Episode 55 now available!

 

Episode 55 now available!

Episode 55 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees us travel back in time to Christmas Eve 1970 for a festive edition of 'Play School'.

Martin shares some memories of Christmas Past, then Ben plugs his new book about the 1990s festive TV schedules 'I Was Bored On Christmas Day'.

(Don't forget to visit https://benbakerbooks.org/  for more details)

Paul & Nick unwraps some surprise presents in the form of 'Emu's Broadcasting Company' and 'Neighbours', then we return to the 'RTA' sofa to find that 'There's No Place Like Home'.

That's all in Episode 55 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Ben Baker, Paul Chandler, Nick Goodman and Cuthbert The Robot.

A Merry Christmas To All Of You At Home!

You can listen to Episode 55 of 'Round The Archives' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

(Cover design by Martin Holmes)

Episode 54 now available!

 

Episode 54 now available!

Episode 54 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Andy and Martin from 'The A To Z Of UK TV Drama' podcast telling us that 'A is for Abineri', then Andrew & Lisa follow Herne The Hunter into the forest to encounter the first 'Robin Of Sherwood'.

Paul and Toppie (stars of such shows as 'The Shy Life Podcast', 'The Smellcast' and 'Matinee Minutiae') discuss 'I Love Lucy'.

And we return to the greenwood for another meeting with 'Robin Of Sherwood', this time in the form of Jason Connery.

That's all in Episode 54 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Andy Priestner, Paul Chandler and Toppie Smellie.

You can listen to Episode 54 of 'Round The Archives' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

(Cover art by Martin Holmes)

'Round The Archives' Episode Guide (Episode 51 onwards)

 

'Round The Archives' Episode Guide (Episode 51 onwards)

We left the first part of 'Round The Archives' Episode Guide (which you can find here) with Episode 50B, so let's carry on with the tail end of Season Four, then dive headlong into the madness that is Season Five...

Season Four

Episode 51 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees us welcome back Simon and Ken from 'The ExtonMoss Experiment' as they take a look at the 'Out Of The Unknown' story 'The Machine Stops'.

Martin has the technology to examine in detail the title sequence for 'The Six Million Dollar Man', then Nick and Paul talk about the first season of 'Armchair Thriller'.

Finally, we stay alert to cast an quizzical eye over the colourful adventures of 'Captain Zep - Space Detective'.

That's all in Episode 51 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Simon Exton, Ken Moss, Martin Holmes, Nick Goodman and Paul Chandler.

Season Five

Episode 52 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Martin delving into the shady world of spies and 'The Sandbaggers'.

We explore the world of local radio with 'The Kit Curran Radio Show' then Martin returns for some brief thoughts on 'Dangerman'.

Finally, Nick & Paul return to conclude their in-depth look at 'Armchair Thriller'.

That's all in Episode 52 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Nick Goodman and Paul Chandler.

Episode 53 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees us paying tribute to Diana Rigg with a look at two episodes of 'The Avengers', namely 'A Touch Of Brimstone' and 'Epic'.

Paul tells us of some Scary Things, then Simon and Ken from 'The ExtonMoss Experiment' go 'Out Of This World' to meet a 'Little Lost Robot'.

There are more Scary Things from Martin, before we remember Frank Windsor's work in 'Z Cars' with 'Hide - And Go Seek' and 'Happy Families'.

That's all in Episode 53 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Paul Chandler, Simon Exton, Ken Moss and Martin Holmes.

Episode 54 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Andy and Martin from 'The A To Z Of UK TV Drama' podcast telling us that 'A is for Abineri', then Andrew & Lisa follow Herne The Hunter into the forest to encounter the first 'Robin Of Sherwood'.

Paul and Toppie (stars of such shows as 'The Shy Life Podcast', 'The Smellcast' and 'Matinee Minutiae') discuss 'I Love Lucy'.

And we return to the greenwood for another meeting with 'Robin Of Sherwood', this time in the form of Jason Connery.

That's all in Episode 54 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Andy Priestner, Paul Chandler and Toppie Smellie.

Episode 55 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees us travel back in time to Christmas Eve 1970 for a festive edition of 'Play School'.

Martin shares some memories of Christmas Past, then Ben plugs his new book about the 1990s festive TV schedules 'I Was Bored On Christmas Day'.

(Don't forget to visit https://benbakerbooks.org/  for more details)

Paul & Nick unwraps some surprise presents in the form of 'Emu's Broadcasting Company' and 'Neighbours', then we return to the 'RTA' sofa to find that 'There's No Place Like Home'.

That's all in Episode 55 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Ben Baker, Paul Chandler, Nick Goodman and Cuthbert The Robot.

Episode 56 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Martin & Warren teaming up to look at the Basil Rathbone 'Sherlock Holmes' films.

We examine 'Neighbours' from a family perspective as Paul is joined by his mum Pat to discuss their memories of the show.

And Lisa & Andrew consider the various incarnations of Worzel & Saucy Nancy, particularly the 1980 Jon Pertwee and Barbara Windsor version.

