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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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).
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.
John Henry - trendiest spectacle-wearer of 1923.
'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' now available from bookshops, online outlets and Zuckerbergia.
'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' now available from bookshops, online outlets and Zuckerbergia.
September 15, 2025 at 2:47 PM
John Henry - trendiest spectacle-wearer of 1923.
'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' now available from bookshops, online outlets and Zuckerbergia.
'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' now available from bookshops, online outlets and Zuckerbergia.
Crackerjack is 70 years old today. Here's Don Maclean (as lean and tall as a Crackerjack pencil) and Peter Glaze (rotund as a cabbage).
Full story of the show - including the 2020s version - in my book 'It's Friday, It's CRACKERJACK!'
Full story of the show - including the 2020s version - in my book 'It's Friday, It's CRACKERJACK!'
September 14, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Crackerjack is 70 years old today. Here's Don Maclean (as lean and tall as a Crackerjack pencil) and Peter Glaze (rotund as a cabbage).
Full story of the show - including the 2020s version - in my book 'It's Friday, It's CRACKERJACK!'
Full story of the show - including the 2020s version - in my book 'It's Friday, It's CRACKERJACK!'
"We shall never come to Ramsgate again!" A gloomy bespectacled John Henry discovers radio stardom doesn't guarantee packed houses.
Read about the triumphs and tragedies of John Henry in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from all bookshops and online booksellers.
Read about the triumphs and tragedies of John Henry in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from all bookshops and online booksellers.
September 12, 2025 at 8:16 AM
"We shall never come to Ramsgate again!" A gloomy bespectacled John Henry discovers radio stardom doesn't guarantee packed houses.
Read about the triumphs and tragedies of John Henry in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from all bookshops and online booksellers.
Read about the triumphs and tragedies of John Henry in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from all bookshops and online booksellers.
John Henry's first radio partner played a domineering wife, the second a flirtatious neighbour. A case of life imitating art?
'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' available from all bookshops and online booksellers.
'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' available from all bookshops and online booksellers.
September 11, 2025 at 8:36 AM
John Henry's first radio partner played a domineering wife, the second a flirtatious neighbour. A case of life imitating art?
'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' available from all bookshops and online booksellers.
'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' available from all bookshops and online booksellers.
Radio comedy 1920s-style. Imagine standing alone in here trying to make the nation laugh. 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' now in bookshops and online bookstores.
September 10, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Radio comedy 1920s-style. Imagine standing alone in here trying to make the nation laugh. 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' now in bookshops and online bookstores.
Listening to the radio - 1920s style and now. Much has changed, much hasn't.
Read how 1920s comedian John Henry quickly discovered the knack of talking to the listener one-to-one in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from all bookshops and online bookstores.
Read how 1920s comedian John Henry quickly discovered the knack of talking to the listener one-to-one in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from all bookshops and online bookstores.
September 9, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Listening to the radio - 1920s style and now. Much has changed, much hasn't.
Read how 1920s comedian John Henry quickly discovered the knack of talking to the listener one-to-one in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from all bookshops and online bookstores.
Read how 1920s comedian John Henry quickly discovered the knack of talking to the listener one-to-one in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from all bookshops and online bookstores.
In 1924, John Henry and Blossom became the first radio stars to broadcast a live comedy routine from an aeroplane flying over London. And quite possibly the last.
Read about this and their many other exploits in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from your local bookshop or online bookstore.
Read about this and their many other exploits in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from your local bookshop or online bookstore.
September 8, 2025 at 9:30 AM
In 1924, John Henry and Blossom became the first radio stars to broadcast a live comedy routine from an aeroplane flying over London. And quite possibly the last.
Read about this and their many other exploits in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from your local bookshop or online bookstore.
Read about this and their many other exploits in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from your local bookshop or online bookstore.
Forget 'Radio Fun' and 'Look-In' magazine. Radio comedian John Henry had his own comic strip as early as 1924.
Read about this remarkable comedy pioneer in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from your local bookshop or online stores.
Read about this remarkable comedy pioneer in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from your local bookshop or online stores.
September 5, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Forget 'Radio Fun' and 'Look-In' magazine. Radio comedian John Henry had his own comic strip as early as 1924.
Read about this remarkable comedy pioneer in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from your local bookshop or online stores.
Read about this remarkable comedy pioneer in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' from your local bookshop or online stores.
