That was the Goon show.
Door opens, galloping coconut shells fast
"Hullo dere......" (In best Eccles accent)
The Goon Show is one of those things which I only bumped into when I was over 21 and I was an instant fan. I do know they ran them on local radio for years and at one point I was recording them weekly so that I too could enjoy the insanity and admire the jelly sploshes and knees of my favourite characters. Suprisingly enough I have encountered many fans in South Africa and my own of Goonabilia collection was donated to a fan in Cape Town. I hope that this page will be my tribute to them and provide a small resource for people who have yet to discover the mayhem which only the Goons could conjure up.
Unveiled by the BBC in 1952, the show ran for many years in many countries. The scripts, written by Spike and Larry Stephens, were rehearsed in 4 hours and be broadcast live in front of a studio audience with much hilarity and ad-libbing. Eventually the trio would break up and pursue their various careers, only coming together in 1972 for a reunion show. The death of Peter Sellers would finally end any hope of a Goons in retirement show. Fortunately their work has remained behind for us to enjoy, and, while many people will never understand it, there are those who will always smile at the sounds of Eccles and Bluebottle and the rest of the gang.
Tremendous cracking explosion. Little bits and pieces falling, jelly splosh
tHe CaSt:
SPIKE MILLIGAN
Usually seen as the principal author of the Goon Show, Spike is famous for his writing and acting abilities. His accounts of life in the military are widely enjoyed by young and old. Spike sadly passed away in late February 2002, he was the last of the Goons.
PETER SELLERS
Well known for his radio work, he moved into film in 1954 and he would gain the most recognition when he acted as Inspector Cleauseau in the many Pink Panther movies. His ability to do voices would produce many of the characters which would make up the Goons and his dedication to his art was legendary.
HARRY SECOMBE
This multitalented Welshman would complete the trio which made up the Goons. He would achieve fame as a singer and comedian, but his protrayal of Ned Seagoon would always endear him to his many fans. Harry Secombe was knighted in 1981and passed away in April 2001.
WALLACE GREENSLADE
BBC Announcer who would provide the stoic voices behind the Goons and many of the bit parts.
RAY ELLINGTON and MAX GELDRAY
Provided the musical inteludes which would punctuate the shows. They would always play an integral part in each script.
tHe mAin cHarAcTers:
Big Ben played very fast mixed with any odd sounds that go with it.
NEDDIE SEAGOON.
A true British idiot and hero always. Played by Harry Secombe, Neddie was often the hero scorned, the innocent cheated and the rich exploited by Goons far and near. What what what what what????? I'll call you later - Goodbye!
MAJOR DENIS BLOODNOK, IND ARM RTD.
Military Idiot, coward and bar. One of the many roles played by Peter Sellers, Major Bloodnok was reknown for his advanced cowardice, ducking and diving, embezzlement and a passionate love for Minnie Bannister.
ECCLES
Hullo Dere. T.F. Eccles (The Famous Eccles) is the original Goon and the closest thing to being a human being without actually being one. Made famous by Spike Milligan, Eccles is well liked by children, small animals and a brewers dray.
BLUEBOTTLE
Ye he he! Heuheuheuheuheuheuheuheu he! I don't like this game.... A cardboard cut-out and liquorice and string hero, Bluebottle has this penchant for dolly mixtures and hates being deaded. You rotten swine you, I have been deaded once again! This scout gone wrong is played by Peter Sellers.
HERCULES GRYTPYPE-THYNNE, THE HON.
A slimey villan if ever I saw one. Complete with sidekick (see Moriarty) and false pretenses, he is only seen at the best clubs and rubbing shoulders with the rich and disgusting. Only the talents of Peter Sellers could pull this off successfully.
COMTE TOULOUSE-MORIARTY OF THE HOUSE OF ROLAND
Sidekick to Grytpype-Thynne who manages his "career", Moriarty (played by Spike Milligan) is often found living in dustbins and paper bags. Sapristi Nucko's! foiled again.
HENRY CRUN
Mnk-grnk-mnk-mnk-grmp, a thin ancient and inventor, Crun (Peter Sellers) is friend, confidant and same age as Minne Bannister. Ooooooh Min, is it that time again?
MINNE BANNISTER
A spinster by trade and oft admired by Major Bloodnok, this admirable old bat is portayed by Spike Milligan and chased (albeit very slowly by Crun). Listen buddy! I'm not that oooooolllld!!!!
WILLIUM "MATE" COBLERS
Bloody foreigners! This typical workman/soldier/village idiot clone is made famous by Peter Sellers and can be found wherever drains need unblocking. Oh Mate!
That was the Goon Show - a BBC recorded programme featuring Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe, Spike Milligan with the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray. The Orchestra was conducted by Wally Stott. Script by Spike Milligan. Announcer: Wallace Greenslade. The programme was produced by Peter Eton.
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