That's all in Episode 56 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Warren Cummings, Paul Chandler and Pat Chandler.

Episode 57 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Warren taking a look at the 1988 'ScreenPlay' production 'The Black & Blue Lamp'.

Paul and Nick examine Terry Nation's mid 70s series 'Survivors', a show that seems even more relevant today.

And Lisa & Andrew do some sleight of hand to talk about 'David Nixon's Magic Box'.

That's all in Episode 57 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Warren Cummings, Nick Goodman and Paul Chandler.

Episode 58 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees the Summer Winos discussing their new book about the early days of 'Last Of The Summer Wine'.

Warren considers the time that 'Kolchak : The Night Stalker' encountered a werewolf on a cruise ship, then Paul and Nick tune into some local radio with 'Shoestring'.

Finally Lisa & Andrew find themselves in the late 1950s where they 'Dial 999'.

That's all in Episode 58 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Bob Fischer, Andrew T Smith, Warren Cummings, Nick Goodman and Paul Chandler.

You can find more details on 'Last Of The Summer Wine' at summerwinos.co.uk where the book is available to order.

Episode 59 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Martin taking a personal voyage through Carl Sagan's 'Cosmos'.

Warren clocks on for a 'Graveyard Shift', part of the series 'Circle Of Fear', then Paul & Toppie embark on the plane to 'Fantasy Island'.

Finally Lisa & Andrew perform some television archaeology as they celebrate 'Time Team'.

That's all in Episode 59 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Warren Cummings, Paul Chandler and Toppie Smellie.

Season Six

Episode 60 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast takes a look at the television landscape of the 1960s as we spend some time with 'Maigret' who investigates a 'Murder In Montmarte'.

Martin takes a look at the early days of 'The Avengers' then Paul & Toppie find themselves 'Lost In Space'.

Finally Lisa & Andrew boggle at how un-Christmassy 'Sergeant Cork' was in December 1963 with 'The Case Of The Fenian Men'.

That's all in Episode 60 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Paul Chandler and Toppie Smellie.

Episode 61 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees us turning the spotlight onto three unusual gameshows.

First, Paul and Toppie discuss 'The Adventure Game' and 'Treasure Hunt' from both a UK and US perspective.

And to finish, Lisa & Andrew don impenetrable disguises to examine what remains of 'The Masterspy'. 

That's all in Episode 61 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Paul Chandler and Toppie Smellie.

Episode 62 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees us pay tribute to the late Barry Cryer.

Michael Seely returns to discuss 'Star Maidens', then Paul & Nick talk about 'The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy'.

Finally, Andrew and Lisa remember the work of the late Peter Bowles.

That's all in Episode 62 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Michael Seely, Paul Chandler and Nick Goodman.

The 'Round The Archives' Cartoon and Essay collections are available on Lulu.com.

Season Seven

Episode 63 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Martin Holmes examining an early starring role for John Thaw in 'Redcap'.

Michael Seely examines 'Pathfinders In Space' and its sequels, then Warren Cummings takes up the case with 'Dangerous Davies'.

Finally, Andrew and Lisa pay tribute to the work of the late Bernard Cribbins.

That's all in Episode 63 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Michael Seely and Warren Cummings.

The 'Round The Archives' Cartoon and Essay collections are available on Lulu.com.

Episode 64 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Martin Holmes visit Hut 29 to take a look at 'The Army Game'.

Paul Chandler and his mum Pat talk about the modern incarnation of Father Brown, then Michael Seely takes a trip to BBC Scotland with 'Sutherland's Law'.

Finally, Andrew and Lisa examine 'Four Of A Kind', the very first episode of 'Z Cars'.

That's all in Episode 64 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Paul Chandler, Pat Chandler and Michael Seely.

The 'Round The Archives' Cartoon and Essay collections by Martin Holmes are available on Lulu.com.

If you've enjoyed this episode of 'Round The Archives', please leave us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts or spread the word to your friends on Twitter.

Episode 65 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Martin Holmes considering 30 years of 'NYPD Blue'.

Paul Chandler welcomes new voice Muffleyontour to the 'Round The Archives' team as they take a look at two black-and-white Emma Peel episodes of 'The Avengers' : 'The Hour That Never Was' and 'The House That Jack Built'. 

Finally, Andrew and Lisa come over all Tudor as they review 'The Shadow Of The Tower' (with some minor help from some random monarchs).

That's all in Episode 65 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Paul Chandler and Muffleyontour.

You can see us talking about Episode 65 on YouTube here.

Season Eight

Episode 66 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Nick Goodman joining us on the sofa to look at 'Dr Snuggles' and his links with Douglas Adams & John Lloyd.

Next, Martin Holmes travels back in time to Jefferson County, Virginia, to spend some time with 'The Waltons'.

Finally, Andrew and Lisa explore the murky world of 1920s crime as they probe 'The Mind Of Mr J G Reeder'.

That's all in Episode 66 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Nick Goodman and Martin Holmes.

The 'Round The Archives' Cartoon and Essay collections by Martin Holmes are available on Lulu.com.

