The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

It’s time to turn back the pages of Film Fun once again! Following last week’s adventure with Bud Abbott, Robert Ross returns to April 1953 for a wonderfully daft tale supposedly told by the man with the biggest mouth in the business, Joe E. Brown. Cinema audiences had seen him as Captain Andy in MGM’s Show Boat , but in Film Fun Joe was still the leading man. In Joe’s Master Plan , a chance encounter on a train gives Joe an idea for helping his old pal land a teaching job. One sleeping rival, a case of mistaken identity and a conveniently packed mortarboard are all it takes to turn a trial lesson at Crocton College into a music-hall turn. Expect a very particular take on the Queen’s English and a geography question that gives Welsh rarebit a whole new meaning! Join Britain’s Comedy Historian for another affectionate journey into the forgotten funnies, comic curiosities and wonderfully silly stories of Britain’s much-loved vintage comic. And next Tuesday? Old Mother Riley returns to the pages of Film Fun!

Film Fun: Bud Abbott – A Double-Dyed Twister (1951) It's time to turn back the pages of Film Fun once again! Following last week's adventure with Lou Costello, Robert Ross returns to December 1951 for a wonderfully daft tale supposedly told by the other half of the legendary comedy double act, Bud Abbott. In A Double-Dyed Twister , an enthusiastic inventor, a collection of decidedly dubious contraptions and a visiting financier prove a recipe for comic catastrophe. Expect exploding grease guns, mysterious potions, an unmistakable smell of lavender and a rather unfortunate green nose! But as Robert discovers, sometimes even the most spectacular blunders can have unexpectedly happy endings. Join Britain's Comedy Historian for another affectionate journey into the forgotten funnies, comic curiosities and wonderfully silly stories of Britain's much-loved vintage comic. And next Tuesday? Joe E. Brown returns to the pages of Film Fun!

Can you spend £5 in an afternoon? For one notoriously tight-fisted fellow, it proves almost impossible! Join Robert Ross, Britain’s Comedy Historian, for another nostalgic journey into the wonderfully wacky world of Film Fun , the much-loved British comic that brought Hollywood’s greatest comedians to life on the printed page. This week, we turn back the clock to December 1951, when comedy legends Abbott and Costello were still delighting cinema audiences. Taking centre stage is the irrepressible Lou Costello , with a delightfully daft tale entitled A Well-Spent Afternoon . When a wager is made to persuade a miserly friend to squander five pounds, an increasingly ridiculous series of mishaps turns spending money into a surprisingly profitable business! Expect vintage Hollywood humour, unlikely fortunes and plenty of comic chaos. And don't miss our next helping of Film Fun , when Lou's legendary comedy partner, Bud Abbott , takes his turn in the spotlight!

1066 and all that… Carry On style! Join Britain’s Comedy Historian Robert Ross and fellow author Gemma Ross as they travel back to the Battle of Hastings, with a gloriously silly detour into the world of Carry On Laughing . In this episode, we're taking a closer look at the 1975 television comedy One in the Eye for Harold , starring Jack Douglas, Kenneth Connor, Joan Sims and David Lodge. Was this overlooked slice of Carry On history a forgotten gem, or did the team miss the mark? Along the way, we explore the brilliance of Joan Sims, Jack Douglas's rise through the Carry On ranks, some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and the familiar faces who might have made the episode even funnier. We also share our recent visit to see the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, uncover a few rather saucy medieval details and ponder the age-old question: did King Harold really get an arrow in the eye? History, comedy, nostalgia and a healthy dose of innuendo — what more could you want? So settle in, have a giggle and join us for another journey into the Comedy Cottage Archive. Carry On listening!

