Thanks for posting this clip. I can still recall lying in bed at night when I was only about 8 or 9 listening to The Goon Show on the radio in New Zealand, before black and white TV became available. Those original shows were hilarious and always welcomed. It was completely nuts and crazy good fun, in a typical British humour way. The format was unique and the three comedians each went on to have great solo careers. This video is for nostalgia, aimed at people like me. And I am very grateful to be able to see it and recall those wonderful days of growing up, when the world was a much different place. 👍😎🇳🇿✨🌹

I was the last one up on stage with my dad Max Geldray at the very end of the show, Peter bent down to shake my hand, I wish I was older to appreciate the experience at the time, I was only 7 yrs old, but I have very vivid memories of that whole trip from the USA to the UK with my Dad, mom and sister. We were there for about a week, I especially remember the after party for the show, I remember I had a headache at the end of the night and wanting to leave, Princes Margaret felt sorry for me while she was chatting with my dad and mom, but at 7 yrs old I didn't know who the Royal family were being from America, now at 57 yrs old it blows me away, life is strange...I miss my old Dad, brings tears to my eyes when I see him in this video..LONG LIVE THE GOONS!!!

@mrsmw2020

2 жыл бұрын

You are very fortunate to have had such a talented dad. What wonderful memories.

@michaeldeane9029

2 жыл бұрын

A belated thank you to your dad... these brilliant men gave me the gift of humour.

@martinseanie

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, just found this, your dad was a legend, they insisted he play this show or it was a deal breaker.

@hankpank6955

Жыл бұрын

@@martinseanie Thank you! Yeah it was Peter who insisted, the powers to be at the BBC were not going to pay for us to come over from the US.

@itsnotrightyouknow

Жыл бұрын

Fortunate young man at the time, your father was also a highly respected musician, and possible the first harmonica player to embrace the jazz music.

No matter how many times that I watch this, I always chuckle, chortle and guffuckingfaw! I turned 74 in June this year. I heard my first Goon Show in 1955 or 1956. Blew my mind!

I n 1956 I was in show business and spent lots of hours on the road travelling from town to town , we used to listen to the goons all the time…..no bad language here just pure comedy ……I miss these times and these men of comedy so much ….2022 now and there is nothing like it now mores the pity…

Thanks for that edge of your seat lunacy, bravery, play ground humour and Freedom of thought. A treasure of absurdity.

I dont think you will ever see a collection of raw talent on stage like that again! 😁💔

@eiraisenberg5754

Жыл бұрын

Michael Hailey

This has taken me back to the 1960’s when l was a teenager. I loved them then just as much as l love them now, they were my heroes and they still are. Just let your imagination run riot. Thank you for the best laughs ever.❤

Loved it! Brought back memories of listening on the CBC at noon, when I was twelve or so….a very long time ago! My Dad had English parents, so he loved that humour…the word play etc. marvellous.

Fascinating to see The Goons performing and all the supporting cast too - all now gone - as they would have done,. when I listened to them on a crackly radio in the 1950s.

How good was Peter Sellars, a true giant of British comedy acting. Genius.

@mrjw6701

Жыл бұрын

The 4 of them were comedy geniuses.

@martinscase3904

9 ай бұрын

​@@mrjw67014 of them? Oh, Harry Seacombe counted for two of course!

@douglassun8456

4 ай бұрын

In America, he's known almost exclusively for his movie work. But I don't think you can fully comprehend his genius without knowing Grytpipe-Thynne, Henry Crun and of course, Bluebottle.

I think Peter Sellers was the best guest star ever on The Muppet Show. Pure anarchy. Kermit asks Sellers out of sheer frustration, "Who is the real you, Peter?!" To which Sellers replied, "There used to be a real me, but I had it surgically removed."'.

You can watch this. Then you can start again and listen with your eyes closed - like we used to on the wireless. It is just magic. Pure magic.

@d.aardent9382

6 ай бұрын

Actually i was thinking that, some things were meant to just listen to and have your imagination envision what is going on. Although, with Sellers and his visual slapstick comedy, you'd miss all of his exaggerated parody of a tympani player. That was hilarious. The whole group participating there do a lot of visual gags that one would miss just having audio version.