If you've enjoyed this episode of 'Round The Archives', please leave us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts or spread the word to your friends on Twitter.

Andrew is now a Twitch Affiliate, so if you'd like to help support the podcast, please pop over to our channel here and have a good play with his marbles!

Episode 67 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Michael Seely revisiting the career of 'Bulman', while Warren takes a trip with Sir John Betjeman to explore 'Metroland'.

Paul & Toppie discuss some of the more obscure corners of US and UK telly and we round off with Andrew & Lisa celebrating the surviving episodes of 'Dixon Of Dock Green'.

That's all in Episode 67 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Michael Seely, Warren Cummings, Paul Chandler and Toppie Smellie.

Episode 68 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees us in a literary mood as we chat to Tim Worthington about his new book 'The Golden Age Of Children's TV'.

We then pop back to 1969 for some rousing songs from Harry Secombe and friends in the colourful BBC production of 'Pickwick'.

Edward Kellett then reads an extract from the first volume of 'Reaching A Verdict' part of his ongoing analysis of 'The Bill'.

Finally, we fall down a rabbit hole, looking at the 1966 Jonathan Miller version of 'Alice In Wonderland' where an amazing cast assemble to be as strange as possible!

That's all in Episode 68 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Tim Worthington and Edward Kellett.

You Have Been Listening To...

Andrew Trowbridge,
Lisa Parker,
Nick Goodman,
Warren Cummings,
Terry Molloy,
Jenny Shirt,
Paul Chandler,
Fiona Allen, 
Michael Seely,
Richard Marson,
John Challis,
Neil & Sue Perryman,
Paul Ebbs,
Russell Pengelly,
Martin Holmes,
Michael Dennis,
Andy Priestner,
Ben Baker,
Simon Exton,
Ken Moss,
Bob Fischer,
Andrew T Smith,
Tim Worthington,
Andy Ching,
Jo Bunsell,
Paul Abbott,
Toppie Smellie,

Pat Chandler.

Muffleyontour.

Medusa Cascade,

Tyler Adams.

Oliver Crocker.

Edward Kellett.

If you'd like to help support 'Round The Archives' please follow us on Twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/trowby 

and YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvd2BLKd0mLKN7bBT5Bnevg

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

(Cover designs by Martin Holmes)

Episode 53 now available!

 

Episode 53 now available!

Episode 53 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees us paying tribute to Diana Rigg with a look at two episodes of 'The Avengers', namely 'A Touch Of Brimstone' and 'Epic'.

Paul tells us of some Scary Things, then Simon and Ken from 'The ExtonMoss Experiment' go 'Out Of This World' to meet a 'Little Lost Robot'.

There are more Scary Things from Martin, before we remember Frank Windsor's work in 'Z Cars' with 'Hide - And Go Seek' and 'Happy Families'.

That's all in Episode 53 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Paul Chandler, Simon Exton, Ken Moss and Martin Holmes.

You can listen to Episode 53 of 'Round The Archives' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

(Cover artwork by Martin Holmes)

RTA In Conversation - Episodes 13 and 14

 

'RTA' In Conversation - Episodes 13 and 14

Have only just noticed that we forgot to do a blog post for 'RTA' In Conversation Episode 13, so we'd better include it as Episode 14 has now also been released!

So, now available are the following...

Episode 13 - "Harry Sullivan's waving at me!"

Warren joins us as a Very Special Guest to talk about how sitting on a particular bus seat on a certain day was the first step in an incredible journey into the mysterious worlds of 'Doctor Who' fandom...

and

Episode 14 - "I threw some spaghetti at Diana Rigg!"

We catch up  with the 'Round The Archives' gang to discuss Diana Rigg and Frank Windsor as well as going through what they've been watching recently.

You can listen to Episode 13 on Soundcloud here.

And Episode 14 may be found here.

The episodes feature Warren Cummings, Martin Holmes, Paul Chandler, Andrew Trowbridge and Lisa Parker.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

A Tribute To Frank Windsor

 

A Tribute To Frank Windsor

It ‘were’ another cold, dark, wet evening in the northern province of Newtown, nestling on the coast of Lancashire. A large bulk of a man in a worn light-coloured suit with the buttons heaving under the strain stood surveying the raindrops racing down the window. The streetlights outside were blurred and dulled by the downpour. 

His contemplation was broken by the sounds of raised voices outside his office door. The imposing man strode with purpose and flung open his office door. His bulk framed in the doorway, his lungs burst forth with a booming clarity that left no one under the impression they had disturbed a sleeping tiger.

“Sergeant Blackitt, I want silence in my life, so will you and these people...” there was a pause for full menacing effect, the booming voice was lowered to a mild growl. “I need some room and silence to read my files please”.

“Right you are, Inspector Barlow.”

The Inspector returned to his office and picked up a weighty file entitled ‘FRANK WINDSOR’.

Sergeant Blackitt knocked and entered, bearing gifts of a hot brown nature, in a chipped cup. “Thank you, Blackitt”. The desk sergeant looked over at the file Barlow had in his shovel of a hand.

