Why go and see it?
“I’m not acting crazy. I’m the genuine article.”
SPIKE is an absurdly funny new play by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman (The Wipers Times, Trial By Laughter, A Bunch of Amateurs) that delves into the inner workings of one of our most unique and brilliantly irreverent comedy minds.
Watch the trailer
Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
2 hours 15 minutes incl. interval
Tue - Sat at 19:30
Wed and Sat at 14:30
It’s the booming fifties, and Britain is in the clutches of Goon mania as men, women and children across the country scramble to get their ear to a wireless for another instalment of The Goon Show.
While Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers get down to the serious business of becoming overnight celebrities, fellow Goon and chief writer Spike finds himself pushing the boundaries of comedy, and testing the patience of the BBC.
Flanked by his fellow Goons and bolstered by the efforts of irrepressible sound assistant Janet, Spike takes a flourishing nosedive off the cliffs of respectability, and mashes up his haunted past to create the comedy of the future. His war with Hitler may be over, but his war with Auntie Beeb - and ultimately himself - has just begun.
Will Spike’s dogged obsession with finding the funny elevate The Goons to soaring new heights, or will the whole thing come crashing down with the stroke of a potato peeler?
Starring Robert Wilfort (Gavin and Stacey, Bridgerton) as Spike Milligan, Patrick Warner (Peter Cook in The Crown, One Man, Two Guvnors and Play that Goes Wrong) as Peter Sellers, and Jeremy Lloyd (The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, Trial by Laughter) returning to his critically acclaimed role as Harry Secombe, with Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Motherland, Miranda, Buffering) as Janet.
There will be a post-show Q&A with the creators of the show, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, on the opening night (Tuesday 8th November).
Extracts from The Goons used with the kind permission of Spike Milligan Productions.
Produced by Karl Sydow, Trademark Films, & PW Productions and the Watermill Theatre.
Contains strong language, references to suicide, strobe lighting and loud noises (war sounds incl. gunshots and explosions and sudden loud music)
What the critics say
In a fabulously fast-paced and funny tribute to Spike Milligan, writers Ian Hislop and Nick Newman affectionately convey how the extraordinary Anglo-Irishman creates The Goon Show.- Broadway World
If you liked the Goons you will love it- Sunday Times
very silly indeed- Financial Times
Richmond Theatre
Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
Richmond (District Line), Overground (SW Trains)
The Box Office is open for 90 minutes prior to the performance commencing. Please note we will not be open on days we do not have any performances. See the ‘What’s On’ section for performance times.
Bar - Pre-show & interval drinks and snacks
Ambassador Lounge - Pre-show & interval table service (Charge applies)
One of the oldest surviving theatres designed by iconic architect Frank Matcham, Richmond Theatre has sat in the heart of the local community since 1899.
The beautiful Grade II-listed venue presents a wide range of quality shows, from pre- and post-West End Drama to record-breaking musicals, opera, dance and family entertainment.
The theatre is also a popular filming location, having been used for film and TV including Finding Neverland, Bugsy Malone, Killing Eve and Ted Lasso.
Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
2 hours 15 minutes incl. interval
Tue - Sat at 19:30
Wed and Sat at 14:30
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