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The Goon Show Companion: A History and Goonography by Roger Wilmut, Jimmy Grafton
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 Jimmy Grafton, in whose pub the first programs were hatched. ‘The Goon Show Companion’ is a must for all true fans.
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It’s All In The Mind: The Life and Legacy of Larry Stephens by Julie Warren
British popular culture would probably be very different had Larry Stephens not been born. We could now be living in a world without the Carry On films or Monty Python and we may never have heard of Tony Hancock, Peter Sellers or Spike Milligan.
For the first time, the life and work of this unsung hero of British comedy has been thoroughly explored. Using unrivalled access to Larry Stephens’ personal archive of letters, photographs and artwork, plus interviews with Stephens’ many notable friends, family members, comrades and colleagues, It’s All In The Mind: The Life And Legacy Of Larry Stephens tells the story of a boy from the Black Country whose short life had such an enduring impact.
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The Goons: The Story by Norma Farnes (Editor), Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe, Eric Sykes
This fascinating collection of reminiscences, photographs and sketches is the definitive story of Eccles, Bluebottle, Neddy, Bloodnok, Grytpype-Thynne, Moriarty, Minnie Bannister, Henry Crun et al from those who know them best.
Under the patient guidance of Spike’s Manager, Norma Farnes, Spike Milligan and 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.
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The Book of the Goons
With an introduction by Peter Eton and a foreword by Ned of Wales, this book contains screeds of genuine, entirely based on fiction, correspondence between the Goons, often using identities such as Futtle, Crun & Nephew, Commissioners of Oaths, or Mrs Ethel Rotts or Hugh Jampton.
It also contains a great number of photographs and cartoons, and to round it off, there are five faithfully reproduced “Goon Show” scripts. The book was published in 1974.
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Spike: An Intimate Memoir by Norma Farnes
The complete memoirs of a man of many talents and faces – the late, great Spike Milligan – affectionately recounted by his close friend and agent for 35 years, Norma Farnes.
In this affectionate yet true account, Norma looks at the whole of Spike’s life from his childhood and extraordinary family in India, his ongoing battle with his restless mind, his numerous affairs and his heartening struggles with many varied causes. She gives a mass of wonderful anecdotes and revealing insights into Spike and his circle, including, of course, his often fraught but deep friendship with Peter Sellers.
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The Goon Show Scripts
More Goon Show Scripts
written and selected by Spike Milligan
These two books of scripts appeared in the 1970s and fed a hungry fan-base who were looking for insights into how their favourite show was made. The first volume contains nine scripts from series 5 and 6. The second contains eight scripts from series 9.
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Goon But Not Forgotten by John Antrobus
This book is essentially about me – me midst the Goons!
Me! Me! Me!
an extract:
I am playing squash with Spike. He bounds around energetically hitting the black rubber ball often and beating me more times than I can defeat him. As I had previously played but not a lot at RMA Sandhurst Spike addresses me thus, Well played Somme Company! You nearly hit the ball then!
I fan the air sometimes, I reply. Because it’s getting hot in here. It is a ploy Milligan, to put you off your guard…
We rest awhile slumped against the walls. Hearing the sounds of play from another court, Spike shouts,
KEEP QUIET! THERE ARE PEOPLE TRYING TO SLEEP IN HERE! LEAVE A PINT OF MILK BY THE DOOR AND PISS OFF!
Afterwards we went back to the office in Orme Court. What shall we do, Spike. Let’s do nothing, John, that way life happens. Spike’s friend Cliff Morgan walked in. Then a well known sports broadcaster, previously the Welsh International Rugby Union fly half. Ohh, he said, my back is playing me up today! How is your front? Asked Spike. It’s like the front of Selfridges, said Cliff. Full of wonders that you cannot afford. Have you seen their Christmas windows this year? What a treat they are! It’s Easter, said Spike. Cliff laughed. Well there you go, boyo. I’m not one for an argument. I keep my energies for the game. How are you, John? Spike has just beaten me at squash five games to nil, I said. He was lucky to get nil, said Spike. You said that about Ireland last Saturday when they were beaten by England at the rugby at Twickenham, said Cliff Morgan. You said Ireland were lucky to get nil. Spike said, I am recycling a witty line. If you do not laugh then I will not pay for dinner tonight at the Trattoria. Oh, said Cliff, you see that, John. Spike has fallen on hard times. He’s bribing us to laugh at his jokes now. It’s worth it for a good dinner. If you laugh you’ll be invited as well.
We laughed.
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Spike by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman
This is the script of the hit play which tells the story of the early years of the Goon Show. It last toured the theatres in 2022.
It’s available as a paperback from Amazon. You can also get it in paperback or spiral-bound format from Concord Theatricals, who also have a digital version available to be read on their Concord Reader+ app.
The Goon Show Preservation Society 