@davidthompson3136

4 ай бұрын

If they had done the drum sketch on the radio, the announcer would have described the physical antics. That was part of the radio magic. 👍😎🇳🇿✨🌹

I am 75 now, grew up in London, Balham, ..The Gateway To The Show...Thanks to Peter S putting my wonderful little town on the map. No electricity, just gas light, and a strange looking acid battery to power the radio, Many foggy, wet, snowy dark nights, lit up with smiles and laughter due to this wonderful radio show, where your Imagination was tested and explored..Great Show, Great Time to be alive and well living in London, when we didn’t have to lock our door at night, .I also remember this Show was followed by Journey Into Space, which we thought was impossible...Ha Ha....that was even a bigger joke, as look at us today. Thank You...to the BBC.

@floridianbrit3744

4 жыл бұрын

Typo error, Recording by Mr Peters Sellers, should read. BALHAM The Gateway To The South.. On the tube Northern Line between, Clapham South, and Tooting Bec. Surrounded by three wonderful Parks called, Commons... Clapham Common, Tooting Bec Common, (Go for a swim in the open air Lido), and Wandsworth Common. Also British Railway Line to Clapham Junction and Victoria. Indoor pool at Balham also, in its day, had two live Theaters, Three Cinemas, Trams and Buses. sadly a wartime bomb broke a main water pipe and drowned many locals that used The TUBE as a shelter. Full of History is Balham, a place to remember.

My father listened to the Goons. I'm so glad he did. He introduced me to the genius of Milligan, Sellers and Secombe. Thank you gentlemen.

when radio was larger than television

@BasicModelling

Жыл бұрын

Must have been a very small television..

@alejandrayalanbowman367

Жыл бұрын

@@BasicModelling No, a very big radio, it had to have three batteries to make it work.

@philipbonner6486

7 ай бұрын

​@@BasicModellingStop watching television it will save you money.

@douglassun8456

4 ай бұрын

"Eccles, stand on my shoulders and pull me up." "Okay... [grunting noises] I'd like to see them do that on television." (From The Histories of Pliny the Elder)

Fantastic, I remember when they were on radio. What a fantastic show.

My Norwegian mother never understood why we were laughing so hysterically at the Goon shows ! That was a special time !!! I hope you are all still making people laugh, wherever you are, dear sweet batty men !❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

As a young boy, I always had to be home every Sunday before 6;00 p.m., to listen to the dreaded Goon Show, on my Chrystal-Set, [Bet youngsters nowadays haven't a clue what that was!!] Still love the Goons, and I have 63 episodes on MP-3 CD's!! Made by the BBC, Australia- many years back. This show was great.. Loved seeing the team laughing and relaxed - especially Peter and Spike as both suffered from depression at times..

@kendavies945

Жыл бұрын

I had a crystal set, brilliant!!!

I recall being excited and couldn't wait to watch this. It started and after about two minutes I, for some unknown reason, had a dizzy spell and passed out. My parents came to my aid and switched off the tv and I missed the whole performance ...until now. Thank you.

I've said it elsewhere before, but even the thought of The Goons makes me feel warm inside. It's not just because of their brilliance and their place, especially Spike's, in the pantheon of British comedy. It's that they so clearly loved each other and were immensely happy as they worked together.

@douglassun8456

4 ай бұрын

It's clear that they had great fun doing the show, and I have found that it really carries you along even when you don't get the references or you can't quite make out the dialogue.

The Goons on BBC radio in the 1950s set a standard for Monty Python's Flying Circus and many other comedians.

@hughcorston9645

4 жыл бұрын

Exactly.

Comedy at its very very best. I listened to these on forces radio and was the entertainment highlight of the week. Sadly missed.

I'm 48 now and was only introduced to The Goon Show about 20 years ago. I am at awe at the genius!

@paulbennett4548

4 жыл бұрын

it should be a compulsory course at all universities. To complete ones education.

@paulbennett4548

4 жыл бұрын

@Olivia Purcel True, I was introduced to it on the wireless type radio at the age of of young. No lasting side effects.

