Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!
Encyclopedia
Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! is a sitcom
broadcast on BBC Radio 4
, written by and starring Steve Delaney
in the title role of Count Arthur Strong, a former variety star
who has malapropism
s, memory loss
and other similar problems. Each episode follows the Count in his daily business and causing confusion in almost every situation. First broadcast on 23 December 2005, Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! has had six series and two radio specials. In 2009, the show won the Gold Sony Radio Academy Award
for comedy, the highest honour for a British radio comedy.
. The fourth series was recorded at the Dancehouse Theatre
, Manchester
, Komedia Bath and Komedia Brighton. A special was recorded in Edinburgh
during the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It is jointly made by two production companies
: Komedia Entertainment and Smooth Operations.
. He has selective memory loss
, never hearing what he doesn't want to and malapropism-itis, which result in his confusing anyone he happens to be talking to and even confusing himself. However, he more often than not blames the people he is talking to for causing the confusion in the first place. On the few occasions Count Arthur does realise that it he who is in the wrong, he tries to lie out of his predicament, often unsuccessfully.
A typical conversation for the Count will involve his confusing both himself and others, while becoming drastically sidetracked from the matter in hand. He is usually oblivious to the chaos he causes, often blaming his interlocutors for any confusion. On the rare occasions he realises he is at fault, he often attempts to divert the blame by lying. Inevitably becoming confused by his own lies, his last resort is usually to claim he was recording a stunt for a hidden camera
show.
He has a misguided belief in his ability to hold his drink, and has often performed on stage or live TV/radio when drunk (or occasionally, concussed, with similar effects). He will often go to great lengths in order to get as drunk as cheaply as he can.
Interestingly, the list of TV shows in which Count Arthur claims to have appeared is remarkably similar to Delaney's own list (see above). However, the one role that Count Arthur speaks about wherever possible, is Bridge Up The River Kwai (sic), appearing alongside Alec Guinness
(usually referred to as some variation of "Alex Guinness book"), and appears to resent that Guinness got the part instead of him, although he does point out that he took over the role for the musical
version. He also seems resentful that Sean Connery
beat him to the lead role in Doctor No
, the title of which he often confuses with either Doctor Who
or Doctor Doolittle.
The Count (wrongly) believes himself to be an expert on Egyptology
, leading to the show "Count Arthur Strong's Forgotten Egypt". This stems from his army days when he toured Egypt as part of the cast of what he calls Piddler On The Roof
.
He claims to have many show business friends, although apart from Guinness, this seems limited to brief conversations with Anita Harris
and Jimmy Clitheroe
. He also appears to have a mixed relationship with Edward Woodward
. While resenting Woodward's success, he also claims that his advice meant that "for the first time in years, Edward Woodward can cross his legs when he sits down". Woodward's name causes the Count many problems, calling him "Edward Woodwardward", "Edward Woodwind", "Edward Woodbine", "Wedward Goodwood" etc.
(series two and three and the two Christmas and Edinburgh specials) and Mel Giedroyc
(since series four) . These characters include Arthur's butcher
Wilf Taylor; cafe
owner Gerry; Geoffery the church hall caretaker; female friend Sally; and Malcolm Titter played by Terry Kilkelly, a student actor for whom Arthur acts as teacher .
and BBC Two
. Graham Linehan
and Jeremy Dyson
are also working on a project for TV called Count Arthur Strong's Entertainment Game.
Situation comedy
A situation comedy, often shortened to sitcom, is a genre of comedy that features characters sharing the same common environment, such as a home or workplace, accompanied with jokes as part of the dialogue...
broadcast on BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station, operated and owned by the BBC, that broadcasts a wide variety of spoken-word programmes, including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is currently Gwyneth Williams, and the...