“You know Blackitt, I can’t work out if this man Windsor was a genius or simply the world’s hardest working actor?” He thumbed through page after page. “His life has held tragedy, love, loneliness and a dogged determination to make the best out of things. But yet, he was well known and never off our screens, I can’t fathom why he didn’t just hang his trilby up when it was time to rest. I mean look at this”. Page after page ran through his fingers onto the desk.

Sergeant Blackitt grinned out the corner of his mouth and replied, “Plenty of form then?”

“For an innocent man”, Barlow paused. “For an innocent man...” repeated Barlow.

Blackitt left and Barlow returned to the file.

Born: Frank W Higgins, 12 July 1928, in Walsall to a modest sized family. Parents not rich, working class but hard grafters at that. Schooling : Queen Mary's Grammar School - appeared in a number of school productions.

Work: Learnt his craft in London (Barlow tutted at this) - Central School of Speech and Drama. They taught everything from Puppetry to Shakespeare.

Barlow let out another sigh. “Not another bloody spear holder”.

Barlow turned over the page and leaned forward into the file. “Interesting. Now it gets interesting”. 

BBC, 1955- played the Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria.

1960 - 'An Age Of Kings' - part of the rep company.

“In fact, quite a lot of TV plays, for both sides”. Barlow snorted. “In amongst the stage treading and shouting at the audience”.

1962, played a detective sergeant in a fictional Northern town in a hard hitting and ground-breaking live TV crime drama on the BBC.  “Z Cars. Preposterous name for a show!” dismissed Barlow. But he cracked a smile at the detail that followed. “Know for violently breaking wind before and during transmission, which caused some hilarity amongst his fellow actors. I knew he wasn’t that squeaky clean”.

Barlow coughed to clear his throat and then returned to his file.

'A For Andromeda',' ITV Playhouse', 'Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased)', 'The Avengers', 'Softly Softly'... “All this and much more during the 1960s. A very prolific little worker. But always returning to the police role. I wonder... Frank, you have so much to offer the viewers, I hope you didn’t end up as a copper for most your career?” Barlow supped his cup of tea. He opened his bottom drawer and took out a half bottle of whisky and poured a little into his brew. “Just to ward off the cold” he chuckled, replacing the bottle and closing the drawer.

“Now where was I?”

The 1970s: 'Softly Softly Task Force', 'Jack the Ripper', 'Second Verdict'. “Isn’t it time to diversify Frank?” Barlow looked around knowing he was alone but just making sure...

'Headmaster'; a play from 1977 which was turned into a 6-part series... Family entertainment with ‘The Goodies’ and returning to 'Z Cars' for one last appearance as a Detective Chief Superintendent. Barlow raised his cup at this saying “You deserved that rank, my friend”.

“An amazing continuation into the 80s, 90s and 00s.  Prolific is not the word I’m looking for…” Barlow rubbed his nose and looked up for inspiration. “I’d say loved and adored, a staple of British television. It appears you always got a top performance from the man, even if the scripts were a bit ropey”.

Barlow moved along the page to read the heart ache of Frank losing his son in a car accident, the press intrusion, the headlines. “Vultures! Can’t a man grieve?” Barlow almost spat the words out. 

“I’m rather proud of your form lad. I mean, if I was known for just half the things you accomplished …” Barlow stopped thinking out loud as the door opened. A tall, lean man wearing a trilby and very sodden raincoat comes in, leaving puddles as he walks.

Barlow snapped shut his file and slid it into his drawer. 

“Oh, sorry sir, I didn’t know you were still here” came the soft Northern tones of the trilby wearing man.

“No problem John, I, er…” Barlow paused, walking over to the coat rack, grabbing his overcoat and putting it on. 

“I never really got to thank you that much, John. I mean, when it comes to a round I can be a little..”

“Tight-fisted” replied John.

Barlow’s gaze snapped up and his face fell, just a moment of anger wafted across it. The expression left as quickly as it arrived. “Aye, you’re not wrong there, John”.

Barlow’s right arm shot out for John to grasp his hand and shake it. For a moment John paused, looking at the hand. Barlow wasn’t a man who showed much in the way of friendship or warmth, but he knew deep down they were the greatest of friends. John grasped Barlow’s hand warmly. Barlow placed his other hand over his as if to cement their friendship. The moment ended... Barlow opened the door and said as he strode out “Time for a couple, John?”

John followed him, switching off the office light and closing the door. 

“I wouldn’t miss that for a hotpot supper”. He laughed, and they walked out from the Police Station into the cold damp crime-ridden streets of Newtown...

FRANK WINDSOR: 12 July 1928 – 30 September 2020

(Written by Warren Cummings)

(Cover design by Martin Holmes

'Round The Archives' Victorious!

 

'Round The Archives' Victorious!

'Round The Archives' Victorious - arguably the most ambitious podcast project in the history of 'RTA' - launched over the weekend, seeing the culmination of much behind-the-scenes planning from three podcasting teams who have been co-ordinating their activities for several months in secret.

Actually no, it just so happened that we released Episode 52 around the same time that 'The ExtonMoss Experiment' and 'The Shy Life Podcast' published episodes that also contain some 'RTA' material, although it's a little more complicated than it might sound.

