Classic comedy aficionados sampled a real treat at Cardiff New Theatre on Tuesday evening when one-time Goodie and regular panelist on BBC Radio 4¹s I¹m Sorry I Haven¹t A Clue Tim Brooke-Taylor OBE shared anecdotes and film clips from a career spanning over 50 years.
In a relaxed atmosphere, Tim was interviewed by writer and broadcaster Chris Serle and revealed how he had followed the advice of his headmaster who had written in his school report “If he fails his A levels he can always become a film star or a music hall comedian.”
Illustrated with a selection of clips including At Last The 1948 Show, The Goodies and Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, Tim regaled many behind the scenes memories of working alongside Humphrey Lyttleton, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Bill Oddie, Graeme Garden, Spike Milligan and even directing Orson Welles.
Tim¹s answers were always warm and honest, while he spoke about his colleagues with great affection. Similarly, he also revealed how disappointed he was at the lack of repeats of The Goodies on British television while it is still regularly repeated in Australia.
The evening ended with an excerpt of The Goodies hilarious tribute to the movies, itself a salute to the likes of Chaplin, Keaton and Laurel and Hardy and Goodies producer Jim Franklin who seamlessly edited it.
Thanking the audience, Tim recalled a Goodies episode parodying Wales commented “You¹ve been a brilliant audience and I really do love The Welsh!” Judging by the applause the feeling was mutual!