, written by and starring Steve Delaney
Steve Delaney
Steve Delaney is an English comedian and character actor, best known for the fictional comedy character Count Arthur Strong, whom Delaney created and whom he plays, most notably in Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!...
in the title role of Count Arthur Strong, a former variety star
Variety show
A variety show, also known as variety arts or variety entertainment, is an entertainment made up of a variety of acts, especially musical performances and sketch comedy, and normally introduced by a compère or host. Other types of acts include magic, animal and circus acts, acrobatics, juggling...
who has malapropism
Malapropism
A malapropism is an act of misusing or the habitual misuse of similar sounding words, especially with humorous results. An example is Yogi Berra's statement: "Texas has a lot of electrical votes," rather than "electoral votes".-Etymology:...
s, memory loss
Memory loss
Memory loss can be partial or total and it is normal when it comes with aging. Sudden memory loss is usually a result of brain trauma and it may be permanent or temporary. When it is caused by medical conditions such as Alzheimers, the memory loss is gradual and tends to be permanent.Brain trauma...
and other similar problems. Each episode follows the Count in his daily business and causing confusion in almost every situation. First broadcast on 23 December 2005, Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! has had six series and two radio specials. In 2009, the show won the Gold Sony Radio Academy Award
Sony Radio Academy Awards
The Sony Radio Academy Awards , started in 1983, are some of the most prestigious awards in the British radio industry. They are run by ZAFER Associates in association with the Radio Academy...
for comedy, the highest honour for a British radio comedy.
History
The first three series of the show were recorded live at Komedia in BrightonBrighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
. The fourth series was recorded at the Dancehouse Theatre
Dancehouse
The building which now houses the Dancehouse Theatre in Manchester was originally designed by Pendleton and Dickson for property developer Emannuel Nove, as two large meeting halls over a parade of shops. Before the halls were completed inside, they were converted into two cinemas with fashionable...
, Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
, Komedia Bath and Komedia Brighton. A special was recorded in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
during the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It is jointly made by two production companies
Production company
A production company provides the physical basis for works in the realms of the performing arts, new media art, film, television, radio, and video.- Tasks and functions :...
: Komedia Entertainment and Smooth Operations.
Count Arthur Strong
Count Arthur Strong is a former variety star living in the North of England. The Count, now in his old age, has delusions of grandeurDelusions of Grandeur
Delusions of Grandeur is an album by Fleming and John that was released in 1995.-Track listing:# "I'm Not Afraid" — 3:13# "Break The Circles" — 3:01# "Delusions Of Grandeur" — 3:45# "Love Songs" — 4:33# "Letters In My Head" — 3:56...
. He has selective memory loss
Memory loss
Memory loss can be partial or total and it is normal when it comes with aging. Sudden memory loss is usually a result of brain trauma and it may be permanent or temporary. When it is caused by medical conditions such as Alzheimers, the memory loss is gradual and tends to be permanent.Brain trauma...
, never hearing what he doesn't want to and malapropism-itis, which result in his confusing anyone he happens to be talking to and even confusing himself. However, he more often than not blames the people he is talking to for causing the confusion in the first place. On the few occasions Count Arthur does realise that it he who is in the wrong, he tries to lie out of his predicament, often unsuccessfully.
A typical conversation for the Count will involve his confusing both himself and others, while becoming drastically sidetracked from the matter in hand. He is usually oblivious to the chaos he causes, often blaming his interlocutors for any confusion. On the rare occasions he realises he is at fault, he often attempts to divert the blame by lying. Inevitably becoming confused by his own lies, his last resort is usually to claim he was recording a stunt for a hidden camera
Hidden camera
A hidden camera is a still or video camera used to film people without their knowledge. The camera is "hidden" because it is either not visible to the subject being filmed, or is disguised as another object...
show.
He has a misguided belief in his ability to hold his drink, and has often performed on stage or live TV/radio when drunk (or occasionally, concussed, with similar effects). He will often go to great lengths in order to get as drunk as cheaply as he can.
Interestingly, the list of TV shows in which Count Arthur claims to have appeared is remarkably similar to Delaney's own list (see above). However, the one role that Count Arthur speaks about wherever possible, is Bridge Up The River Kwai (sic), appearing alongside Alec Guinness
Alec Guinness
Sir Alec Guinness, CH, CBE was an English actor. He was featured in several of the Ealing Comedies, including Kind Hearts and Coronets in which he played eight different characters. He later won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Colonel Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai...
