BBC Radio 7

Comedy Controller

Comedy

Series in which guests choose six comedy shows that have influenced them

Comedy Controller: Eric Sykes

Eric Sykes

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Comedy Controller, Eric Sykes

The comic picks his favourite radio comedies, including The Goon Show and Variety Bandbox.

The veteran comedian and writer's six-pack selection: The Goon Show, Variety Bandbox, Round the Horne, The Al Read Show, The Ken Dodd Show and Take It From Here.

Comedian and writer Eric Sykes [05/05/1923 - 04/07/2012] takes control and picks some of his favourite BBC radio comedies:

* The Goon Show: 'Phantom Batter Pudding Hurler'
Constable Neddie Seagoon sets out to apprehend Minnie and Henry's Sussex assailant. Stars Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe. From 12/10/1954.

* The Al Read Show
A look at the fire brigade and the morning after the night before - a collection of the Northern comic's 1950s monologues. From 06/02/1966

* Round the Horne: Series 4 (6/16)
Kenneth Horne's in for a shock from sneaky Kenneth Williams - and bona gifts galore from Julian and Sandy. From 31/03/1968

* The Ken Dodd Show
Nude photography and a Scottish monster are on Doddy's chuckles menu. With John Laurie and Patricia Hayes. From 19/07/1964

* Variety Bandbox
With Frankie Howerd, William Ternent, Jerry Allen, Barbara Leigh, Peter Sellers, Bill Kerr and Philip Slessor. From 22/01/1950

* Take It from Here
The fall and rise of a Punch & Judy show - and in 'The Glums' Ron and Eth are planning their honeymoon. Stars Jimmy Edwards, Dick Bentley and June Whitfield. From 19/02/1959.

Producer: Mik Wilkojc

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2005.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

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Comedy Controller

Eric Sykes

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BBC Radio 7