Final tickets remaining as Robin Colvill, harmonica player Pete Hewitt, and the Wyre Levee Stompers join cast for exclusive, never-to-be-repeated afternoon on 17 October at The Scenic Theatre, University of York.
The Goon Show: 75 Years will be an unrepeatable, strictly one-off celebration honouring the 75th anniversary of Britain’s most influential radio comedy series. It will bring together live comedy, rare archival displays, live music, and special guest appearances for one afternoon only. Act quickly, there aren’t many tickets left.
Although His Majesty King Charles III cannot attend in person, attendees will receive a special message from the King, Patron of The Goon Show Preservation Society (GSPS), exclusively during the event.
Organisers have announced major new additions to the line-up, including Grumbleweeds star Robin Colvill, who joins the cast to play legendary BBC announcer Wallace Greenslade.
To complete the authentic live radio broadcast experience, acclaimed harmonica player Pete Hewitt will perform live, recreating the iconic style of original Goon Show house musician Max Geldray, while the Wyre Levee Stompers will echo the classic jazz of the show’s musical interludes originally provided by the Ray Ellington Quartet, bringing a superb trad jazz feel to the proceedings.
The Goon Show Preservation Society, the Birmingham Comedy Festival, and the Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, are co-hosting the event. Attendees will get a rare look at Borthwick’s extensive comedy archives, including original scripts, recordings, photographs, and personal memorabilia, alongside a live Q&A.
At the heart of the afternoon is Birmingham Comedy Festival’s acclaimed live stage production, recreating two classic Goon Show episodes complete with live sound effects: 1958’s The Seagoon Memoirs and 1954’s The Phantom Head Shaver (Of Brighton) – the latter originally recorded on the exact same date, 17 October, 72 years ago! The show stars Mark Earby (Spike Milligan), Jimm Rennie (Harry Secombe), and Richard Usher (Peter Sellers), alongside Robin Colvill (Wallace Greenslade).
This exclusive celebration will not tour or be repeated. With tickets priced at just £10, comedy lovers and radio history enthusiasts are advised to book immediately before the remaining seats sell out.
The afternoon forms part of the annual York 50+ Festival (1–18 October 2026) and directly supports Age UK York.
Here are the key event details:
Date – Saturday 17th October 2026 from 2pm until 4pm
Venue – The Scenic Stage Theatre, University of York East Campus, YO10 5GB
Admission Price – Tickets £10 with all profits to AgeUK York
Tickets are available now via this link, or this QR code below:
