[[Archie in Goonland]]'' at the [[Playhouse Theatre]] on Sunday 16 May; this would be helmed by ''[[Educating Archie]]'' producer [[Roy Speer]]. Spike again dropped out of ''Paradise Street'' and for the recording at 3.45pm on Sunday 16 May was deputised by [[Peter Sellers]]. He and Peter were then joined by Harry, Peter Brough, Hattie Jacques and [[Wallace Greenslade]] at the Playhouse for the 8pm taping of ''Archie in Goonland''. The script featured Harry in his usual role of Dr Harold Secombe and Hattie as Miss Dinglebody In a tale in which Peter and Archie spotted a mouse in their home and called in a rodent exterminator (Peter Sellers as radio adventurer [[Dick Barton]]). Learning that London was being undermined by the burrowing rodents. Archie - the smallest - was sent down the mouse hole to locate Mouse Headquarters… encountering Bloodnock {{sic}}, his batman [[Eccles]], mouse catcher [[Bluebottle]] and pied piper saxophone player Mr Crun with Minnie. In keeping with [[Lewis Carroll]]'s [[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]]. this was supposedly a dream of Archie's… until mice did attack [[Big Ben]] when he woke up.
	the new run of ''The Goon Show''. Thursday 13 also saw the cast being offered contracts to record the special Archie in Goonland at the Playhouse Theatre on Sunday 16 May; this would be helmed by Educating Archie producer Roy Speer. Spike again dropped out of Paradise Street and for the recording at 3.45pm on Sunday 16 May was deputised by Peter Sellers. He and Peter were then joined by Harry, Peter Brough, Hattie Jacques and Wallace Greenslade at the Playhouse for the 8pm taping of Archie in Goonland. The script featured Harry in his usual role of Dr Harold Secombe and Hattie as Miss Dinglebody In a tale in which Peter and Archie spotted a mouse in their home and called in a rodent exterminator (Peter
	Sellers as radio adventurer Dick Barton). Learning that London was being undermined by the burrowing rodents. Archie - the smallest - was sent down the mouse hole to locate Mouse Headquarters… encountering Bloodnock {{sic}}, his batman Eccles, mouse catcher Bluebottle and pied piper saxophone player Mr Crun with Minnie. In keeping with Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. this was supposedly a dream of Archie's… until mice did attack Big Ben when he woke up.

	Harry joined the bill at the Leeds Empire from Monday 17, and on Tuesday 18, Peter Sellers was formally booked as Spike's replacement on Paradise Street for shows recorded through to Sunday 11 July, while the Ray Ellington Quartet's summer season with vocalist Marion Ryan kicked off at the		Harry joined the bill at the Leeds Empire from Monday 17, and on Tuesday 18, Peter Sellers was formally booked as Spike's replacement on Paradise Street for shows recorded through to Sunday 11 July, while the Ray Ellington Quartet's summer season with vocalist Marion Ryan kicked off at the

Kurt: /* A new venue */

2023-03-23T03:36:58Z

A new venue

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:36, 22 March 2023
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	==A new venue==		==A new venue==
	On Sunday 21 March, Mr Ros and Mr Ray - featuring Ray Ellington - came off the Light Programme at the end of its run and in the evening the Goons recorded at a new venue - the [[KOKO (music venue)\|Camden Theatre]] on Camden High Street. Opened in December 1900, the former West End theatre and cinema had been used for broadcasting by the [[BBC]] from 1945. The [[Western Story\|show]] recorded that evening was solely written by Larry Stephens and was a western entitled Drain, which pastiched the movie ''[[Shane (film)\|Shane]]'' that had opened in London in September 1953. Peter Sellers played Wild Bill Moretoncock in the manner of comedy performer [[Robert Moreton]] (a former Goon associate), while Spike adopted the manner of American movie legend WC Fields as the Judge and references were made to BBC TV continuity announcer Sylvia Peters.		On Sunday 21 March, Mr Ros and Mr Ray - featuring Ray Ellington - came off the Light Programme at the end of its run and in the evening the Goons recorded at a new venue - the [[KOKO (music venue)\|Camden Theatre]] on Camden High Street. Opened in December 1900, the former West End theatre and cinema had been used for broadcasting by the [[BBC]] from 1945. The [[Western Story\|show]] recorded that evening was solely written by Larry Stephens and was a western entitled ''Drain'', which pastiched the movie ''[[Shane (film)\|Shane]]'' that had opened in London in September 1953. Peter Sellers played Wild Bill Moretoncock in the manner of comedy performer [[Robert Moreton]] (a former Goon associate), while Spike adopted the manner of American movie legend WC Fields as the Judge and references were made to BBC TV continuity announcer Sylvia Peters.