Love Peter Sellers. I know he suffered from depression and substance abuse problems, but I have to believe watching this video, and the expression of pure pleasure on his face when performing with his friends that these were some of his happiest moments. Long live the Goons.

@michaeljoefox

3 жыл бұрын

Depression and substance abuse plagues too many of us. All of us have an escape that seems too far away, but in this case, I believe you’re right.

@iconicshrubbery

3 жыл бұрын

'Knee-trembling all around!'

@jag9401

2 жыл бұрын

Sellers always said working with spike an Harry was the happiest he had ever been

@kingy002

Жыл бұрын

@@jag9401 Best years of his life he said.

@adoculos4521

Жыл бұрын

He was a terrible father and cruel to his children. That wipes out everything else.

70 years on after listening to them on Australian ABC radio every Sunday I now still have tears running down my face from laughing. RIP all three.

@pmonkeygeezer6212

Жыл бұрын

But what were you actually laughing at? It's absolute rubbish. Hardly any proper jokes!

@Revelian1982

Жыл бұрын

It's utter shite. Completely incomprehensible tosh.

@pmonkeygeezer6212

Жыл бұрын

@@Revelian1982 What I don't get is when a character utters a completely banal line like "Where are you?" It is immediately followed by howls of laughter from the audience. In fact, any noise or word they say is immediately followed by almost fake manic laughter.

@Revelian1982

Жыл бұрын

@@pmonkeygeezer6212 That's exactly how I feel. I imagine, as it's the last show after a number of years, most of the lines are catchphrases or throwbacks to beloved characters accumulated over the years. The problem is that if you don't get the in-jokes, as we don't, you end up lost and confused, completely perplexed at what everyone in the audience and on stage is pissing themselves laughing about.

Probably the greatest comedic team ever... God bless 'em!

I’m 60 and always been a fan of the Goons and this is one of the best shows I’ve seen

I'm not old enough to have heard the Goons the first time round, but I got a complete education from my Dad. They were like Monty Python and The Young Ones (and every bit as seminal): they took comedy to new places. Not everybody went along for the ride, but if you did it was a game changer. If you want to listen to more Goon Shows, try to find the one when the musicians' union went on strike and Milligan did all the music himself. God bless them all.

@artemisvega8940

4 ай бұрын

born in 74, was aware of a lot of stuff super early which was lucky so got the tail end of the 70's and early 80's where a lot of these era guys gradually check out. I was lucky to get a lot of the stuff and some of the later appearances from Peter Cook and Kenneth Williams, often two great staples of talk show entertainment. You could just let them run and run and with minimal prompting and they'd go off on one and be super entertaining. Billy Connolly and Robin Williams could do the same thing. Just let them off the hook and watch what happens. Cook and Moore at their peak were like this, they'd play off each other so fast and knew each other so well. I had the longest time trying to figure out the Goons, as I was initially a Goodies fan, and then a Python fan and then undrestood Pete and Dud/Derek and Clive. But it took the longest time to figure these guys out. Some of their references are a bit out of date as are D&C but I can relate them easier. But just to see them. Sellars is the Gold Standard for voice impressions other than Mel Blanc. I'm not kidding. The man's a fucking voice genius. But then you add in Secombe and Milligan and jesus it's off the charts. They work with each other so well and reconnect so well. I love how Spike hangs back a bit and find the right moment to inject some crazy shit. I'm going to keep undrestanding these guys. I'm so impressed Harry Secombe and his timing and ability to crack up the others, I feel he's sometimes over shadowed by Milligans eccentric crazy and Sellars' voice acting, but he's just the same. It's a great little collective and I'm going to explore it more and more. These guys are nuts and super surreal.

I’m 36 years old, a huge fan of Monty Python, and until the documentary on Netflix have never heard of The Goon Show. Thank goodness for the internet or I might’ve missed so much genius, and more importantly, so much legendary history.

@rawyld

3 жыл бұрын

My mother told me of the goons show.