Episode 51 of 'The ExtonMoss Experiment' is one of their Podcast Crossover editions and includes their segment on 'Out Of The Unknown' as featured on 'RTA' Episode 51. But as a bonus, you also get a new piece on 'Out Of This World' which will form part of a future edition of 'Round The Archives'.

The 'Out Of This World' article was nearly part of our Episode 52, but will now run later in the year, which explains the bits on the cover for 'RTA' 52 which have been crossed out in red ink...!

By contrast, Episode 376 of 'The Shy Life Podcast' contains material recorded for Episode 40 of 'RTA'. Paul, Nick and Jo did a mammoth discussion of Season 17 of 'Doctor Who', but only a small part of this was used on the final edit, so here's a chance to enjoy something from 'RTA's past.

Episode 376 of 'The Shy Life Podcast' can be heard here.

Episode 51 of 'The ExtonMoss Experiment' can be heard here.

And, of course, Episode 52 of 'Round The Archives' can still be heard here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

('RTA' team artwork by Martin Holmes)

Episode 52 now available!

 

Episode 52 now available!

Episode 52 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees Martin delving into the shady world of spies and 'The Sandbaggers'.

We explore the world of local radio with 'The Kit Curran Radio Show' then  Martin returns for some brief thoughts on 'Dangerman'.

Finally, Nick & Paul return to conclude their in-depth look at 'Armchair Thriller'.

That's all in Episode 52 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Nick Goodman and Paul Chandler.

You can listen to Episode 52 of 'Round The Archives' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

(Cover design by Martin Holmes)

A tribute to Diana Rigg

 

A tribute to Diana Rigg

‘Where Steed jumps the gun and Emma gains her wings’

Where on earth do, I begin?

Spaghetti Bolognese, the deliciously saucy Emma Peel and Sonnets.

That’s where I will start.

In the late 1970s and early 80s my mother became the housekeeper for the local gentry in their manor house and I would often be roped into helping with the washing up at larger dinner parties. As a 12 year old it was a way of earning a little extra pocket money. 

We often had the guests popping their heads into the kitchen to say hello. Government Ministers, titled socialites, actors such as Jonathan Cecil and my favourite Diana Rigg (she wasn’t a Dame then).

Diana and my Mum would swap recipes whilst I sat listening to her exciting stories of exotic international travel and generally piddling about on the stage. I remember once having a food fight with her whilst she tried to recite some sonnets. Every time she dried, I would launch a spoonful of Spag Bol at her, as she would throw bread sticks at me. We giggled like school kids as my mother made us clear up the mess in the kitchen.

At school I had learnt the cheeky verse ‘The boy stood on the burning deck eating red hot scallops, one fell drown his trousers and burnt him on the……………………………knee.’

I fired this off with full theatrical flourish. Diana roared with laughter and replied with ‘Mary had a little lamb, her father shot it dead. And now Mary takes her lamb to school, between two hunks of bread’.

I still have a number of her ‘Mary had a little lamb’ verses I use today; all are very witty, and some are very blue but all are courtesy of Diana Rigg.

I only knew her as James Bond’s wife from ‘OHMSS’ at that time. At the age of 12, Shakespeare was a bit out of my league, however Diana did get me into reading sonnets.

She was always smiling, always hugging and kissing when we met and always took an interest in what I was doing. Today I suppose we would call her a Luvvie, but upon reflection I found her honest, sincere and thoroughly cheeky.

How many people can say Emma Peel taught them to swear!

I discovered 'The Avengers' when it was repeated on Channel 4 and asked her about it once. She replied ‘I laughed from start to finish, but it paid the bills and got me known. In my line of work, you always needed a stage to launch from’.

To many she was an icon of the 1960s, to others she was the girl who went from comic book hero to a board-treading stalwart, that iconic professional who never failed to deliver an audience-slaying performance.

Even now you can see her on Channel 5’s remake of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ as Mrs Pumphrey. - working right up to the final curtain.

I have tried not to create a chronological list of her full and varied career. In fact it's not even a surface scratcher. If you want to learn more, type her name into your search engine or into YouTube and investigate what is a full life in the limelight alongside the greats of the stage and silver screen.

Diana Rigg was a true powerhouse of an actor, a legendary name within the acting community and a true professional. But to me she will be that wonderfully witty soul who threw bread sticks at me and taught me to say ‘bugger’ a lot and more colourful descriptive words.

A star in the night sky has not just gone out, we’ve lost an entire constellation tonight.

‘MRS PEEL, YOU’LL ALWAYS BE NEEDED!’

Diana Rigg:  20th July 1938 – 10th September 2020

(Written by Warren Cummings)

(Cover design by Martin Holmes)

Episode 51 now available!

 

Episode 51 now available!

Episode 51 of 'Round The Archives' sees us welcome back Simon and Ken from 'The ExtonMoss Experiment' podcast as they take a look at the 'Out Of The Unknown' story 'The Machine Stops'.

