Audible, out now

Nearly forty years since their last appearance, The Goodies are needed.

It may be heresy but I’ve always been more of a Goodies fan than a Monty Python – probably because I also love I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again and The Goons. The rare VHS then DVD releases are on the shelves, and Network’s fine collection of the BBC shows is being gradually worked through. So when I heard that Barnaby Eaton-Jones was following up his revival of ISIRTA with The Goodies, I felt sure that this would respect what had come before but move into slightly different territory.

The new 55 minute audio episode acknowledges the passage of time but still has the Goodies trademarks – including the madcap adverts at the halfway point. The characters are very much as they were (with the addition of another creature that’s very much in their traditions), and the jokes, good and bad, flow from the three Goodies as well as their various guest stars.

Inevitably, as it’s radio rather than television, some of the gags have to be approached differently, and interestingly there are times when this feels as much like a revival of ISIRTA as it does The Goodies (one of the jokes with Tim towards the end very definitely would fit right in on the older show). That, I hasten to add, is a good thing! As long as Lady Constance doesn’t make a guest appearance…

A reunion for the Goodies has been mooted many times, but kudos to Eaton-Jones and his team for getting this off the ground. Dirk Maggs sprinkles his magic across the production – this may not be an audio movie, but there’s no doubt you’ll be able to ‘see’ the madcap exploits.

Verdict: A thoroughly enjoyable return. More please! 8/10

Paul Simpson

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