@DarrenHarrison7160

2 жыл бұрын

@@rawyld My Grandad had recordings of the goon show and Dudley Moore and Peter Cooke to name a few lol

@rawyld

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenHarrison7160 Oh wow that is an honour

@DarrenHarrison7160

2 жыл бұрын

Oh yes, as a kid growing up in the 70s it was fantastic listening to them and, as I get older i know them off by heart and I still belly laugh lol

"What are you doing down here?" "Everybody's got to be somewhere." Classic.

I am an American born way after the Goon Show's heyday who recognizes with glee the comedic genius of these men, and their huge influence on generations of performers everywhere. Especially Sellers, likely the funniest man of all time. though his cohorts were quite outstanding themselves.

When I was a kid in England in the fifties The Goon Show was a big deal. I'd forgotten how much we laughed. I've never found anything like this since.

@RosemarieHaHa

4 жыл бұрын

Me too! It was on Tuesday nights, and on Wednesday mornings at school we all used to re-enact our favourite bits. Nothing like it.

@shano592

Жыл бұрын

There is nothing like it

@pepper419

Жыл бұрын

They really enjoyed themselves doing that show. And it shows.

Not one f- word... no slapstick... just pure comedy. I was blessed to have been 10 when the Goon Show was featured on SABC .

@silentgd

3 жыл бұрын

oh but plenty of naughty innuendo (Private Parts, Singhis Thing, Hugh Jampton)

@normanby100

Жыл бұрын

@@silentgd No more curried eggs for me!

@mazda1942

Жыл бұрын

Proves beyond any doubt that comedy could be performed without the use of profanities as is so widespread and common today!

What a great achievement this unique and creative show in English language was and still is for years to come.

Spike as PM addressing the house " Gentlemen. There is consternation in the whole of the civilized world, AND America." One of my great regrets is that i am now nearly totally deaf and even with Hearing Aids can't hear properly. So i make do by rereading the scripts. Fabulous show.

How can so much talent be assembled in one place at the same time?

Just brilliant!! Even in this age of inane & banal comedy...this simple formula just works perfectly. RIP Peter, Harry, Spike, Andrew, Max and Ray. All gone but none forgotten

@jimspink2922

6 жыл бұрын

What happened to Wallace Greenslade dear Wal

@trainshavewheels

6 жыл бұрын

Jim Spink He died about a year after the last Goon Show radio episode aired. A real shame.

@barefootbeachrunner9498

6 жыл бұрын

Real comedy I remember listening to reruns of these guys with my dad on the ABC Hilarious😁

@paulfleming1612

4 жыл бұрын

Take off your rose tinted glasses...this was considered inane, banal and dangerous at the time...comedy is comedy

@NxDoyle

2 жыл бұрын

I'd love to find a thread in which there are no comments lauding the past by shitting on the present. There's no need for such trite nonsense.

There is a fourth goon: the foley team/band. My God they were brilliant. Best rendition of a clock striking twinge, ever.

One of my favorite bits is when the rest of the orchestra pulls out their conducting wands and taps the music stands. Brilliant stuff. Also, love Secombe singing "Falling in Love with Love."

@karphin1

7 ай бұрын

Secombe had a fabulous voice!

A lot funnier than I remember it in 1972! Love The Goons! I have 170 Goon shows and all 26 Telegoons TV shows!

Max Geldray really was a whizz on the harmonica, impressive.

Slowly but surely everyone that made Britain so wonderfully special is leaving us. I'm so glad that I have been around during those years.

harry secombe has such a lovley voice

@synthonaplinth5980

6 жыл бұрын

Not to mention a contagious laugh.

I remember this -- was so excited to be able to listen to a real time Goon Show

Fond childhood and teen memories of listening to the Goon Show. They were 👏 amazing. I loved every episode. ♥️ There will never be another Good Show. Irreplaceable.

All of this was done long before I was born, but love it so much. Crazy fun times.

30th April 1972, I just looked it up. Funny, I wasn't born until 2 years later yet still feel that I was brought up with The Goons!

Lets not forget Wallace Greenslade.

@joeoconnor5400

Ай бұрын

Nor George Chisolm.

