Both Sides of the Microphone
The year is 1952. While television is quickly gaining in popularity, radio is still the main broadcast medium – reflected in the title of...
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The Seagoon Memoirs
Chronicling a 21st century idiot's obsession with a 1950s radio comedy masterpiece.
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Welcome, dear reader - pull up a bollard.
UPDATE: JUNE 2024
I am in the process of transferring this blog to Substack. You'll find me at theseagoonmemoirs.substack.com, where you can read for free and sign up to receive new posts (twice a week) direct to your email.
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On 28 May 1951, four young men took to the airwaves on the BBC's Home Service to launch their unique brand of comedy on an unsuspecting world.
In the mid-1990s, an even younger idiot was introduced to recordings of their broadcasts - and there began a strange obsession crossing decades and generations.
The Seagoon Memoirs is an attempt to channel this obsession into something creative, chronicle the show's history, development and legacy, and in some small way contribute to preserving this masterpiece of British radio comedy.
Listen to me waffle on about the Goons on the excellent Goon Pod here. Alternatively, listen to more interesting people on other episodes of Goon Pod, including Jane Milligan, Al Murray, Dirk Maggs, and the cast of 'Spike!', the new Milligan/Goon-themed play by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman.
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Happy birthday, Charlotte Mitchell
Today marks the actress and poet Charlotte Mitchell’s 95th birthday. She starred in two Goon Show episodes, throwing herself into the...
Spike Milligan: Man of Letters
We’re nearing the end of series two, with episode 23 broadcast on 1 July 1952 at 9:30pm on the Home Service. Turn to page 22 of this...
Love these Goon Shows!
Episode 22 of the second series of the Goon Show exploded out of the wireless sets of Britain on 24 June 1952. Proof of its existence can...
The Sinful Savage Tigers
On 17 June 1952, Home Service listeners experienced episode 21 of the second series in all its glory. The Radio Times listing is here....
Recommended viewing: A Loose Canon
Episode 20 of the second series was the first to feature Angela Morley (then known as Wally Stott) conducting the orchestra, according to...
The Mouse That Roared
If you happen to be perusing the Radio Times for the week beginning 1 June 1952, on page 22 you’ll find the listing for episode 19 of the...
Happy birthday, Larry Stephens
Episode 18 of the second series was broadcast on 27 May 1952 and can be found on page 22 of that week's Radio Times. Today, 16 July,...
Hear what your ear can hear
Turn to page 22 of your Radio Times to locate the listing for episode 17 of the second series, broadcast on 20 May 1952. How can you...
Goon cartoons
On 13 May 1952, listeners to the BBC Home Service at 9:30pm were treated to episode 16 of the second series of the Goon Show. Find it in...
Crazy Rhythm
A tune that I will always associate with The Goon Show is ‘Crazy Rhythm’. It was often played by Max Geldray and the orchestra at the end...
More recommended viewing
Episode 14 of the second series was broadcast on 29 April 1952 – find it in the Radio Times here. Incidentally, this is the FA Cup Final...
Eddie Izzard
We’ve made it to episode 13 of the second series – see it here in all its printed glory on page 22 of the Radio Times. It was broadcast...
Enter Bluebottle!
Episode 12 of the second series was broadcast on 15 April 1952 at 9:30pm on the Home Service. The Radio Times listing is here. A genuine...
Hugh Jampton
Episode 11 of series two was launched into the world on 8 April 1952. Find it on page 22 of the Radio Times here. Presenting to you,...
Recommended viewing, part one of many
Episode 10 of the second series was broadcast on 1 April 1952 at 9:45pm. The Radio Times listing is here. During my research I have...
That’s nice!
At a time when there was not much ‘popular’ music on radio, or at least not as we would know it, Ray Ellington’s weekly slot on The Goon...
Spoof ads in The Stage
If you’ll kindly turn to page 26 of this week’s Radio Times, you’ll see the eighth episode of series two, on at 9:45pm on 18 March 1952....
Shut up, Eccles!
In the beginning God created the Heaven and Earth and darkness was upon the face of the deep; this was due to a malfunction at Lots Road...
The Singing Shaver
Episode six of the second series was broadcast on 4 March 1952 and can observed lying in wait on page 26 of that week’s issue of the...
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