Robert Ross returns to the wonderful world of Film Fun for another nostalgic journey into the golden age of British comics and classic screen comedy. This week's star is Hollywood funnyman Joe E. Brown, whose enormous popularity in the 1930s carried him through the following decades and into the pages of Film Fun . Although his regular comic strip had disappeared by 1951, Joey Brown continued to make occasional appearances in the Mirthmakers Club . In this episode, Robert reads A Trunk Call from December 1951, written by Film Fun's happy editor, Freddie Cordell, and his team — who, naturally, never troubled Joe himself with the writing! Another delightful helping of vintage comic nonsense from the Film Fun archives.

In the first of a new series of readings from Film Fun , Robert Ross delves into the comic world of Old Mother Riley , the larger-than-life character created and performed by Arthur Lucan. This short story is taken from an April 1953 issue.

This time on Giggle Pod, comedy historians Robert and Gemma Ross unlock the creaking doors of the classic British comedy-horror film What a Carve Up! — starring the incomparable Sidney James and Kenneth Connor. With a spooky mansion setting and a gathering of suspicious relatives for the reading of the will, with lots of razor-sharp one-liners and glorious slapstick chaos, Robert and Gemma dig into the film’s place not only in comedy history, but its many connections with classic horror cinema. Along the way, they discuss the legendary cast, and just why the film will make you yearn for a fish 'n' chips supper! So, as Friday Night is Horror Night, and today is the anniversary of the birth of Sid James, what better subject for Robert and Gemma to sink their teeth into. And if you enjoy this spirited chat about the film, we highly recommend you read the book. Well, Jonathan Coe's novel which is something sort of the same but very different! And wonderful. #GigglePod #WhatACarveUp #SidJames #KennethConnor #BritishComedy #ClassicComedy #ComedyPodcast #BritishCinema #VintageFilm #ComedyHistory #CarryOn #ComedyLegends #FilmPodcast #CultCinema #RetroComedy

Peter Sellers is best remembered for his iconic roles—but some of his most interesting work is often overlooked. In this episode, we explore Carlton-Browne of the F.O. , a lesser-known film that reveals another side of Sellers’ talent. What makes this performance so unique—and why has it been forgotten? A deep dive into one of the most intriguing chapters of his career. You can follow Robert’s work by visiting http://www.robertross.co.uk/ Or on Facebook Robert Ross Comedy Historian Or On Instagram @ROBERTWROSSESQ This Podcast was hosted by Robert Ross The Podcast is Produced by Gemma Ross

Kenneth Williams was one of the most distinctive voices in British comedy—but behind the performances was a far more complex figure. This episode explores the contradictions at the heart of his career: brilliance and self-doubt, success and frustration. What made him so unforgettable—and what did it cost him? You can follow Robert’s work by visiting www.robertross.co.uk Or on Facebook Robert Ross Comedy Historian Or On Instagram @ROBERTWROSSESQ This Podcast was hosted by Robert Ross The Podcast is Produced by Gemma Ross

Welcome to the latest episode of Quip Wrecked that Podcast which discussed which Comedy Actor and Actress you would choose to be on desert island along with their choice of Comedy Creative, be it a director, writer or producer and their favourite TV Sitcom along with Favourite Comedy Film. In Today’s Episode Robert is Joined by Director, Producer and writer Roy Gould Roy is best known for being David Croft’s right hand man and directed You Rang, M’Lord? Roy also produced The Booze Cruise and as was often spotted around the BBC. More recently Roy has turned his hand to writing, with his latest book Theatre of War. Roy is currently one of the producers, writers and directors of James and Ivy, the spin off audio comedy drama to You Rang M’lord? So are you ready to be Quip Wrecked with Roy Gould? If you’ve enjoyed this podcast please subscribe for more upcoming episodes and do tell your chums. You can follow Robert’s work by visiting www.robertross.co.uk Or on Facebook Robert Ross Comedy Historian Or On Instagram @ROBERTWROSSESQ This Podcast was hosted by Robert Ross The Podcast is Produced by Gemma Ross

