The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

Recent episodes

1. What a Carve Up! — Murder, Mayhem & Magnificent British Comedy

   May 8, 202630 min

   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

2. The Forgotten Peter Sellers Film You Need to Know – Carlton-Browne of the F.O.

   Mar 1, 202629 min

   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

3. The Real Kenneth Williams – Genius, Insecurity, and Comedy Legacy from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

   Feb 22, 202631 min

   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

4. Quip Wrecked - Episode 5 Roy Gould from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

   Oct 25, 202558 hr 18 min

   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

5. Quip Wrecked - Episode 4 Andy Merriman from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

   Aug 28, 202548 min

   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?

6. Quip Wrecked - Episode 3 Dave Ainsworth from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

   Jun 25, 202546 min

   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

7. Quip Wrecked - Episode 2 Jeffrey Holland from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

   Jun 23, 202549 min

   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?

8. Quip Wrecked - Episode 1 Gemma Ross from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

   Feb 24, 202550 hr 5 min

   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.

9. Comedy Historian Podcast 2024 from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

   Feb 18, 202427 min

   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.

10. The Untold Story of the Carry On Girls from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

    Nov 15, 20231 hr 12 min

    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

11. Pies Across the Pond from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

    Jul 10, 202355 min

    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.

12. Abbott and Costello – The Comedy Duo That Changed Everything (with Nick Santa Maria) from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

    Jan 25, 202320 min

    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.

13. Welcome to our new series from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

    Aug 31, 202226 min

    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.

14. The Genius of Peter Sellers – And Why It Nearly Broke Him from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

    Apr 6, 202022 min

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

15. The Tragic Genius of Marty Feldman from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

    Mar 26, 202025 min

    In today's episode Robert Ross, Britain's Comedy Historian, shares his personal tribute to Marty Feldman. He discusses Marty's life, from working on Round the Horne to going transatlantic and working with Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein.

16. Why Hattie Jacques Was a Comedy Legend from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

    Mar 22, 202022 min

    Hattie Jacques was far more than a familiar face—she was a defining figure in British comedy. This episode explores her talent, versatility, and lasting influence, and why she remains one of the greats.

17. The Strange Genius of Frankie Howerd from The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

    Mar 20, 202022 min

    In today's episode Robert Ross, Britain's Comedy Historian, shares his personal tribute to the king of titters, Frankie Howerd. He discusses Frankie's life, his involvement with the Carry On Films and Up Pompeii.