How did leading silent film star Mabel Poulton end up playing a maid in a saucy short movie with radio comedian John Henry? It'd be like Helen Mirren turning up in the Benny Hill Show.
More on John and Mabel in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' out now in bookshops and online booksellers.
More on John and Mabel in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' out now in bookshops and online booksellers.
September 4, 2025 at 8:31 AM
How did leading silent film star Mabel Poulton end up playing a maid in a saucy short movie with radio comedian John Henry? It'd be like Helen Mirren turning up in the Benny Hill Show.
More on John and Mabel in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' out now in bookshops and online booksellers.
More on John and Mabel in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' out now in bookshops and online booksellers.
The complex story of early radio's most popular comedy couple - and what happened when John Henry ditched Blossom for Gladys. 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' is out now in bookshops and online.
September 3, 2025 at 8:56 AM
The complex story of early radio's most popular comedy couple - and what happened when John Henry ditched Blossom for Gladys. 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' is out now in bookshops and online.
Believe it or not, this is how BBC topical comedy began. Read all about John Henry and his wireless elephant in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' - now available in bookshops and online booksellers.
September 2, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Believe it or not, this is how BBC topical comedy began. Read all about John Henry and his wireless elephant in 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' - now available in bookshops and online booksellers.
Out today! How BBC comedy began - and why its first stand-up superstar was so quickly forgotten. 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' is now available in bookshops and online booksellers.
September 1, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Out today! How BBC comedy began - and why its first stand-up superstar was so quickly forgotten. 'Bigamy Killed the Radio Star' is now available in bookshops and online booksellers.
A real honour to have Sound the Horne included in Radio 4 Extra's request weekend on Sunday 17th August. Jimmy Carr (pictured by my side, standing on his money) gave the perfect quickfire delivery to my script. Other highlights: Mollie Millest and Haunch Me My Venison.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
August 12, 2025 at 12:12 PM
A real honour to have Sound the Horne included in Radio 4 Extra's request weekend on Sunday 17th August. Jimmy Carr (pictured by my side, standing on his money) gave the perfect quickfire delivery to my script. Other highlights: Mollie Millest and Haunch Me My Venison.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
Delighted to have an article in the new edition of @musichallsociety.bsky.social magazine 'The Call Boy'. It's about piecing together a lost Harry Tate sketch from a couple of fragments. As literary finds go, it may not rank with the Dead Sea Scrolls, but it's still pretty salty.
July 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Delighted to have an article in the new edition of @musichallsociety.bsky.social magazine 'The Call Boy'. It's about piecing together a lost Harry Tate sketch from a couple of fragments. As literary finds go, it may not rank with the Dead Sea Scrolls, but it's still pretty salty.
Great news! "Bigamy Killed the Radio Star" - the rollercoaster life of forgotten BBC comedy superstar John Henry - will be available from bookshops and online from 1st September 2025.
If you can't wait that long, pick up a copy now from Fantom Publishing.
www.fantompublishing.co.uk/product/biga...
If you can't wait that long, pick up a copy now from Fantom Publishing.
www.fantompublishing.co.uk/product/biga...
June 27, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Great news! "Bigamy Killed the Radio Star" - the rollercoaster life of forgotten BBC comedy superstar John Henry - will be available from bookshops and online from 1st September 2025.
If you can't wait that long, pick up a copy now from Fantom Publishing.
www.fantompublishing.co.uk/product/biga...
If you can't wait that long, pick up a copy now from Fantom Publishing.
www.fantompublishing.co.uk/product/biga...
On #MusicHallVarietyDay here are six treasured possessions on the theme of #FoodandDrink
6/6: Show’s over for another year. A well-deserved drink with Jean Curley (Wilson and Keppel’s final Betty), Joe Keppel and Jack Wilson. Cheers!
#MHVD2025
6/6: Show’s over for another year. A well-deserved drink with Jean Curley (Wilson and Keppel’s final Betty), Joe Keppel and Jack Wilson. Cheers!
#MHVD2025
May 16, 2025 at 4:11 PM
On #MusicHallVarietyDay here are six treasured possessions on the theme of #FoodandDrink
6/6: Show’s over for another year. A well-deserved drink with Jean Curley (Wilson and Keppel’s final Betty), Joe Keppel and Jack Wilson. Cheers!
#MHVD2025
6/6: Show’s over for another year. A well-deserved drink with Jean Curley (Wilson and Keppel’s final Betty), Joe Keppel and Jack Wilson. Cheers!
#MHVD2025