Episode 32 'Linda Smith's Erith Joke'

Explicit content warning

09/18/18 • 39 min

The recent film Funny Cow uses one of the late, great Linda Smith’s signature jokes without permission or attribution. In this episode, Elspeth and Olly look through Linda’s old set-lists and unpublished recordings going back to the 1980s to trace the origins of the joke, and look into how it fits into her development as a comedian. You’ll hear different versions of the gag at different points in her career, to show how it changed and developed. It’s still quoted as one of Linda’s best jokes today. So what is the gag? All I’ll say is if you’re a fan of Linda’s – and not so much of her home town Erith – you probably already know it. In any case, listen to the episode and find out. Why not follow us on Facebook or Twitter @HistComPod? And maybe leave us a 5 star review on iTunes?

Previous Episode

Episode 31 'Cabaret a Go Go'

It’s episode 31 we’re cookin’! All you cats are gonna flip your lids and razz your berries as Elspeth and Olly discuss the craziest beatnik the 1980s had to offer in, er, Newcastle. Yes, it’s the one and only Cabaret a Go Go! Dig? Check out our interview with its founder, Ray Campbell (AKA Buddy Hell), who looks through a whole stack of Cabaret a Go Go posters and talks about how it fitted into the scene in the North East. If you’re interested in provincial alternative comedy, this episode’s for you. It’s hip, it’s a gas, it’s neat-o,! Why not follow us on Facebook or Twitter @HistComPod? And maybe leave us a 5 star review on iTunes? Later, daddy-O!

Next Episode

Episode 33 'Felix Dexter Interview, 1990'

Just about in time to catch the end of Black History Month, this episode’s object from the British Stand-Up Comedy Archive is an interview from 1990 with the late, great pioneer of black British stand-up, Felix Dexter. We place this in context by talking to two very different comedians – Ray Campbell performed as Buddy Hell on the 1980s alternative cabaret circuit, and John Simmit set up the mighty Upfront Comedy Club, helping to build the black British comedy scene for well over two decades. Both talk about their own experiences as black British stand-ups, and working with Felix, giving their impressions of him both as a comedian and as a person. Plus we might just have squeezed in a question for John about being in Teletubbies. If you like this podcast, please tell your friends, share on social media, and leave us a 5* review on iTunes.