Open Mike

Original version

BBC Radio 7

Open Mike: Mike Craig's Radio Memoirs

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Comedy: Sitcoms

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Open Mike: Mike Craig's Radio Memoirs

Jimmy Cricket to The Grumblweeds. Favourite comedies of legendary BBC producer Mike Craig.

Favourite shows of BBC comedy producer Mike Craig: Castle's On The Air, Jimmy's Cricket Team, Bernie Clifton's Comedy Shop, The Grumbleweeds, Such is Life with Al Read and Ken Dodd

Mike Craig was a prolific producer and writer of over 1200 comedy shows for both BBC Radio and TV.

These included:  Morecambe and Wise, Ken Dodd, Jimmy Tarbuck, Al Reid, Harry Worth and The Grumbleweeds

It was Mike who wrote the legendary high-kicking sketch on the 1976 Morecambe and Wise Christmas TV Show with newsreader Angela Rippon.
 
In this 3 hour showcase of his radio memoirs, Mike presents a selection of his own favourites:     

 
*      Castle's On The Air

Record-breaking Roy Castle brings you espionage, The Three Musketeers and the perils of powering a car with cooking sherry explained by Stanley Unwin.
From 1975.  
 
*      Jimmy's Cricket Team - series.1 (3/8)

Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket with a letter from his mammy and more! With Bill Pertwee, Peter Goodwright and Noreen Kershaw. Written by Eddie Braben.  
From 1990. 
 
*     Bernie Clifton's Comedy Shop

From restaurants to great moments in history - a non-stop barrage of gags. With Caroline Turner, Tony Pearce and Pat Mooney.
From 1982.
 
*     Ho-di-ho starring The Grumbleweeds

The Grumbleweeds decide to go on holiday to Maplin's holiday camp. With Ruth Madoc and Paul Shane.
From 1986.  

*     Al Read Says Such Is Life

The Lancashire sausage-maker turned comedian illustrates pages of his autobiography with excerpts from his classic performances.
 From 1987
 
*     Ken Dodd's Easter Special  

From the City Varieties Theatre, Leeds, Spring is in the air and Doddy's tackling romance and there's trouble at t'mill. With Johnny Moore, Paula Tilbrook,
From 1988.  


Based mainly in Manchester, Mike retired from the BBC in 1993. He died in 2010 aged 75.
 
Recorded at BBC Manchester and compiled for transmission  by Mik Wilkojc.
 
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in June 2008

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.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Open Mike: Mike Craig's Radio Memoirs

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BBC Radio 7