The Goon Show Books
THE GOON SHOW SCRIPTS. [Paperback] Milligan, Spike
Milligan, Spike. The Goon Show Scripts. With Drawings by Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Spike Milligan. London, Sphere Books Ltd., 1974. 20.8cm x 16.5cm. 154 pages. With illustrations. Original Softcover. Excellent condition with only minor signs of external wear. In this second collection of Goon Show Scripts, Spike Milligan has made his selection from the shows broadcast between December 1958 and February 1959. He has included shows that have since become legendary. 'Ned's Atomic Dustbin', for example, could almost qualify for the 'By Royal Appointment' tag.
A volume of genuine correspondence between the Goons, which also includes a selection of faithfully reproduced Goon Show scripts.
The Goon Show Companion is the ultimate Goon book that no Goonatic should be without. In addition to tracing the history and development of the famous British comic radio show from its beginnings in 1951, it contains a meticulous Goonography, listing every Goon Show with its original transmission date, correct title, announced title (if this was different), and details if of writers, cast and producers. Compiled by Roger Wilmut and with a special memoir by the late Jimmy Grafton, in whose pub the first programs were hatched. The Goon Show Companion is a must for all true fans.
Recently discovered unbroadcast Goon Shows, since put out on radio and now preserved in book form, together with an unfinished script discovered by Spike Milligan, with Goon drawings, photographs and other bits of hilarious Goonacy.
The Goons first went to air at the BBC in May 1951. There then began a terrible rasping, squealing, giggling, snorting period of lunacy which continued unabated until 1960. Fifty years after the show there is still huge interest in the Goons, with each new generation discovering afresh the anarchic humour that has had such a huge influence on so many of today's top comedy performers. This fascinating collection of reminiscences, photographs and sketches is the definitive story of Eccles, Bluebottle, Neddy, Bloodnok, Grytpype-Thyne, Moriarity, Minnie Bannister, Henry Crun et al from those who knew them best. Under the patient guidnace of Spikes manager Norma Farnes, Spike Milligan and the late Sir Harry Secombe, along with a select handful of friends including Eric Sykes, delve into their dusty old memories to help piece together the history of the Goons. This is the definitive celebration of one of Britain's best-loved comedy shows, a fascinating collection of photographs, scripts, reminiscences and sketches.
Using scripts by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens, The Goon Show was recreated at the Playhouse Theatre in London for one extra-special celebratory night, with Andrew Secombe (standing in for his father Harry), Jon Glover (as Spike Milligan) and Jeffrey Holland (as Peter Sellers). Together, the team performed two missing episodes of the show - The Story of Civilisation and The Plymouth Ho Armada. It also featured announcements by Christopher Timothy (son of original Goon Show announcer Andrew Timothy) and music from Lance Ellington (son of original band leader Ray Ellington) and The John Wilson Orchestra. This audio release contains the entire fantastic show - a perfect tribute to the comic geniuses of Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers. 1 CD. 1 hr 3 mins.