Goon Show
The Goons’ alternative, surreal view of the world captured the nation when this fondly remembered BBC radio show began in 1951, and was an inspiration to the team that later created Monty Python. The first series was actually called Crazy People at the behest of the BBC, but the Goon Show title was in place by the end of the year. The original cast of four – Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Michael Bentine – now reads like an entertainment Who’s Who. Michael Bentine left the show after the second series in 1952, but the madcap comedy carried on until 1960. Immortal characters included Neddie Seagoon, Eccles, Bluebottle, Major Bloodnok, Grytpype-Thynne, Moriarty, Henry Crun and Minnie Bannister. The three Goons also appeared in several TV shows and made records, including the famous Ying Tong Song, a surprise hit in the 1970s. The Goon Show is still broadcast on the digital radio station BBC7 and on Australia’s Radio National.
Photo: TopFoto.co.uk/NationalPictures/Jeff Moore
NOMINATION 946 OF 1160
THE funniest show ever heard on BBC radio - and the inspiration for the generations of comedians that followed
Jonathan Moore
So much of todays comedy stems from this 50's radio show, so it has shaped the english sense of humour for 50 years.
"Hes fallen in the water."
"You rotten swine you, you deaded me."
David Hodson
Broadcast by the British Broadcasting Company; written by an Irishman, born in India; performed by an Irishman, a Welshman, an Englishman and an Anglo-Peruvian. Brilliant, yes! English, no!
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