Radio Comedy
 |
Kenneth Williams,
Tony Hancock
and Sid James |
Going back to my deprived childhood (only kidding,mum) I can't remember when we got our first TV, though I know is was after the Coronation, which we watched huddled round a neighbour's small set, but we did have radio. As I got into my early teens I started to pick up on some of the radio comedy shows that were to be found on the Light Programme (now Radio 2) and children's comics like
Radio Fun.
As time went on and radio programmes changed, three particular series endured for me - The Goon Show, Hancock's Half Hour, and Round the Horne (and similar such as Beyond our Ken). I enjoyed them then and can relive them and other old comedy now on DAB or via the internet where they can be found on Radio 4 Extra (formerly Radio 7).
 |
Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe
and Peter Sellars "Gooning" |
My favourite? Well it's a close call, but I think it has to be the Goons. Spike Milligan, who wrote most of the shows was a comdey genious. I think only his mad mind could have come up with ideas like digging up Dartmoor Prison, replacing it with a cardboard cut-out, and towing the original to France because prisoners were cheaper there!
From one of the mad half hours from the 50s, have a listen to and enjoy
"What time is it Eccles".
TV Comedy
Thanks to the various digital channels running programmes from way back when, there's plenty to choose from when it comes to rewatching older TV comedy. Hi-de-Hi, Dad's Army, Monty Python, Are You Being Served, Porridge, Open All Hours, Only Fools and Horses, The Likely Lads, Fawlty Towers, The Goodies - the list goes on, but which to choose as best. For me, I think Allo Allo might be the winner. To be able to make such as funny programme about such a serious subject is comedy writing at its best.
Coming a little more up to date we had the long lasting Last of the Summer Wine, The Royle Family, Early Doors, Absolutely Fabulous, and one of my all time favourites - Dinner Ladies. Yes I've missed a few out, some because I didn't enjoy or appreciate them and some because of failing memory! As for current comedy shows, I enjoy Not Going Out, and Outnumbered certainly does it for me.
Coming a little more up to date we had the long lasting Last of the Summer Wine, The Royle Family, Early Doors, Absolutely Fabulous, and one of my all time favourites - Dinner Ladies. Yes I've missed a few out, some because I didn't enjoy or appreciate them and some because of failing memory! As for current comedy shows, I enjoy Not Going Out, and Outnumbered certainly does it for me.