About the radio series, I loved the English version of the Orson Wells panic, when the Goon Show had sighted a flying saucer, and people called in to the BBC to report that they'd seen it! It lands, our party goes up to it, the door opens, and I think it was Bluebottle who exclaims "Daddy!"

Loved the 'mind pictures' these good folks projected to me in the fifties, it was thirty minutes of escape on a Sunday afternoon, that has kept me sane for sixty nine years, thank you lads!

Growing up in 60's and 70's Durban cut off from the rest of the world the radio was an escape into fantasy. Limited tv came only late 70's. Modern listeners won't understand how funny, sometimes naughty and crazy it sounded to us then in a world that was still very regulated by proper conduct.

"He's one of Mrs Thatchers incomprehensives". Brilliant!!

Milligan's wish to have the words "I told you I was ill" inscribed on his gravestone was finally granted

@jonnobarrie1744

6 жыл бұрын

erick ford No it reads "Duirt me leat go raibh me breoite" And always has

@emikiwi

6 жыл бұрын

Jonno Barrie Isn't that just the Gaelic translation of "I told you I was ill"?

@davewilkinson4425

5 жыл бұрын

Only in Gaelic he was not allowed english, sad, its a great line.

@calho7297

8 ай бұрын

@@jonnobarrie1744 - Big Difference:- Generations / Wars-of-Difference. ThanX for the reminder ;D

JUST BRILLIANT!!

love that pudding joke!!!! My kids and I used to never miss "tuning in to listen" Although we never got ALL the in-jokes in South Africa.....Oh that Ying tong song!!!" It's my computer password.

@RosemarieHaHa

4 жыл бұрын

And mine was "ShutupEccles!" for years

That guy was a good singer.

In the mid-50's, I heard the Goons for the first time - does anyone remember a sketch with a pier in it? Anyway we hunkered down beside the radio and were in stitches/hysterics! In memory, nothing touches the brilliance of those programmes.

@velindra-jayh.6358

6 жыл бұрын

"Ohhhh twas the month of February in 1955 When the valuable floating pier at Westminster suddenly took a dive... On board the sinking pier Fred Harding was having his tea When the icy waters closed over his head and he screamed... "Oh deary me!" But 600 Westminster firemen with hook and ladder and line, worked with tigerish courage Sank the whole lot before 9! And oooooh!" That was from Series 5, episode 21: "The Sinking of Westminster Pier". Also a firm favourite of mine too =D

@echerlin

6 жыл бұрын

They're making you a peer, Neddy. A pier? Right, I'll get down the end of it. No, no, p-double e-r, not p-i-e-r! [splash] I've fallen in the wet-type water! Yes, you're a very short peer, Neddy.

@paulbennett4548

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, I ran down to the sea and made my self a peer!

@calho7297

8 ай бұрын

@@echerlin Preceded 'MuddleClass Twit' and 'Silly Walk" ;D

And now we are stuck with "The big bang Theory" If I had three wishes Id wish these 3 back to life to bring back laughter again.

Such amazing talent, I miss those days of live orchestra music during a show. Priceless!

Utter joy. Thank you.

Utterly unique! Used to love listening every week. My dad gave me book of their scripts.You either loved it or thought it silly and unfunny. 3 of us mates shared a house. One used to read the scripts with me, we'd stagger about doubled up with apoplectic laughter and the other guy would come in and listen to us, shake his head saying, "I just don't get what you see in this"

Seagoon well known in concentric circles ! Wonderful.

I was visiting friends in London who insisted we watch. A good thing, too!

@paulbennett4548

4 жыл бұрын

it's cheaper than the NHS lad

What a great tenor harry was

@carolkewley7410

6 жыл бұрын

He was a bel canto, or as he said 'can belt-o' :)

@albertrogers8537

6 жыл бұрын

I think it was Anthony Hopkins who, on his first appeaarnce on the Brains Trust, told Jacob Bronowski tha he was Peter Sellars.

@amandalively1537

4 жыл бұрын

Sir Les. So true

My weekly dose of sanity to ward off an insane world .... courtesy of the SABC wireless radio

I listen to all their shows on my internet radio. Fantastic !