	Drain seemed to worry the BBC and the following morning there were indications that the recording - with the exception of the music spots - would be shelved. The numbers by Max and Ray were to be transplanted into the existing recording of the second show of the series originally aired on		''Drain'' seemed to worry the [[BBC]] and the following morning there were indications that the recording - with the exception of the music spots - would be shelved. The numbers by Max and Ray were to be transplanted into the existing recording of the second show of the series originally aired on Friday {{Date\|1953-10-09}}, or alternatively that show could simply be repeated without edits. Ultimately, the Larry Stephens script aired as scheduled on Monday 22, going out earlier than usual at 7.30pm to make way for a live [[London Philharmonic Orchestra]] concert; the same day, Harry Secombe resumed his variety appearances.
	Friday ~~9 October~~ 1953, or alternatively that show could simply be repeated without edits. Ultimately, the Larry Stephens script aired as scheduled on Monday 22, going out earlier than usual at 7.30pm to make way for a live London Philharmonic Orchestra concert; the same day, Harry Secombe resumed his variety appearances.

	As a performer, Spike was now offered a chance to join the cast of Paradise Street, a new Light Programme series developed for Max Bygraves and written by Eric Sykes. He was offered a contract to record a pilot on Sunday -4 April by producer Roy Speer on Wednesday ~~2-4~~ March, and the		As a performer, Spike was now offered a chance to join the cast of ''Paradise Street'', a new Light Programme series developed for [[Max Bygraves]] and written by [[Eric Sykes]]. He was offered a contract to record a pilot on Sunday 4 April by producer [[Roy Speer]] on Wednesday 24 March, and the following day was booked for four more shows to be taped weekly from Sunday 18 April to air from Tuesday 27 April.
	following day was booked for four more shows to be taped weekly from Sunday 18 April to air from Tuesday 27 April.

	The edition of ''The Goon Show'' recorded at the earlier time of 7pm on Sunday 28 March was another Everest-inspired tale. It included early mentions of the strange product Footo (the Wonder Boot Exploder) as well as David Niven in the romantic comedy film The Moon is Blue, which had opened		The edition of ''The Goon Show'' recorded at the earlier time of 7pm on Sunday 28 March was another [[The Saga of the Internal Mountain\|Everest-inspired tale]]. It included early mentions of the strange product Footo (the Wonder Boot Exploder) as well as [[David Niven]] in the romantic comedy film [[The Moon Is Blue (film)\|The Moon is Blue]], which had opened in January. Minnie Bannister was now an old flame of Dennis Bloodnok's ('the darling of Ropers Light Horse). Ray Ellington and his Quartet would be unavailable for the last three recordings of the year, so they also taped a performance of [[Any Old Iron (song)\|Any Old Iron]] to be edited into the following week's show. The mountain adventure aired back in the usual 8.30pm slot on Monday 29 March. However, the Home Service had now dropped the Saturday morning repeat and replaced ''The Goon Show'' with various music programmes. Max Geldray opened at the [[New Theatre, Cardiff\|Cardiff New Theatre]] on Monday 29 March, and on Wednesday 31 Peter Sellers recorded ''Me and My Shadows'', a Light Programme series showcasing impressionists, at the [[Aeolian Hall (London)\|Aeolian]].
	in January. Minnie Bannister was now an old flame of Dennis Bloodnok's ('the darling of Ropers Light Horse). Ray Ellington and his Quartet would be unavailable for the last three recordings of the year, so they also taped a performance of Any Old Iron to be edited into the following week's show. The mountain adventure aired back in the usual 8.30pm slot on Monday 29 March. However, the Home Service had now dropped the Saturday morning repeat and replaced ''The Goon Show'' with various music programmes. Max Geldray opened at the Cardiff New Theatre on Monday 29 March, and on Wednesday 31 Peter Sellers recorded Me and My Shadows, a Light Programme series showcasing ~~impressionistS~~, at the Aeolian. Educating Archie concluded its broadcast for the season on Thursday I April. Anne Sellers gave birth to the couple's first son, Michael, on Friday 2 April… the same day that Peter joined Harry and Spike at the Langham for the Goons' live contribution to The Hundredth Boat Race. The main script, written by producer John Bridges, followed the towpath exploits of Jimmy Edwards and Dick Bentley (~~the stars of Take it From Here~~) as they encountered various guests… all of whom were crammed into a cartoon publicising the programme in the Radio Times (Harry wore a top hat, Peter sported a checked cap and Spike was depicted in diving goggles). While the Welsh, West and Scottish Home Services had their own shows, the rest of the network heard the broadcast from 7.45pm to 8.30pm. Jimmy Edwards bumped into his old friend Major Bloodnock {{sic}} who was with his friends Captain the Lord Hairy Seagoon and Eccles (who had found Dick Bentley's empty wallet); the trio had come to see the Grand National and
	~~believed that the horses were still running despite the course being flooded…~~