Martin has the technology to examine in detail the title sequence for 'The Six Million Dollar Man', then Nick and Paul talk about the first season of 'Armchair Thriller'.

Finally, we stay alert to cast an quizzical eye over the colourful adventures of 'Captain Zep - Space Detective'.

That's all in Episode 51 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Simon Exton, Ken Moss, Martin Holmes, Nick Goodman and Paul Chandler.

You can listen to Episode 51 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

The Making Of 'Round The Archives'

The Making Of 'Round The Archives'

To round off the celebrations for the 50th episode of 'Round The Archives', it's confession time as Paul and Martin join us to discuss The Making Of RTA.

Featuring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Paul Chandler and Martin Holmes.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to 'The Making Of Round The Archives' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

Episode 50B now available!

Episode 50B now available!

Episode 50B of 'Round The Archives' sees us continuing our Golden Anniversary celebrations with Martin's look at the final episode of 'Quatermass And The Pit'.

Warren casts a critical eye over early 70s architecture with 'Nairn Across Britain', then Toppie and Paul invite us to spend some time visiting Rod Serling's 'Night Gallery'.

Finally, we revisit some of Alan Bennett's wonderful monologues as we compare the various incarnations of 'Talking Heads'.

That's all in Episode 50B of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Warren Cummings, Toppie Smellie and Paul Chandler.

You can listen to Episode 50B of 'Round The Archives' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

RTA In Conversation - Episode 12

RTA In Conversation - Episode 12

"Death by Space Pirates!"

Formats galore as the 'Round The Archives' crew gather to discuss black-and-white telly versus colour, 525- and 625-lines, VHS, DVD, picture quality in general and the more unlikely dangers one might face when watching 'The Space Pirates' Episode Two...

Featuring Paul Chandler, Nick Goodman, Martin Holmes and Andrew Trowbridge.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to Episode 12 of 'Round The Archives In Conversation' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

Episode 50A now available!

Episode 50A now available!

Episode 50A sees us starting our Golden Anniversary celebrations with a '50 Episode' quiz provided by Ben.

Andy P stays with the golden theme as he takes at look at the 1983 BBC serial 'The Cleopatras' written by Philip Mackie and produced by Guy Slater.

Next we travel 'Up Pompeii' to hang out with Frankie Howerd as Lurcio, forever failing to finish the Prologue, then Martin looks at the 1970 'Softly, Softly : Task Force' story 'Open And Shut' by Allan Prior.

Finally Ben returns to remember the rubber world of 'Spitting Image' without even sticking a deck chair up his nose.

That's all in Episode 50A of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Ben Baker, Andy Priestner and Martin Holmes.

Episode 50 will continue with Episode 50B which will be along in due course...

You can listen to Episode 50A of 'Round The Archives' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

RTA In Conversation - Episode 11

RTA In Conversation - Episode 11

"Dropping coffee on my laptop..."

Special guest Andy P joins us along with Martin & Paul to discuss 'An A To Z Of UK TV Drama' and 'The Shy Life Podcast', giving us some behind-the-scenes insight into the making of their shows.

Featuring Paul Chandler, Martin Holmes, Andy Priestner and Andrew Trowbridge.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to 'Round The Archives In Conversation' Episode 11 on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

RTA In Conversation - Episode 10

RTA In Conversation - Episode 10

"Lost in Chiswick with Henry Woolf..."

We discuss some of our favourite actors and their notable roles including Russell Hunter, Brian Blessed, Bernard Hepton, Joanna Lumley and Peter Davison.

Featuring Paul Chandler, Martin Holmes, Nick Goodman, Lisa Parker and Andrew Trowbridge.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to 'Round The Archives In Conversation' Episode 10 on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

RTA In Conversation 09

RTA In Conversation 09

"A whole universe of Gordon Gostelow!"

Our 'What Have You Been Watching?' discussion continues,  taking us on a wander through the worlds of 'Lovejoy', 'The Frighteners', 'Tales Of The Unexpected', 'Crown Court', 'The Bionic Woman' , 'The Golden Girls' and lots more.

This episode even boasts some astonishingly accurate impressions of Gordon Gostelow, so you're certainly getting value for money this time!

Featuring Paul Chandler, Martin Holmes, Lisa Parker and Andrew Trowbridge.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art by Martin Holmes.

Edited by Andrew Trowbridge.

You can listen to Episode 09 of 'Round The Archives In Conversation' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

Episode 49 now available!

Episode 49 now available!

Episode 49 sees us telling many stories of television's past as Martin remembers 'Jackanory' and we take a trip to 'Crown Court' where this week's case concerns 'The Most Expensive Steak In The World'.

Toppie shares his memories of Bill Bixby as 'The Magician' and Martin goes on 'The Wild Hunt' for Episode Five of 'Quatermass And The Pit'.

Finally, Paul and Nick look at two 'Tales Of The Unexpected' with 'The Moles' and 'The Surgeon'.

That's all in Episode 49 of 'Round The Archives' starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Martin Holmes, Toppie Smellie, Paul Chandler and Nick Goodman.