(usually referred to as some variation of "Alex Guinness book"), and appears to resent that Guinness got the part instead of him, although he does point out that he took over the role for the musical
Musical theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an...
version. He also seems resentful that Sean Connery
Sean Connery
Sir Thomas Sean Connery , better known as Sean Connery, is a Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globes Sir Thomas Sean Connery (born 25 August 1930), better known as Sean Connery, is a Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy...
beat him to the lead role in Doctor No
Dr. No (film)
Dr. No is a 1962 spy film, starring Sean Connery; it is the first James Bond film. Based on the 1958 Ian Fleming novel of the same name, it was adapted by Richard Maibaum, Johanna Harwood, and Berkely Mather and was directed by Terence Young. The film was produced by Harry Saltzman and Albert R...
, the title of which he often confuses with either Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
or Doctor Doolittle.
The Count (wrongly) believes himself to be an expert on Egyptology
Egyptology
Egyptology is the study of ancient Egyptian history, language, literature, religion, and art from the 5th millennium BC until the end of its native religious practices in the AD 4th century. A practitioner of the discipline is an “Egyptologist”...
, leading to the show "Count Arthur Strong's Forgotten Egypt". This stems from his army days when he toured Egypt as part of the cast of what he calls Piddler On The Roof
Fiddler on the Roof
Fiddler on the Roof is a musical with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, set in Tsarist Russia in 1905. It is based on Tevye and his Daughters by Sholem Aleichem...
.
He claims to have many show business friends, although apart from Guinness, this seems limited to brief conversations with Anita Harris
Anita Harris
Anita Harris is an English actress, singer and entertainer....
and Jimmy Clitheroe
Jimmy Clitheroe
James Robinson Clitheroe was a British comic entertainer. He never grew any taller than 4 feet 3 inches, and could easily pass for an 11-year-old boy, the character he played in The Clitheroe Kid....
. He also appears to have a mixed relationship with Edward Woodward
Edward Woodward
Edward Albert Arthur Woodward, OBE was an English stage and screen actor and singer. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art , Woodward began his career on stage, and throughout his career he appeared in productions in both the West End in London and on Broadway in New York...
. While resenting Woodward's success, he also claims that his advice meant that "for the first time in years, Edward Woodward can cross his legs when he sits down". Woodward's name causes the Count many problems, calling him "Edward Woodwardward", "Edward Woodwind", "Edward Woodbine", "Wedward Goodwood" etc.
Other characters
Other than Count Arthur, there are other regular characters in the series played by Alastair Kerr, Dave Mounfield, Joanna Neary (series one), Sue PerkinsSue Perkins
Sue Perkins is an English comedienne, broadcaster, actress, and writer.-Education:Perkins was educated at Croham Hurst School, an independent school for girls in Croydon in South London, at the same time as the BBC Breakfast News presenter Susanna Reid...
(series two and three and the two Christmas and Edinburgh specials) and Mel Giedroyc
Mel Giedroyc
Mel Giedroyc is an English television presenter, actress, and writer.-Mel and Sue:Giedroyc is best known for presenting comedy items alongside Sue Perkins. The two women met whilst students at Cambridge and both were members of the famous Footlights comedy club.As Mel and Sue, the duo were...
(since series four) . These characters include Arthur's butcher
Butcher
A butcher is a person who may slaughter animals, dress their flesh, sell their meat or any combination of these three tasks. They may prepare standard cuts of meat, poultry, fish and shellfish for sale in retail or wholesale food establishments...
Wilf Taylor; cafe
Café
A café , also spelled cafe, in most countries refers to an establishment which focuses on serving coffee, like an American coffeehouse. In the United States, it may refer to an informal restaurant, offering a range of hot meals and made-to-order sandwiches...
owner Gerry; Geoffery the church hall caretaker; female friend Sally; and Malcolm Titter played by Terry Kilkelly, a student actor for whom Arthur acts as teacher .
