Alan Stafford
@staffordquips.bsky.social
Author of Bigamy Killed the Radio Star - BBC comedy pioneer John Henry. Also from Fantom: 'Wilson, Keppel & Betty - Too Naked for the Nazis' & 'It's Friday, It's CRACKERJACK!'
https://www.fantompublishing.co.uk/product/bigamy-killed-the-radio-sta
https://www.fantompublishing.co.uk/product/bigamy-killed-the-radio-sta
Pinned
Searching for the perfect Christmas comedy gift?
How about 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' (the birth of BBC comedy)?
Or 'It's Friday It's Crackerjack' (the entire history of a teatime TV classic).
Or everyone's favourite sand-dancing trio 'Wilson Keppel & Betty - Too Naked for the Nazis.'
Sorted!
How about 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' (the birth of BBC comedy)?
Or 'It's Friday It's Crackerjack' (the entire history of a teatime TV classic).
Or everyone's favourite sand-dancing trio 'Wilson Keppel & Betty - Too Naked for the Nazis.'
Sorted!
Reposted by Alan Stafford
Wilson and Keppel.
Two men sunbathing, August bank holiday, Blackpool, 1971, by Don McPhee.
November 9, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Wilson and Keppel.
Reposted by Alan Stafford
Some lovely tributes to Prunella Scales, including this in @radiotimes.bsky.social
But the best has been the extended interview with her son Samuel West for #BBCRadio4's #TheLastWord
Essential listening not only for fans of Prunella but for anyone interested in acting
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
But the best has been the extended interview with her son Samuel West for #BBCRadio4's #TheLastWord
Essential listening not only for fans of Prunella but for anyone interested in acting
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
November 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Some lovely tributes to Prunella Scales, including this in @radiotimes.bsky.social
But the best has been the extended interview with her son Samuel West for #BBCRadio4's #TheLastWord
Essential listening not only for fans of Prunella but for anyone interested in acting
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
But the best has been the extended interview with her son Samuel West for #BBCRadio4's #TheLastWord
Essential listening not only for fans of Prunella but for anyone interested in acting
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Naturally disappointed that journalist Betty Knox, who reported on the Goering trial, is not portrayed in the Russell Crowe 'Nuremberg' movie.
But, seeing as characters include Corporal Jones and Camp MP, they've obviously decided to play it for laughs.
But, seeing as characters include Corporal Jones and Camp MP, they've obviously decided to play it for laughs.
November 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Naturally disappointed that journalist Betty Knox, who reported on the Goering trial, is not portrayed in the Russell Crowe 'Nuremberg' movie.
But, seeing as characters include Corporal Jones and Camp MP, they've obviously decided to play it for laughs.
But, seeing as characters include Corporal Jones and Camp MP, they've obviously decided to play it for laughs.
The Stafford Wives
My favourite movie with my name in?
Dave The Jackal.
Dave The Jackal.
November 4, 2025 at 1:53 PM
The Stafford Wives
For me, Peter Goodwright is the real star of this show - making comedy out of Freddie Starr's undisciplined chaos.
⭐ #JanetBrown #SandieShaw #FreddieStarr #PeterGoodwright and #MichaelOMalley star in this 70s sketch and song show...
Premiere WHO DO YOU DO? (1972) 9:10pm #TPTVsubtitles
Premiere WHO DO YOU DO? (1972) 9:10pm #TPTVsubtitles
November 3, 2025 at 5:19 PM
For me, Peter Goodwright is the real star of this show - making comedy out of Freddie Starr's undisciplined chaos.
Searching for the perfect Christmas comedy gift?
How about 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' (the birth of BBC comedy)?
Or 'It's Friday It's Crackerjack' (the entire history of a teatime TV classic).
Or everyone's favourite sand-dancing trio 'Wilson Keppel & Betty - Too Naked for the Nazis.'
Sorted!
How about 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' (the birth of BBC comedy)?