I have always loved the goons,I am 70 years old,in this mad and crazy world we need this humour,there is nothing that is has intelligent and funny as these comedians incredibly funny ime in tears laughing, fANTASTIC

I once attended with my husband, a live concert performance of Harry Secombe singing with his wonderful voice. I had been thrilled, not just to get much sought after tickets but to get a front row seat. Harry came on and sang his heart out, but I may as well have been at the back of the theatre because he stood the whole time, through every song, right at the edge of the stage, which was at least a foot higher than our front row seats and because of his size, we could only see from his waist down. If we had seats further back our view would have been perfect. I learnt a life lesson that day…somethings may look perfect but in reality they are not and may be far worse than things that seem mediocre.

Oh ... oh ... I tell you, they don't make 'em like that any more, you know. And didn't even when then did. God bless them all ... Wherever they are.

Brilliant even seeing the nutters live

I still have the album of this show I listened to them “The goon show “. every week Without fail Brilliant then brilliant now 😎😂😂😂😂😂👍

7, 8 years old, listening to the Goon Show on my crystal radio set in bed in Canada. I barely had a clue what they were talking about, and no idea how the whole thing was produced. Well, at least I have an idea now how it was produced.

If It’s Good Enough For John Cleese I’m There

Well I’m 99 and a half and I remember listening to this show when i was about 2 and a third years old.

Thank you for uploading a wonderful reminder or a great show that I still to listen to (on casstte) and love. It leaves today's attempts at comedy in the dust. inane but great and all its creators where great talents, outside the show.

The Goon show should never be forgotten and can't understand why the woke BBC does not play ALL the shows on the Radio. For me they were comic Gods but Peter Sellers was the 'Zeus' imho.

I was an avid fan and they were masters of comedy.

Thankyou! A blast seeing the show recorded live... a face to the voices marvellous!

Got one of their collections. Mates Dad turned us on to the goons as tiny kids, we used to watch the puppet show on tv on Saturdays in Manchester, according to my old memoir cells.

Immortal. Thank you. God Bless.

"What is it Pvt. Parts?" "It's time for your perversion sir".

Liked the harmonica piece.

What a lovely singing voice indeed

I used to listen to the goon show with my son and his friends from early grade school and loved them... and particularly loved Peter Sellers. It was so sad to lose his comic genius at such an early age

@stephendavis7476

6 жыл бұрын

You shoulda waited 'til you were older then!!

love watching these comedy shows, my father loved 'The Goons', as i always have. Same with nearly all comedians, comedy shows from '60's '70's just about all comdians before present time, who feel they only be funny using swear words. hey check out how to funny with a bit of class.

Awesome. Always has been and always will be.

their level of humour was ahead of its time you either got it or you didn't i used to tune in on my dads danset radio on goon show night and although i was only 7 i my sister and i used to laugh our socks off my dad would say its stupid as he didn't get it at all. But it didn't matter because we did FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY

A priceless work of art. Thank you for uploading.

I found these few years back from Spotify didn't know about these bloody marvelous...funny as heck.

Masters of mirth. Wonderful stuff indeed.

Greatest show on earth!

Harry Viewjizz, Peter Basement and Poinything Milligan. All legends.

A well qualified Bluebottle, with two 'O' Levels and a budgerigar!

@synthonaplinth5980

5 жыл бұрын

Ying-tong-iddle-i-po!

@adammoss5284

Жыл бұрын

Just for the trill of it

This is pure gold

They really enjoyed doing those shows for years.

Seen this a few times and is funny each time. Spike suffered for his talent. Writing the vast majority of the scripts it severely affected his mental health. All three of them gone now. The Goon Show was ground breaking comedy.

I love how these guys cracked each other up, brilliant men. Thanks for sharing this.

"There was a deposit on it". "That 'll brush right off". Nearly choked on my beer;)

thank you so much! I've been wanting to watch this for a long time.

Splinge meligna , Barry seafront, petrov sells were an incredible triumvirate.. not forgetting Mike bentine... Don't think Ellington gets enough credit for his work.. Nor Andrew Timothy... Salute to the memory of the goons...