	A tale of the hunt for strange acts for Bogg and Crun's circus was recorded at the Camden on Sunday -4 April, complete with references to comedian Arthur English (a fellow guest in The Hundredth Boat Race) and the Home Service's music programme Henry Hall's Guest Night. The show aired on Monday 5, and on Tuesday 6 Peter Sellers took on the many roles of characters at a gramophone record shop on the Home Service's Sellers at Your Service programme. Spike had also recorded the trial episode of Paradise Street on Sunday 4 but it had been decided not to air this, with regular tapings starting at the Paris Cinema on Sunday 18 and transmitted from Tuesday 20. Meanwhile, the Ray Ellington Quartet recorded two more musical inserts to complete the series on Thursday 8 April, and Peter's edition of Me and My Shadows aired on the evening of Friday 9 April.		==It's a boy!==
			[[Educating Archie]] concluded its broadcast for the season on Thursday 1 April. Anne Sellers gave birth to the couple's first son, Michael, on Friday 2 April… the same day that Peter joined Harry and Spike at the [[Langham Hotel, London\|Langham]] for the Goons' live contribution to ''The Hundredth Boat Race''. The main script, written by producer John Bridges, followed the [[Towpath\|towpath]] exploits of [[Jimmy Edwards]] and [[Dick Bentley]] (the stars of [[Take It from Here\|Take it From Here]]) as they encountered various guests… all of whom were crammed into a cartoon publicising the programme in the Radio Times (Harry wore a top hat, Peter sported a checked cap and Spike was depicted in diving goggles). While the Welsh, West and Scottish Home Services had their own shows, the rest of the network heard the broadcast from 7.45pm to 8.30pm. Jimmy Edwards bumped into his old friend Major Bloodnock {{sic}} who was with his friends Captain the Lord Hairy Seagoon and [[Eccles]] (who had found Dick Bentley's empty wallet); the trio had come to see the Grand National and believed that the horses were still running despite the course being flooded…

			A tale of the hunt for strange acts for Bogg and Crun's circus was recorded at the Camden on Sunday 4 April, complete with references to comedian Arthur English (a fellow guest in The Hundredth Boat Race) and the Home Service's music programme Henry Hall's Guest Night. The show aired on Monday 5, and on Tuesday 6 Peter Sellers took on the many roles of characters at a gramophone record shop on the Home Service's Sellers at Your Service programme. Spike had also recorded the trial episode of Paradise Street on Sunday 4 but it had been decided not to air this, with regular tapings starting at the Paris Cinema on Sunday 18 and transmitted from Tuesday 20. Meanwhile, the Ray Ellington Quartet recorded two more musical inserts to complete the series on Thursday 8 April, and Peter's edition of Me and My Shadows aired on the evening of Friday 9 April.

