Talking Secombe (with Tony Cross)

All hail the Roly-Poly Regent of Raspberries, the Moon-Faced Monarch of Mirth, the Spherical Sovereign of Song! (Alright, that’s enough – Ed.) This week Tyler is joined by Tony Cross to talk about Harry Secombe, focusing on his two volumes of memoir Arias & Raspberries and Strawberries & Cheam. The emphasis is on the pre-Goons days, particularly his wartime service and post-war pursuit of fame as a fledgling comedian and variety turn. It’s a warm appreciation of the man who would go on to become Ned of Wales and one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers. Features stories such as Jimmy Edwards and a case of mistaken identity, a troublesome kidney stone, that fateful first meeting with Spike, Harry as a young shaver belting out hymns from the outdoor thunderbox and his time touring Italy to entertain the troops. Some honourable mentions along the way for Bill Hall, Peter Sellers, Muir & Norden, Vivian Van Damm, Bruce Forsyth and Tony Hancock. And we ask: Why hasn’t there been a definitive Secombe biography? Check out Tony on Twitter @Lokster71 and his website is https://acrosstime.tv/ As always, check out the podcast @goonshowpod