You can listen to Episode 49 of 'Round The Archives' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)
(Cover art by Martin Holmes)

RTA In Conversation 08

RTA In Conversation 08

"I referred to it as 'Crime Island'..."

The question "What Have You Been Watching?" leads to discussion of such well-known shows as 'Dynasty', 'Doctor Who', 'Crime Island' and 'Fights In Lilliput'.

Featuring Paul Chandler, Martin Holmes and Andrew Trowbridge.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler,

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to 'Round The Archives In Conversation' Episode 08 on Soundcloud here.

Or the YouTube version is available here.

By the way, we're in danger of reaching 250 subscribers on YouTube, so if you enjoy 'Round The Archives', please consider subscribing or telling your friends!

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

RTA In Conversation 07

RTA In Conversation 07

"Cromwell was stolen by a monkey..."

Spoiler warnings as we discuss how series such as 'Dark Shadows', 'Blakes 7' and 'Sapphire & Steel' ended and what might have happened if they had continued...

Featuring Paul Chandler, Martin Holmes, Lisa Parker and Andrew Trowbridge.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to Episode 07 of 'Round The Archives In Conversation' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

RTA In Conversation 06

RTA In Conversation 06

"It's really strong for female parts..."

More detective talk as Lisa, Paul, Martin and Andrew discuss 'The Gentle Touch', 'The Rivals Of Sherlock Holmes', 'Whodunnit?', 'Crown Court' and lots more!

Featuring Paul Chandler, Martin Holmes, Lisa Parker and Andrew Trowbridge.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to Episode 06 of 'Round The Archives In Conversation' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

Looks Unfamiliar Episode 59

Looks Unfamiliar Episode 59

"Once upon a time Gyles Brandreth was quite a cool name..."

Recently, Tim Worthington threw caution to the wind and invited us to make a return appearance on his wonderful podcast 'Looks Unfamiliar'.

It's always an interesting challenge to try and come up with six things that nobody else is likely to remember, but this time we went for a deliberate collision of cultural artefacts.

So, two computer games ('Pitfall!' and 'Stonkers') line up alongside Marion Chesney's 'Six Sisters books.

'Nicholas And The Gang' gives us another fondly-remembered book and 'So Haunt Me' flies the flag for slightly forgotten archive telly, just to keep the spirit of 'Round The Archives' in the mix.

But the real wildcard this time is in the form of 'Shag Connors And The Carrot Crunchers', whose album 'Furzlin' is currently propped up next to our signed Neil Innes poster, which at least proves our somewhat eclectic tastes in music.

During recording a good time was definitely had by all, and we think that this comes across in the finished version.

Happy listening!

You can listen to Episode 59 of 'Looks Unfamiliar' here.

And you can still catch our earlier appearance on Episode 11 ('He Looks Like A Normal Boy With A Nose') here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

Episode 48 now available!

Episode 48 now available!

Episode 48 of the 'Round The Archives' podcast sees us celebrating the work of Tim Brooke-Taylor by asking whether 'Goodies - Rule OK?'.

Paul and Toppie team up to enter 'The Twilight Zone' and Martin takes a 'Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea'.

That's all in Episode 48 of 'Round The Archives' - starring Lisa Parker, Andrew Trowbridge, Paul Chandler, Toppie Smellie and Martin Holmes.

You can listen to Episode 48 of 'Round The Archives' on Soundcloud here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)
(Cover by Martin Holmes)

RTA In Conversation 05

RTA In Conversation 05

Detectives assemble as Lisa, Paul, Martin and Andrew discuss some of their favourite television crime-fighters.

Featuring Paul Chandler, Martin Holmes, Lisa Parker and Andrew Trowbridge.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to 'Round The Archives In Conversation' 05 here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

RTA In Conversation 04

RTA In Conversation 04

"My brother did like to take the heads off some of the puppets!"

The discussion gets highly animated as Paul, Martin, Lisa and Andrew explore the varied worlds of cartoons and puppets.

Featuring Paul Chandler, Martin Holmes, Lisa Parker and Andrew Trowbridge.

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to 'Round The Archives In Conversation' 04 here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

Our First Missing Episode

Our First Missing Episode

It's still a surprise to us that we've managed to record and release three episodes of 'Round The Archives In Conversation', with each edition being made available in under 24 hours. In fact, Episode 03 was uploaded less than 5 hours after we first hit the Record button, showing what a great job Martin does with the editing on these!

But Episode 03 was itself the result of a slight emergency situation, when the recording session the previous day didn't quite work as planned.

With a significant chunk of material being lost, it seemed that we were rapidly heading for our very own version of 'Shada', but thankfully the team from 'The Shy Life Podcast' soon came to the rescue.

Paul's imagination is often fired by unexpected happenings and keen viewers of 'Sutton Park' will know that he's not even phased when cast members suddenly find that all their fingers have fallen off.

So, a bit of lost material was no problem and he was able to wave his Yeti Magic Wand (which is impressive, if a little hairy) and give us a 'Shy Life' / 'RTA' crossover episode which reconstructs the majority of the original episode.

Though now we await the inevitable arguments about whether it's true 'Round The Archives' canon or not...

