British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide
Novelty Jukebox

Novelty Jukebox

'Dame Agnes Guano' is a collector and chronicler of British novelty and comedy records. Preferring to remain anonymous, he lives alone with nothing but many thousands of vinyl discs, dust and faded memories for company.

It's In The Air. George Brown (George Formby). Copyright: STUDIOCANAL

George Formby Souvenir (1961)

Sunday 31st July 2022

Britain's first pop star, wartime entertainment icon and silver screen legend George Formby is the subject of Novelty Jukebox this time, with a wide career as told through his 1961 greatest hits collection George Formby Souvenir.

Sykes And A.... Image shows from L to R: Eric (Eric Sykes), Hat (Hattie Jacques). Copyright: BBC

Eric & Hattie & Things!!!! (1962)

Monday 31st January 2022

Riding high on the popularity of BBC TV sitcom Sykes And A..., 1962 saw Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques hit the recording studio to produce a comedy album, the curiously titled Eric & Hattie & Things!!!!.

Beyond The Fringe. Image shows from L to R: Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, Dudley Moore, Alan Bennett. Copyright: BBC

Beyond The Fringe (1961)

Monday 11th October 2021

In the early 1960s four British lads shook the world: not John, Paul, George and Ringo but Alan, Jonathan, Dudley and Peter.

The Undiscovered Tony Hancock. Tony Hancock. Copyright: Getty Images

Tony Hancock

Monday 6th September 2021

Tony Hancock's work is much-celebrated amongst comedy aficionados, but long before complete CD releases were ever dreamt of, a series of re-recorded episodes of his and Galton & Simpson's iconic series were released on vinyl.

Trouble In Store. Norman (Norman Wisdom). Copyright: Two Cities Films

Norman Wisdom - Follow A Star (1959)

Sunday 11th April 2021

1959 and it is the turn of Norman Wisdom to take a spin on the Novelty Jukebox, whilst Tony Hancock is waiting in the wings to kick off the 1960s.

The Vicar Of Dibley. Jim Trott (Trevor Peacock). Copyright: Tiger Aspect Productions

Trevor Peacock

Wednesday 10th March 2021

You'll have seen Trevor Peacock as Jim Trott in The Vicar Of Dibley, but what you may not realise is he was also a very accomplished song writer. Novelty Jukebox explains all.

Max Miller

Max Miller - Max At The Met (1958)

Monday 8th February 2021

Comedy legend Max Miller was one of the biggest stars of the 1940s and 50s. Here we look at his debut record, 1958's Max At The Met.

Arthur Askey. Copyright: BBC

Arthur Askey - Hello Playmates (1957)

Monday 14th December 2020

In this edition of Novelty Jukebox it's big hearts and silly songs with Arthur Askey and 1957's Hello Playmates.

The Goon Show. Image shows from L to R: Hercules Grytpype-Thynne (Peter Sellers), Neddie Seagoon (Harry Secombe), Count Jim Moriarty (Spike Milligan), Professor Osric Pureheart (Michael Bentine)

The Goons EP (1956)

Monday 9th November 2020

Comic music has been around for centuries, but it was the The Goons EP in 1956 that brought about the first real novelty/comedy record.

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