IT WAS one of the most popular radio comedies of the 1960s, back in the day when the entertainment came without pictures.
With its infamous movie spoofs and hilarious regular characters such as Julian and Sandy, Rambling Syd Rumpo and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock,
Round the Horne was a cultural phenomenon, regularly drawing up to 15 million listeners per week and making stars of Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden.
Now it’s back on stage.
Round The Horne is on its fifth UK tour, such is the popularity of the vintage programme.
Created by the Apollo Theatre Company, the show aims to transport audiences back to the late 1960s, and the anarchic, boisterous atmosphere of the BBC’s Paris Theatre for recordings of the show that defined the genre for decades to come, complete with a live band and live sound effects.
Today, 55 years since its first broadcast, the show is still as popular as ever and audiences will have the chance to experience live what makes the show so special.
Created with the blessing and support of the estates of the show’s writers, Barry Took and Marty Feldman, director Tim Astley has hand-picked a selection of the greatest sketches and songs from the 67 original episodes.
On Round the Horne’s enduring popularity, Director Tim Astley said, “I was born twenty years after Round the Horne aired its final episode and discovered it for the first time as a teenager.
“Even at a young age, I could tell that this show was special.
“Barry and Marty were so clever in the way they wrote it that it really did have something for everyone.”
He continues: “On one level you have the big, over-the-top characters and ridiculous scenarios, on the other, the wonderful wordplay and innuendo.
“I listen back to the shows now and finally understand some of the cleverer and ruder jokes I missed at first listen.
“It really is a timeless comedy show and it’s an absolute joy to be able to perform these brilliant sketches live to fans young and old.”
Brimming with eccentric, laugh-out-loud humour, Round the Horne is an absolute must-see for classic comedy fans.
The show will be at South Hill Park on Sunday, February 20, from 3pm. Tickets cost £18.50, £12 for under 18s, and £16.50 for members.
For more details, log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on 01344 484123.