Welcome to the latest episode of Quip Wrecked that Podcast which discussed which Comedy Actor and Actress you would choose to be on desert island along with their choice of Comedy Creative, be it a director, writer or producer and their favourite TV Sitcom along with Favourite Comedy Film. In Today’s Episode Robert is Joined by author, scriptwriter and broadcaster, Andy Merriman. ANDY is the author of acclaimed biographies Hattie: The Authorised Biography of Hattie Jacques and Margaret Rutherford: Dreadnought with Good Manners. His latest book is called Ghost Like. Andy is the son of Television and Radio comedy writer Eric Merriman best known for Beyond Our Ken. So are you ready to be Quip Wrecked with Andy Merriman?

Welcome to the latest episode of Quip Wrecked! The Podcast that discusses which Comedy Actor and Actress you would choose to be on desert island along with their choice of Comedy Creative, be it a director, writer or producer and their favourite TV Sitcom along with Favourite Comedy Film. In Today’s Episode Robert is Joined by Stand Up Comedian Actor and Writer Dave Ainsworth Dave wrote the award-winning play Oh Hello about the Carry On star Charles Hawtrey which was chosen as a ‘Pick of the Fringe’ at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It also won the Laurel Award for Best Play.. Dave most recently wrote When the Carry On Stopped published by Pen & Sword in February 2025. So are you ready to be Quip Wrecked with Dave Ainsworth? If you’ve enjoyed this podcast please subscribe for more upcoming episodes and do tell your chums. You can follow Robert’s work by visiting www.robertross.co.uk Or on Facebook: Robert Ross Comedy Historian Or On Instagram @ROBERTWROSSESQ This Podcast was hosted by Robert Ross The Podcast is Produced by Gemma Ross

Welcome to the latest episode of Quip Wrecked! The Podcast that discusses which Comedy Actor and Actress you would choose to be on desert island along with their choice of Comedy Creative, be it a director, writer or producer and their favourite TV Sitcom along with Favourite Comedy Film. In Today’s Episode Robert is joined by one of Britain’s best love situational Comedy Actors; Jeffrey Holland. Fondly remembered as Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi! he became an invaluable member of the repertory company of writer and director David Croft. A seasonal favourite in Panto to performing in Goon Again taking on the many voices of Peter Sellers. Jeffrey has also recently written his memoirs The First Rule of Comedy..! Memories and Moments published by the History Press in 2025. So are you ready to be Quip Wrecked with Jeffrey Holland?

Welcome to a brand new revamp of the Comedy Historian Podcast. Britain's Comedy Historian Robert Ross, along with Gemma Ross, interview a guest to discover what comedy choices they would make if they were "Quip Wrecked" on a desert island. Five different comedy choices are made from; Comedy Actor, Comedy Actress, Sitcom or Comedy Series, Comedy Creative to Comedy Film. In this first episode Robert chats to his co-host Gemma, about her Comedy Greats.

Welcome to our 2024 season of Podcasts. In this episode Robert and Gemma round up what is coming up and what has been going on in the world of Comedy. There's tips on writing and a discussion on the latest Monty Python feud.

In this episode we share our recent Facebook Live chat concerning all things about our upcoming book The Carry On Girls. The book is available to pre-order in all good bookshops. Release Date: 23rd November 2023

Join Britain's Comedy Historian Robert Ross as he chats to America's Comedy Historian Nick Santa Maria. In this first episode they will be discussing Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein and Carry On Screaming.

Abbott and Costello redefined double-act comedy—but how did they do it? With insights from Nick Santa Maria, this episode explores their influence, timing, and enduring legacy in comedy history.

Join Robert Ross, Britain's Comedy Historian as he celebrates all things comedy. In this episode he welcomes you to the relaunch of the Podcast and shares all his latest news and whats coming up this autumn on the Comedy Historian Podcast as well as live shows.

In today's episode Robert Ross, Britain's Comedy Historian, celebrates Pink Panther star and legendary Goon, Peter Sellers.