Growing Up with the Goons
Memories, Reflection and Startling Tales from Their Children
Andy Secombe(Author)
JR Books Ltd (Publisher)
Published on 25. September 2010
Book
Hardback
288 pages
978-1-906779-89-4 (ISBN)
Description
When Andy Secombe was young, his father would burst like a whirlwind into his bedroom late on Saturday nights, wake him and his sister with a snatch of an Italian aria and a fanfare of raspberries, and act out the show he'd just performed, playing all the parts and breaking into song at every opportunity. Celebrities of the day - Alma Cogan, Frankie Vaughan, Tommy Cooper, Stanley Baker and many more - were regular visitors to their house in Cheam. For them this was normal family life. But what was it like for the other Goon children? Andy decided to find out. This extraordinary behind-the-scenes look into the private lives of the Goons reveals the thoughts, stories and feelings of their children. Growing up with the Goons gives a remarkable, unique insight into the joys - and occasional difficulties - of life as a son or daughter of the famous group. Andy Secombe also presents the history of the Goons themselves: their early years; military service and shows at The Grafton Arms and The Windmill.
He has interviewed those who knew and worked with the Goons, including Lord Snowdon, the surviving Bentine Children, the original producers of the show, Janet Brown, wife of Peter Butterworth, Barry Cryer and of course, Sile Milligan and Sarah Sellers, as well as those who the Goons influenced, including Now Show's Steve Punt and Mitch Benn.
He has interviewed those who knew and worked with the Goons, including Lord Snowdon, the surviving Bentine Children, the original producers of the show, Janet Brown, wife of Peter Butterworth, Barry Cryer and of course, Sile Milligan and Sarah Sellers, as well as those who the Goons influenced, including Now Show's Steve Punt and Mitch Benn.
Reviews / Votes
'The highs and lows of growing up the offspring of a Goon is movingly recounted' Choice magazine 201012 'He recounts in loving detail not only his own experiences but those of the other Goons' children. Rare, treasured memories.' Evergreen 201012 'They were the anarchic comedy kings of the Fifties and this affectionate behind-the-scenes reminiscence by Sir Harry Secombe's son helps explain why' Sunday Express 20101219More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Quarto Publishing PLC
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 153 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-906779-89-4 (9781906779894)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Andy Secombe has written four novels, including the acclaimed Endgame published by PanMcMillan.