Malcolm Titter
In many of his shows, the Count is seen with his protege, Malcolm Titter (stage name Malcolm de Tinsel). Malcolm is a budding actor and playwright, and goes to the Count for acting lessons. Unsurprisingly, the result is that the naive Malcolm's work is shown to be utterly abysmal.Series 1
| Title | Airdate | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Book Signing | 25/12/2005 | After some confusion with the local pharmacist, regarding his enlargements of Danny La Rue and a missing cauliflower, Arthur has a visit from Television Licensing. Eventually it transpires that his cleaner's son has bought his licence on the internet. Arthur is then interviewed at Jerry's about his diaries prior to a book signing at Wilf Taylor's Quality Meats. |
| Cookery Show | 30/12/2005 | We join Arthur philosophising on the alphabet and The Sound of Music The Sound of Music The Sound of Music is a musical by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers... whilst queuing at the Post Office Post office A post office is a facility forming part of a postal system for the posting, receipt, sorting, handling, transmission or delivery of mail.Post offices offer mail-related services such as post office boxes, postage and packaging supplies... where he is buying stamps. After turning the tables on a charity collector Arthur goes for a hair cut and then on to the studio for the recording of his cookery show. Arthur has to improvise a meal from a selection of ingredients supplied by his guest, who was once an understudy for Private Pike on Dad's Army Dad's Army Dad's Army is a British sitcom about the Home Guard during the Second World War. It was written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft and broadcast on BBC television between 1968 and 1977. The series ran for 9 series and 80 episodes in total, plus a radio series, a feature film and a stage show... . After the ingredients prove unsuitable Arthur decides to order a take away and moves onto some wine tasting resulting in the show descending into drunken chaos. |
| Radio Play | 06/01/2006 | Arthur visits Wilf's, on his way to the BBC to take part in the recording of a radio play, and swats a fly on one of Wilf's pork chops. Once at the studio Arthur manages to aggravate the director and then takes a young actor under his wing. A visit to the local pub during the lunch break leads to his protégé being sick and the recording falling behind schedule. It then transpires that Arthur was never cast in the show at all, in fact it was down to him that the original producer is off with a broken leg. After injuring the replacement producer Arthur takes his protégé back to the pub before inviting him to share the soiled pork chop. |
| James Bond | 13/01/2006 | Arthur is attempting to make toast, using the VCR he bought at a car boot sale, when he is interrupted by a mini-cab driver who has arrived 12 hours too early to take him to the Women's Institute where he is due to give a talk on his life in show business. Returning to the matter in hand Arthur calls the helpline where an assistant thinks he is the subject of a prank call when Arthur explains he "put a slice of Nimble in an hour ago and it's still not popped up". Arthur later takes the bus to the WI where he gives a talk covering topics including his audition for James Bond, returning home he manages to catch an episode of Minder Minder (TV series) Minder is a British comedy-drama about the London criminal underworld. Initially produced by Verity Lambert, it was made by Euston Films, a subsidiary of Thames Television and shown on ITV... on his toaster. |
| The Audition | 20/01/2006 | Arthur awakes from a nightmare where he is starring in a Second World War drama set during the Siege of Stalingrad. A door to door salesman of household goods meets his match in Arthur who manages to wangle himself a free scouring pad. After some difficulties getting through the studio door Arthur delivers his own unique style of audition. |
| Piccalilli | 27/01/2006 | We find Arthur in his "laboratory" where he is experimenting on a new range of Piccalilli Piccalilli Piccalilli is a British relish of chopped pickled vegetables and spices; regional recipes vary considerably. A more finely chopped variety "sandwich piccalilli" is also available from major British supermarkets.-Etymology:... . His protégé, Malcolm, turns up to practise his audition speech for the musical Cats, but is roped in to testing the Piccalilli. Malcolm's nerve induced diarrhoea is exacerbated by Arthur's piccalilli. Visits to Jerry's and Wilf's to try and market the new celebrity condiment are followed by Arthur having to stand in for Malcolm at the Cats audition due to his incapacitation. |
Special
| Title | Airdate | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Count Arthur Strong's Christmas Show! | 26/12/2006 | Arthur dreams of being Ebenezer Scrooge Ebenezer Scrooge Ebenezer Scrooge is the principal character in Charles Dickens's 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol. At the beginning of the novel, Scrooge is a cold-hearted, tight-fisted and greedy man, who despises Christmas and all things which give people happiness... visited by "woefully under-prepared" ghosts before awakening and preparing for Christmas by a visit to Wilf's to preview his turkey. After rejecting those birds with an "altitude" problem he moves on to present his own take on the Nativity Story for the cubs. He then pops in to The Shoulder of Mutton before entertaining the inmates at the local old peoples home |
