British Comedy Guide

Roy Hudd celebration to be released on CD

Saturday 30th December 2023, 11:31am

Roy Hudd
  • A recording of The Roy Huddlines, the stage show tribute to News Huddlines host Roy Hudd, will be released on CD on 25th January 2024
  • The May 2023 live show featured the late host's co-stars performing on stage, joined by Jon Culshaw
  • 50% of the profits from the sale of this recording will be donated to The Roy Hudd Statue Appeal

A recording of The Roy Huddlines, the live tribute show to Roy Hudd, is to be released on CD in January.

Hudd, who passed away in March 2020, presented over 500 episodes of The News Huddlines on BBC radio between 1975 and 2001.

The product's blurb explains: "The Roy Huddlines was staged on Sunday 14th May 2023 at the Sondheim Theatre in London's West End. The cast, writers and producers of BBC Radio's longest-running audience comedy programme, The News Huddlines, gathered to celebrate the life, love and laughter of Roy Hudd OBE.

"Roy had a profound effect on all who worked with him - he was a unique combination of comedy genius, wise mentor and cheeky uncle. The cast reunited here for one joyous hurrah in his honour are Huddlines originals Chris Emmett, Alison Steadman, Nichola McAuliffe and announcer Richard Clegg, plus Kate Harbour and the brilliant Jon Culshaw who took Roy's centre microphone with the blessing of Roy's widow, Debbie Hudd.

The Roy Huddlines live recording at The Sondheim Theatre on 14 May 2023. Image shows left to right: Alison Steadman, Jon Culshaw. Credit: Andy Hollingworth

"Also assembled for this gala event were the writers who cut their comedy teeth working on The News Huddlines and went on to create some of the finest British comedy from the 1980s to the present day. Not The Nine O'Clock News, Spitting Image, Drop The Dead Donkey and One Foot In The Grave were all created by Huddlines alumni, and the legacy continues."

The two disc CD features over two hours of the reunited radio-style stage performance as a tribute to Roy's impact on the entertainment industry and a testament to his enduring appeal.

Talking about the star, producers Big Finish explain: "Fans and admirers of the late, great Roy Hudd OBE now have the opportunity to commemorate his life and legacy with a special memorial CD and digital release of the reunion.

"The Roy Huddlines is not only a heartfelt homage to one of the UK's most beloved comedians but also a fundraising effort to erect a statue in Roy Hudd's memory, ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come. 50% of the profits from the sale of this recording will be donated to The Roy Hudd Statue Appeal."

As an early-bird bonus, the first 150 customers who place an order for the CD will also receive a unique Roy Hudd enamel pin badge plus a copy of the full-colour 64-page theatre programme from the stage production.

The Roy Huddlines pick-ups session at The Soundhouse 28 June 2023. Image shows left to right: Richard Clegg, Debbie Hudd, Nick Revell, Carol Smith, Chris Emmett, Alison Steadman, Tony Hare, Jon Culshaw, Dave Dixon, Martin Booth, Dirk Maggs, Kate Harbour. Credit: Dirk Maggs
The Roy Huddlines pick-ups session at The Soundhouse 28 June 2023. Image shows left to right: Richard Clegg, Debbie Hudd, Nick Revell, Carol Smith, Chris Emmett, Alison Steadman, Tony Hare, Jon Culshaw, Dave Dixon, Martin Booth, Dirk Maggs, Kate Harbour. Credit: Dirk Maggs

The production is directed by Dirk Maggs, who says: "Roy Hudd inhaled the lore and tradition of classic British comedy, from the slapstick of Dan Leno to the surrealism of Spike Milligan.

"His gifts for timing and landing a gag, combined with young writers and producers who would reinvent humour for a new millennium, made The News Huddlines the longest running audience comedy show on BBC Radio. This is their tribute to a much missed, warm, funny, cheeky genius."

The Roy Huddlines

The Roy Huddlines

A News Huddlines reunion celebrating the life and comedy of Roy Hudd OBE.

The Roy Huddlines was staged on Sunday 14th May 2023 at the Sondheim Theatre in London's West End. The cast, writers and producers of BBC Radio's longest-running audience comedy programme, The News Huddlines, gathered to celebrate the life, love and laughter of Roy Hudd OBE.

Roy had a profound effect on all who worked with him - he was a unique combination of comedy genius, wise mentor and cheeky uncle. The cast reunited here for one joyous hurrah in his honour are Huddlines originals Chris Emmett, Alison Steadman, Nichola McAuliffe and announcer Richard Clegg, plus Kate Harbour and the brilliant Jon Culshaw who took Roy's centre microphone with the blessing of Roy's widow, Debbie Hudd.

Also assembled for this gala event were the writers who cut their comedy teeth working on The News Huddlines and went on to create some of the finest British comedy from the 1980s to the present day. Not The Nine O'Clock News, Spitting Image, Drop The Dead Donkey and One Foot In The Grave were all created by Huddlines alumni, and the legacy continues.

First released: Thursday 25th January 2024

  • Distributor: Big Finish
  • Discs: 2
  • Minutes: 104
  • Catalogue: 9781802403442

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  • Distributor: Big Finish
  • Minutes: 104
  • Catalogue: 9781802403459

BCG may earn commission on sales generated through the links above.

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