Or 'It's Friday It's Crackerjack' (the entire history of a teatime TV classic).
Or everyone's favourite sand-dancing trio 'Wilson Keppel & Betty - Too Naked for the Nazis.'
Sorted!
October 31, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Searching for the perfect Christmas comedy gift?
How about 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' (the birth of BBC comedy)?
Or 'It's Friday It's Crackerjack' (the entire history of a teatime TV classic).
Or everyone's favourite sand-dancing trio 'Wilson Keppel & Betty - Too Naked for the Nazis.'
Sorted!
How about 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' (the birth of BBC comedy)?
Or 'It's Friday It's Crackerjack' (the entire history of a teatime TV classic).
Or everyone's favourite sand-dancing trio 'Wilson Keppel & Betty - Too Naked for the Nazis.'
Sorted!
My biography of BBCs first comedy celebrity - Bigamy Killed the Radio Star - is currently 3,062,500 in the Amazon best-sellers list.
Let's see if we can get it into the top 2 million before Christmas!
Let's see if we can get it into the top 2 million before Christmas!
October 30, 2025 at 1:05 PM
My biography of BBCs first comedy celebrity - Bigamy Killed the Radio Star - is currently 3,062,500 in the Amazon best-sellers list.
Let's see if we can get it into the top 2 million before Christmas!
Let's see if we can get it into the top 2 million before Christmas!
Reposted by Alan Stafford
It’s great. I write for it sometimes, but don’t let that put you off.
A special limited offer! Take a look at the magazine they're all talking about! The #TPTV 'proper' mag, perfect for all supporters of film and TV history, INTERMISSION Magazine. Take issues 16, 17 & 18 for just £15! Every issue packed with nostalgia! buff.ly/GUhXihQ
October 30, 2025 at 11:15 AM
It’s great. I write for it sometimes, but don’t let that put you off.
I thoroughly recommend series recording this. Some great impressions by veteran Peter Cavanagh in Show 1.
A host of 70s impersonators including #FreddieStarr in 30 minutes in the channel premiere of the series WHO DO YOU DO? at 9:10pm #TPTVsubtitles
October 27, 2025 at 6:13 PM
I thoroughly recommend series recording this. Some great impressions by veteran Peter Cavanagh in Show 1.
Take advantage of this special offer and you get TWO articles written by me.
A special limited offer! Take a look at the magazine they're all talking about! The #TPTV 'proper' mag, perfect for all supporters of film and TV history, INTERMISSION Magazine. Take issues 16, 17 & 18 for just £15! Every issue packed with nostalgia! buff.ly/GUhXihQ
October 27, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Take advantage of this special offer and you get TWO articles written by me.
I love @chortle.bsky.social - but, seeing as they're a comedy website, I hope they won't mind too much if I share a couple of typos from stories published today.
October 23, 2025 at 12:28 PM
I love @chortle.bsky.social - but, seeing as they're a comedy website, I hope they won't mind too much if I share a couple of typos from stories published today.
Reposted by Alan Stafford
Next month on the podcast, something different: an audio drama.
Re-enacting the BBC’s bizarre mass telepathy experiment, 100 years on.
So next month’s £Patreon will help fund a guest producer.
Fancy helping fund it?
If goes well, may do more.
So now’s a good time to join us:
Patreon.com/paulkerensa
Re-enacting the BBC’s bizarre mass telepathy experiment, 100 years on.
So next month’s £Patreon will help fund a guest producer.
Fancy helping fund it?
If goes well, may do more.
So now’s a good time to join us:
Patreon.com/paulkerensa
Get more from The British Broadcasting Century with Paul Kerensa on Patreon
creating podcasts, writing and videos
Patreon.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Next month on the podcast, something different: an audio drama.
Re-enacting the BBC’s bizarre mass telepathy experiment, 100 years on.
So next month’s £Patreon will help fund a guest producer.
Fancy helping fund it?
If goes well, may do more.
