News roundup
A round-up of some recent comedy stories...
Ronnie Barker's Saucy Postcards
Following on from the sale from his original "Four candles" sketch, the late Ronnie Barker's collection of saucy postcards has been sold at auction for £60,000. Bizarrely, the buyer had no idea that Barker was the previous owner, because the sale was anonymous.
However, many the cards in the collection have been signed by Barker. The collection consists of around 40,000 cards. It was sold at Dreweatt Neate in Bristol. Brian Lund, the editor of Picture Postcard Monthly said, "These postcards were his inspiration. A lot of his stage material can be seen in the jokes and all the double entendres. It was very disappointing the sale was kept secret because it would have been a huge shot in the arm for the British postcard industry." One dealer, who bought 4,000 of the cards, thinks he can make twice the amount of money he paid.
Billy Connolly Car Crash
Billy Connolly is reported to have escaped uninjured from a one-vehicle accident in Aberdeenshire. The Scottish comedian, 65, who has a home in nearby Candacraig, was in his Land Rover on the A939 near Ballater. It is believed to have been caused by icy conditions on the road.
Tony Hawks Book
Tony Hawks is to make a film version of his book Around Ireland with a Fridge. The film is based on a drunken bet made by Hawks. The book has sold 500,000 copies since 1998 and the idea of the film was first proposed two years ago.
Hawks announced on BBC Breakfast news that he will start filming in May, and the film will also feature some improvised scenes. Velvet Pictures, who are making the film said: "The movie version of Round Ireland with a Fridge is faithful to the style of the book, but is a fictional comedy inspired by its events. Velvet is certain that all those who read and loved the book will love the film just as much."
John Simpson Taking The Flak
It has been revealed that the BBC's former foreign correspondent John Simpson has been involved with the production of the forthcoming BBC sitcom/comedy drama Taking the Flak.
Tira Shubart, one of the co-writers of the show, worked with Simpson for 11 years. She said she based the show "squarely" on Simpson's anecdotes. One of the characters in the show, David, is based so much on Simpson that he offered the actor, Martin Jarvis, tips on playing the part. Simpson said he was, "rather chuffed" that someone was playing him in a comedy series.
It has also been revealed that Ruby Wax will co-star in the show, playing an "obnoxious American war reporter" who is angry about being sent to Africa.