So very fitting that this is the 40th episode of this podcast and I feel honoured to have been asked to chair this celebration of the Absolutely reunion.

For this episode, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the legendary cast reuniting, for what at the time was intended to be a one-off special in the BBC Radio 4 Sketchorama series (a product of The Comedy Unit) back in 2013 at the Oran Mor in Glasgow.

Recently joined on Zoom by Gordon Kennedy, Pete Baikie, Morwenna Banks, Moray Hunter and John Sparkes, we chatted about how the reunion happened and the huge part Moray's mum played in proceedings with the news breaking. Amongst many other things, we chat about everyone's favourite characters and also their intricate processes for writing sketches.

The brand new Absolutely Sketchorama Audiobook Boxset with just over 9hrs of live performances from the series, also includes lots of unheard material and interviews with cast and crew. It's available to download NOW from here;

https://linktr.ee/theabsolutelyradioshow

Also if you have been living under a rock or just want to be reminded how ground-breaking this series was, you can watch here;

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/absolutely

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On this episode I chat with writer, podcaster and stand-up comedian, Michael Legge.

We chat about Michael's journey into comedy, being confused for Simon Pegg, thoughts on the state of the comedy scene at the moment and we also chat about the music and bands he's loved throughout his life.

You can find Michael on Twitter here;

@michaellegge

Music ;

'Who Do You Think I Think You Are' - Mini Vandals

Apologies for some of the sound quality on this podcast. The hazards of using new equipment.. :o/

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In this episode I chat with actor, writer, performer, musician and stand-up, Jim Tavaré. We chat about Jim's early stand-up days, his journey into becoming an actor and he also speaks about the 2017 accident that nearly cost him his life. He's appeared in some great TV & film over the years, including 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' and 'The Mysterious Benedict Society'. We also chat about his music loves and also his love for growing fruit and veg.

Music ;

'Who Do You Think I Think You Are' - Mini Vandals

and

Eden Ahbez - 'New Anthem' from the album Dharmaland.

You can find Jim here on Twitter and Instagram;

@JimTavare

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In this episode I chat with actor, writer, performer and comedy genius, Graham Fellows. Possibly best known for his comedy creation, John Shuttleworth, we look back at his varied career which began with a starring role as a colourful Nativity character. We discuss his creative processes and also chat about his recent endeavours making new documentary, 'Father Earth' which sees him take a colourful roadtrip to Orkney with his dad. Twelve years in the making, it's a touching story of relationships and trying to make the world a better place.

You can find more information on Graham/ John/ John here;

https://grahamfellowsmusic.com/

https://grahamfellows.bandcamp.com/

https://www.shuttleworths.co.uk/welcome.html

https://fatherearthmovie.com/watchthefilm/

https://twitter.com/johnshuttlewrth

https://twitter.com/gdfellows

Music ;

Who Do You Think I Think You Are - Mini Vandals

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On this episode I chat with comedy actor, writer, performer and director, Gordon Kennedy. Possibly best known for being part of the 'Absolutely' tv sketch show, he's also a multi-talented performer who's appeared in everything from Casualty to Red Dwarf to Grantchester and also in the recent series, 'Mammals'. We chat about his early career, the various highlights as a performer and also the music that he has loved throughout his life...

Music Intro & outro;

"Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

You can find Gordon on Twitter here;

@gordongkennedy

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On this episode I chat with Irish stand-up comedian, Aideen McQueen. We chat about Aideen's journey into stand-up from being from a family of teachers and her navigation of the Irish comedy circuit. She talks about her huge passion for music and some of the bands she's loved over the years.

You can find Aideen on Twitter here;

@AideenMcQueen

And Instagram here;

@AideenMcQueen

Music Intro & outro;

"Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Photo - Mirth Control

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In this episode I chat with comedian, podcaster and best-selling author, Ian Moore.

We chat about Ian's journey into comedy and how relocating to rural France changed his life for the better. Amongst many other things, he talks about the challenges of becoming a French citizen and his colourful voyage into becoming a best selling author.

https://ianmoore.info/stand-up/

https://twitter.com/MonsieurLeMoore

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxLle_EXeT8

Music Intro & outro;

"Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I chat with stand-up comedian, actress and broadcaster, Charmaine Davies. We chatted about her journey into comedy and life as a comedian and MC. We also chatted about her processes for writing and where her ideas come from. Music plays a huge part in her life as well and we chatted about her favourite bands over the years. 

Charmaine's Twitter;

https://twitter.com/charmied

Here's her Youtube Channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdOjg7fpLMDohVJaxUlW_hw

Music Intro & outro;

"Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I chat with comedy writing legend, Arthur Mathews. Probably best known for his work with Graham Linehan on 'Father Ted', we chat about his long and varied career starting with his childhood growing up in Meath. We chat about the inspirations for many of the series he's written and also the music that he's loved over the years.

Music Intro & outro;

"Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode I chat with writer and comedian, Michael Mee. Michael chats about his beginnings into comedy and his journey through performing and writing for both himself and others. He also talks about his many music loves and some of the memorable gigs he's been to over the years.

You can find Michael on Twitter here;

@MichaelMee_too

You can see some of his stand-up here;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRBtnLUAD5U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS7binbW-nI

Music;

Music Intro & outro;

"Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.