Why go and see it?
“I’m not acting crazy. I’m the genuine article.”
SPIKE is an absurdly funny new play by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman (The Wipers Times, Trial By Laughter, A Bunch of Amateurs) that delves into the inner workings of one of our most unique and brilliantly irreverent comedy minds.
Watch the trailer
New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD
2 hours 15 minutes incl. interval
Tue - Sat at 19:45
Thu and Sat at 14:30
It’s the booming fifties, and Britain is in the clutches of Goon mania as men, women and children across the country scramble to get their ear to a wireless for another instalment of The Goon Show.
While Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers get down to the serious business of becoming overnight celebrities, fellow Goon and chief writer Spike finds himself pushing the boundaries of comedy, and testing the patience of the BBC.
Flanked by his fellow Goons and bolstered by the efforts of irrepressible sound assistant Janet, Spike takes a flourishing nosedive off the cliffs of respectability, and mashes up his haunted past to create the comedy of the future. His war with Hitler may be over, but his war with Auntie Beeb - and ultimately himself - has just begun.
Will Spike’s dogged obsession with finding the funny elevate The Goons to soaring new heights, or will the whole thing come crashing down with the stroke of a potato peeler?
Starring Robert Wilfort (Gavin and Stacey, Bridgerton) as Spike Milligan, Patrick Warner (Peter Cook in The Crown, One Man, Two Guvnors and Play that Goes Wrong) as Peter Sellers, and Jeremy Lloyd (The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, Trial by Laughter) returning to his critically acclaimed role as Harry Secombe, with Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Motherland, Miranda, Buffering) as Janet.
Extracts from The Goons used with the kind permission of Spike Milligan Productions.
Opening Night Q&A: Join Ian Hislop & Nick Newman for a post-show Q&A after the 7.45pm performance on Tue 11 Oct.
Produced by Karl Sydow, Trademark Films, & PW Productions and the Watermill Theatre.
Contains strong language, references to suicide, strobe lighting and loud noises (war sounds incl. gunshots and explosions and sudden loud music)
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Join todayWhat the critics say
In a fabulously fast-paced and funny tribute to Spike Milligan, writers Ian Hislop and Nick Newman affectionately convey how the extraordinary Anglo-Irishman creates The Goon Show.- Broadway World
If you liked the Goons you will love it- Sunday Times
very silly indeed- Financial Times
Theatre Royal Brighton
New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD
Brighton Rail Station
The Box Office is open for 90 minutes prior to the performance commencing. See 'What's On' section for performance times
Bar - Pre-show & interval drinks and snacks
Cloakroom - Coats & small bags (Charge applies)
Membership Benefits - 25% off pre-show drinks (30mins prior)
Theatre Royal Brighton has entertained audiences for over 217 years. This Grade II* listed building is one of the oldest theatres in the country and continues to delight audiences with pre and post West End shows.
New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD
2 hours 15 minutes incl. interval
Tue - Sat at 19:45
Thu and Sat at 14:30
Join ATG+, the UK's best live entertainment membership
With an ATG+ membership, you can enjoy a host of exclusive benefits across 35+ ATG venues
Better access to tickets via priority booking and ringfenced seats
No transaction fees
Flexible tickets
25% off drinks at the bar at our members' happy hours (10% in Scotland)
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