So now’s a good time to join us:
Patreon.com/paulkerensa
Re-enacting the BBC’s bizarre mass telepathy experiment, 100 years on.
So next month’s £Patreon will help fund a guest producer.
Fancy helping fund it?
If goes well, may do more.
So now’s a good time to join us:
Patreon.com/paulkerensa
Reposted by Alan Stafford
Not heard in nearly three decades, today BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcasts Are You Still Awake? 15 minute plays starring real-life couples written by Russell Davies First episode with Prunella Scales & Timothy West was broadcast on Radio 3 28.11.94
October 20, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Not heard in nearly three decades, today BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcasts Are You Still Awake? 15 minute plays starring real-life couples written by Russell Davies First episode with Prunella Scales & Timothy West was broadcast on Radio 3 28.11.94
Reposted by Alan Stafford
#wolseywriters The BBC Writers Open Call submissions window runs between Tuesday 4th November 2025 at noon and Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at noon. Drama or Comedy/Drama scripts written for Film, TV, Radio, Stage or Children’s TV/Radio scripts, minimum of 30 pages.
www.bbc.co.uk/writers/oppo...
www.bbc.co.uk/writers/oppo...
How to submit a script to us
Open Call is our system for receiving unsolicited original scripts.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM
#wolseywriters The BBC Writers Open Call submissions window runs between Tuesday 4th November 2025 at noon and Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at noon. Drama or Comedy/Drama scripts written for Film, TV, Radio, Stage or Children’s TV/Radio scripts, minimum of 30 pages.
www.bbc.co.uk/writers/oppo...
www.bbc.co.uk/writers/oppo...
Reposted by Alan Stafford
*New Publication!*
Lovely end to the week - 'John Gielgud on Air: 65 Years of Performing Shakespeare on Radio' out now in Shakespeare Survey. It shows that not only was he a leading stage actor, but he was an audio drama pioneer too.
If you have access, here's the link: doi.org/10.1017/9781...
Lovely end to the week - 'John Gielgud on Air: 65 Years of Performing Shakespeare on Radio' out now in Shakespeare Survey. It shows that not only was he a leading stage actor, but he was an audio drama pioneer too.
If you have access, here's the link: doi.org/10.1017/9781...
October 17, 2025 at 4:55 PM
*New Publication!*
Lovely end to the week - 'John Gielgud on Air: 65 Years of Performing Shakespeare on Radio' out now in Shakespeare Survey. It shows that not only was he a leading stage actor, but he was an audio drama pioneer too.
If you have access, here's the link: doi.org/10.1017/9781...
Lovely end to the week - 'John Gielgud on Air: 65 Years of Performing Shakespeare on Radio' out now in Shakespeare Survey. It shows that not only was he a leading stage actor, but he was an audio drama pioneer too.
If you have access, here's the link: doi.org/10.1017/9781...
Can't wait!
Coming soon! Channel Premiere Series beginning Sunday 26th October at 9:10pm
⭐ WHO DO YOU DO? (1972) A comedy sketch and songs show. featuring #FreddieStarr #PeterGoodwright #KarenKay #SandieShaw #JoanTurner #LittleAndLarge #JanetBrown and many more! #TPTVsubtitles
⭐ WHO DO YOU DO? (1972) A comedy sketch and songs show. featuring #FreddieStarr #PeterGoodwright #KarenKay #SandieShaw #JoanTurner #LittleAndLarge #JanetBrown and many more! #TPTVsubtitles
Who Do You Do Promo? Talking Pictures TV Sky 328 Freeview 82 Virgin 445 Freesat 306
www.youtube.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Can't wait!
Pleased to see Radio 4 Extra has a short season of the rarely-repeated News Huddlines (though a good couple of decades before I joined the writing team). Particularly looking forward to the disclaimer before episode 3, which features a Chinese state visit!