(And that debate will only continue with the new editions of 'The ExtonMoss Experiment'!)

You can listen to Episode 330 of 'The Shy Life Podcast' here.

Many thanks to Paul, Martin and Nick for their help.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

RTA In Conversation 03

RTA In Conversation 03

"I will often go in the tub with 'The Sea Devils'..."

Lisa, Paul, Martin and Andrew discuss their memories of 'Doctor Who' (and other television) merchandise , including Target books, toys, games and records.

Featuring Lisa Parker, Paul Chandler, Martin Holmes and Andrew Trowbridge,

Music by Dan Tate and Paul Chandler.

Cover art and editing by Martin Holmes.

You can listen to 'Round The Archives In Conversation' 03 here.

(Written by Andrew Trowbridge)

A Tribute To Tim Brooke-Taylor

A Tribute To Tim Brooke-Taylor

I sit here in my union flag underpants, typing away my tribute to Mr Tim Brooke-Taylor. Which is no easy feat as spring on the carriage return on the typewriter is very painful in this confined space of said pants.

So where to start…?

Tim will always represent one of the two people who managed to pull off drag and look natural doing it. The other being the great Danny La Rue. And that’s not a line you often start a tribute with!
Tim was the forgotten Beatle, the missing link in the prehistory of Monty Python. He was also, when the occasion demanded, a teapot.

Tim Julian Brooke-Taylor (formerly known as Lady Constance de Coverlet) was born in Buxton, during the blackout, on the 17th July 1940. And being born into a family known for their athletic prowess, you’d expect a world class competitor naturally to emerge.

Tim’s Grandfather was the local parson and a centre-forward in the local team. His mother was a lacrosse champion.

With a family combination such as this, I’m sure Tim (had he put his mind to it) could have rattled off a quick situation comedy around his ancestry.

So Tim made his way through his educational adventure, coming out the other end with a fistful of qualifications.

As a budding actor he performed 5 days a week for a whole academic year as a teacher at a school in Hemel Hempstead. Boy that must have been a tough gig!

But soon, Tim knotted his little union jack hanky on the end of a stick and made his way to the dreamy spires of Cambridge.

Upon arrival he joined the famous Footlights at just the right time under the guise of studying Law. Making friends with such luminaries as Cleese, Chapman, Garden and some little hairy tearaway from Birmingham.

Tim headed up the Footlights, at one point travelling abroad in 1964 with one of their revues. He was an avid writer, director and performer. He was one of the famous four who co-wrote the legendary 'Four Yorkshireman' sketch. I would tell you more about that, but you’d ‘never believe me.’

He appeared on the popular ‘Frost’ franchise of comedy programmes, co-writing with John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Marty Feldman and the great John Junkin.

This would ultimately lead up to the coming together of Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden on the TV programme ‘Broaden Your Mind’ which only survives in a handful of film clips; Oddie joining the cast for the second season.

Very late on the evening of 8th November 1970, the three members of the Cricklewood Royalty would appear to audiences in the form of ‘The Goodies’.

Their shows are a fizzing cauldron of creativity, comedy, slapstick, pathos and sometimes tragedy. The great and the good all lined up to appear or be lampooned in their show. The Royalist, the Mad Scientist and the hairy little Common One.

Awards such as the Montreux Rose were won, and all ages watched eagerly to catch up on the antics of these three Goodies during some of the darkest years of the 1970s. One of Tim’s uncles was even played by the great John Le Mes; that’s how much the programme drew the stars.

Even during the ‘Goodies’ era Tim still found time to work on the wireless in programmes such as ‘Hello Cheeky’ and ‘I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again’ for which he created his character the legendary high pitched Lady Constance de Coverlet.

His acting skills took him to the land of sitcom with series like ‘You Must Be The Husband’ alongside Diane Keen and ‘Me And My Girl’ with Richard O’Sullivan.

Tim was a hardworking performer/writer who enjoyed the challenge of fresh projects and ideas.

His career went on throughout the modern age, appearing recently in a launch with the other two for Network DVD’s release of their entire series of 'The Goodies'.

I was watching some episodes over the last few nights, thinking that the ideas are still as fresh and entertaining as ever.

Tim on screen was the same as the Tim off. A kind, warm and generous person who always wanted to reach that little segment of the audience that he knew had a hidden funny bone, but just needed the right encouragement.

Finally, in 2011 he was made an OBE, a long overdue gong, considering the promise the Royal Family made to him in the very first episode of ‘The Goodies’.

Whether it was being drowned in baked beans, coming out as a closet boy scout, dragging up (Tim never settled for half measures) or being a teapot, Tim was a true comedy legend.

The world can be a cruel lonely place sometimes that needs a belly laugh now and again, and Tim in ‘The Goodies’ definitely lifts my spirits. Give it a go sometime soon and rediscover your inner child.

That three-seater cycle today is missing a huge presence, and one we have the privilege of revisiting at any time.

Cheers Timbo!

Tim Julian Brooke-Taylor: 1940 - 2020.

(Written by Warren Cummings)

(Cover by Martin Holmes)