	The penultimate recording of ''The Goon Show'''s current series found the team back at the Playhouse Theatre on Northumberland Avenue on Sunday 11 April. Spike's crime story saw the smuggler 'Fingers' Secombe involved in a bank robbery along with Moriarty and also the 'Sanders' character (who would soon become Grytpype-Thynne, Moriarty's usual cohort). The Light Programme sitcom Life With the Lyons was mocked, and the team's frustration about being restricted to the Home Service (with its smaller audience than the Light Programme) was also made clear in dialogue from 'Sanders'. During the following week, it was announced that ''The Goon Show'' was to be staged twice nightly at the Odeon in Southend from the first week of May, with the bill including Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers alongside their former Goon colleague Michael Bentine.		The penultimate recording of ''The Goon Show'''s current series found the team back at the Playhouse Theatre on Northumberland Avenue on Sunday 11 April. Spike's crime story saw the smuggler 'Fingers' Secombe involved in a bank robbery along with Moriarty and also the 'Sanders' character (who would soon become Grytpype-Thynne, Moriarty's usual cohort). The Light Programme sitcom Life With the Lyons was mocked, and the team's frustration about being restricted to the Home Service (with its smaller audience than the Light Programme) was also made clear in dialogue from 'Sanders'. During the following week, it was announced that ''The Goon Show'' was to be staged twice nightly at the Odeon in Southend from the first week of May, with the bill including Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers alongside their former Goon colleague Michael Bentine.

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	From Monday 19 April, Harry Secombe was appearing at the [[Hackney Empire]]. ''Paradise Street'' began broadcasting on Tuesday 20 April with Spike recording a new edition every Sunday afternoon. Max guested on the Light Programme's ''Variety Fanfare'' on Thursday 29 April and the following week was on the bill at the [[O2 Forum Kentish Town\|Forum Cinema]] in [[Kentish Town]], while from Monday 3 May audiences at the Southend Odeon could see Harry, Peter and Michael live on Stage. Delayed repeats of the last four editions of ''The Goon Show'' were also scheduled by the Home Service at 1.10pm on Mondays from 3 May as a replacement for reruns of the nostalgia show ''These Radio Times''.		From Monday 19 April, Harry Secombe was appearing at the [[Hackney Empire]]. ''Paradise Street'' began broadcasting on Tuesday 20 April with Spike recording a new edition every Sunday afternoon. Max guested on the Light Programme's ''Variety Fanfare'' on Thursday 29 April and the following week was on the bill at the [[O2 Forum Kentish Town\|Forum Cinema]] in [[Kentish Town]], while from Monday 3 May audiences at the Southend Odeon could see Harry, Peter and Michael live on Stage. Delayed repeats of the last four editions of ''The Goon Show'' were also scheduled by the Home Service at 1.10pm on Mondays from 3 May as a replacement for reruns of the nostalgia show ''These Radio Times''.
			[[File:Brough & Archie.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Archie Andrews and his assistant, Peter Brough]]
	By now, Spike and Eric - who shared an office - were collaborating on an experimental cross-over between their respective series: ''[[The Goon Show]]'' and ''[[Educating Archie]]'' (both of which featured [[Harry Secombe]]). This was planned as a [[Archie in Goonland\|special]] to be recorded while both shows were off-air over the summer and would use the Goon trio plus [[Hattie Jacques]] from [[Peter Brough]]'s supporting cast in a strange tale which would see [[Archie Andrews (puppet)\|Archie Andrews]] encountering various Goon characters. Hattie also appeared alongside Harry on the musical story ''Brass for Brass'' which had been written by his agent and former Goons script editor, [[Jimmy Grafton\|James Grafton]]; this one-off aired on [[BBC TV]] on Monday 10 May. Meanwhile, Spike dropped out of ''Paradise Street'' at short notice and did not attend the recording on Sunday 9 May.		By now, Spike and Eric - who shared an office - were collaborating on an experimental cross-over between their respective series: ''[[The Goon Show]]'' and ''[[Educating Archie]]'' (both of which featured [[Harry Secombe]]). This was planned as a [[Archie in Goonland\|special]] to be recorded while both shows were off-air over the summer and would use the Goon trio plus [[Hattie Jacques]] from [[Peter Brough]]'s supporting cast in a strange tale which would see [[Archie Andrews (puppet)\|Archie Andrews]] encountering various Goon characters. Hattie also appeared alongside Harry on the musical story ''Brass for Brass'' which had been written by his agent and former Goons script editor, [[Jimmy Grafton\|James Grafton]]; this one-off aired on [[BBC TV]] on Monday 10 May. Meanwhile, Spike dropped out of ''Paradise Street'' at short notice and did not attend the recording on Sunday 9 May.