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
BBC Radio 4 Extra - The News Huddlines
Roy Hudd's long-running weekly topical sketch show.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 4, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Pleased to see Radio 4 Extra has a short season of the rarely-repeated News Huddlines (though a good couple of decades before I joined the writing team). Particularly looking forward to the disclaimer before episode 3, which features a Chinese state visit!
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
Delighted to have an article in the latest edition of Intermission from @talkingpicturestv.bsky.social
'Desperately Seeking Betty' features some new research into Egyptian sand-dancers Wilson, Keppel & Betty - plus a previously unseen picture of the original Betty.
'Desperately Seeking Betty' features some new research into Egyptian sand-dancers Wilson, Keppel & Betty - plus a previously unseen picture of the original Betty.
October 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Delighted to have an article in the latest edition of Intermission from @talkingpicturestv.bsky.social
'Desperately Seeking Betty' features some new research into Egyptian sand-dancers Wilson, Keppel & Betty - plus a previously unseen picture of the original Betty.
'Desperately Seeking Betty' features some new research into Egyptian sand-dancers Wilson, Keppel & Betty - plus a previously unseen picture of the original Betty.
Good to see Beryl Reid back on stage.
The Importance Of Being Earnest
The Importance Of Being Earnest
Review of Oscar Wilde's play in the West End, with Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell
dlvr.it
October 1, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Good to see Beryl Reid back on stage.
The latest repeat of 'The Right Time' on Radio 4 Extra includes my sketch for Graeme Garden (plus Clive Swift and Paula Wilcox), described on the website as 'a new TV quiz show for the hard of memory'. It starts at 24:58.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Right Time - Series 3 - Episode 2 - BBC Sounds
It's a facelift fracas on the sketch comedy for people growing older disgracefully.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 30, 2025 at 8:45 AM
The latest repeat of 'The Right Time' on Radio 4 Extra includes my sketch for Graeme Garden (plus Clive Swift and Paula Wilcox), described on the website as 'a new TV quiz show for the hard of memory'. It starts at 24:58.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Slightly mystified by Amazon's new special offer. I ordered two items and they threw in a Dead Dad poem for free.
September 30, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Slightly mystified by Amazon's new special offer. I ordered two items and they threw in a Dead Dad poem for free.
Proof that you don't have to chain-smoke like crazy to own a set of radio star cards - you can also binge on Bridgewater Biscuits.
Here's a bit of 30s glamour: impressionist Florence Desmond and two character comedians - Jeanne de Casalis (Mrs Feather) and Suzette Tarri (Our Ada).
Here's a bit of 30s glamour: impressionist Florence Desmond and two character comedians - Jeanne de Casalis (Mrs Feather) and Suzette Tarri (Our Ada).
September 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Proof that you don't have to chain-smoke like crazy to own a set of radio star cards - you can also binge on Bridgewater Biscuits.
Here's a bit of 30s glamour: impressionist Florence Desmond and two character comedians - Jeanne de Casalis (Mrs Feather) and Suzette Tarri (Our Ada).
Here's a bit of 30s glamour: impressionist Florence Desmond and two character comedians - Jeanne de Casalis (Mrs Feather) and Suzette Tarri (Our Ada).
Reposted by Alan Stafford
September 21, 2025 at 7:24 PM
This month is both the 70th anniversary of the start of Crackerjack and of ITV. Trying my utmost not to have favourites, I've celebrated one in Yours magazine and the other in Radio Times.
September 18, 2025 at 1:27 PM
This month is both the 70th anniversary of the start of Crackerjack and of ITV. Trying my utmost not to have favourites, I've celebrated one in Yours magazine and the other in Radio Times.
Today in Yours magazine, I manage to cram the entire history of Crackerjack from 1955 to 2021 into a double-page spread.
That surely deserves a Crackerjack pencil.
That surely deserves a Crackerjack pencil.
September 17, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Today in Yours magazine, I manage to cram the entire history of Crackerjack from 1955 to 2021 into a double-page spread.
That surely deserves a Crackerjack pencil.
That surely deserves a Crackerjack pencil.