Simon Rushfield recalls a GSPS dinner date with Spike Milligan.
Originally published in Newsletter 93 in July 1998.
After a few tense and suspense weeks of waiting, having been informed that we’d been luckily picked for dinner with Spike Milligan, the day finally arrived, June 6, 1998. After a confused meet up at the George Hotel in Rye (the map was a tad misleading, then it took encrypted Goon clues for everyone to realise who they were waiting for in the bar) and the seven of us had assembled we went to the Gandhi Tandoori, personally chosen by Spike.
After a slightly nervous 20 minutes or so Shelagh and Spike arrived, we all held our breath to see what kind of mood he would be in and our eyes stayed fixed to him for the rest of the night. He tuned out to be in great spirits and spoke of his passion for jazz (particularly Charlie Parker), rugby and also a bit about his writing of poetry and limericks (even reciting a few, plus Shelagh’s favourite Jewish dilemma: pork chops at half price!).
The meal was great, with a few ‘bewildered’ moments when Spike asked “Why am I telling you all this?” he was great company and open and friendly to the whole group. His playful mood included jibing with the Indian waiters about the music and artwork in the restaurant. He enjoyed the meal so much he insisted on getting the tab. We kept the conversation away from his comedy and career apart from daring Maxine, toward the end of the meal, who asked where the name Eccles had come from.
Afterwards we said our sad goodbyes but were invited back by Shelagh to watch an exclusive screening of Spike’s One-Man show from Australia (he went to bed). Plus sitting with us and talking about life with Spike. By the end of the late night we were all in great spirits, and I will remember the night always with great fondness. Thank you Maxine and Chris for organising it and picking my name out of the hat, and thank you Spike and Shelagh for agreeing to come.
The Goon Show Preservation Society 