Series 2
| Title | Airdate | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Motivational Speech | 28/02/2007 | Arthur delivers a motivational speech, advertised by placing an advert in the Post Office. He uses the technique of making his audience wear Dunce's caps Dunce cap A dunce cap, also variously known as a dunce hat, dunce's cap, or dunce's hat, is a pointed hat. In popular culture, it is typically made of paper and often marked with a D or the word "dunce", and given to schoolchildren to wear as punishment by public humiliation for misbehavior and, as the name... and banging a dustbin lid while telling them how useless they are. Due to a mix-up at the printers, a banner he ordered is delivered reading 'Closing down, everything £1.' |
| Just A Minute | 07/03/2007 | Arthur is engaged to appear on the radio programme Just a Minute Just a Minute Just a Minute is a BBC Radio 4 radio comedy panel game chaired by Nicholas Parsons. Its first transmission on Radio 4 was on 22 December 1967, three months after the station's launch. The Radio 4 programme won a Gold Sony Radio Academy Award in 2003.... . He enlists the help of his protege Malcolm to make sure he is 'match fit'. Together they pick topics from the newspaper and Arthur attempts to speak for one minute without hesitation, repetition or deviation, but finds it difficult to get the hang of the game. They lunch at Jerry's, where Malcolm tries to perform his 'homework', a speech from Macbeth Macbeth The Tragedy of Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare about a regicide and its aftermath. It is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and is believed to have been written sometime between 1603 and 1607... , while Arthur interrupts him without pause on the subject of Taggart Taggart Taggart is a Scottish detective television programme, created by Glenn Chandler, who has written many of the episodes, and made by STV Productions for the ITV network... . When Arthur arrives at the BBC BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff... he is given directions to join the audience and is eventually interviewed on a current affairs programme in place of Arthur C. Clarke Arthur C. Clarke Sir Arthur Charles Clarke, CBE, FRAS was a British science fiction author, inventor, and futurist, famous for his short stories and novels, among them 2001: A Space Odyssey, and as a host and commentator in the British television series Mysterious World. For many years, Robert A. Heinlein,... , although he believes he is appearing on Just a Minute. |
| After Dinner Speech | 14/03/2007 | Arthur receives a call from Barry Cryer Barry Cryer Barry Charles Cryer OBE is a British writer and comedian. Cryer has written for many noted performers, including Dave Allen, Stanley Baxter, Jack Benny, Rory Bremner, George Burns, Jasper Carrott, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Dick Emery, Kenny Everett, Bruce Forsyth, David Frost, Bob Hope, Frankie... who asks that he step in at the last minute to give an after-dinner speech for the World Wildlife Fund. Arthur arranges to meet Barry at Gerry's cafe, but is forced to pretend to be a pest-control officer in order to find a table. Repairing to The Shoulder of Mutton, they begin to plan Arthur's speech but Barry ends up having too much to drink. When they come to give their speeches, Barry's goes very badly and he falls asleep after the first few sentences. Arthur's speech descends into confusion when he loses his temper and it's back to The Shoulder of Mutton. |
| Oxford Union | 21/03/2007 | Arthur is invited to take part in a debate on Creationism Creationism Creationism is the religious beliefthat humanity, life, the Earth, and the universe are the creation of a supernatural being, most often referring to the Abrahamic god. As science developed from the 18th century onwards, various views developed which aimed to reconcile science with the Genesis... vs. Evolution Evolution Evolution is any change across successive generations in the heritable characteristics of biological populations. Evolutionary processes give rise to diversity at every level of biological organisation, including species, individual organisms and molecules such as DNA and proteins.Life on Earth... at the Oxford Union Oxford Union The Oxford Union Society, commonly referred to simply as the Oxford Union, is a debating society in the city of Oxford, Britain, whose membership is drawn primarily but not exclusively from the University of Oxford... . He is reminded of his commitment only hours before the debate and borrows a book on Darwin Charles Darwin Charles Robert Darwin FRS was an English naturalist. He established that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestry, and proposed the scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection.He published his theory... from the local library, which he takes to The Shoulder of Mutton to do some swotting. At the Oxford Union he takes full advantage of the food and drink provided before the debate begins. He speaks for 45 minutes rather than the allotted 3. |
| Hospital Appointment | 28/03/2007 | Being a "busy terrible personality" we find Arthur in the middle of the official opening of a shoe shop, when posing for a photograph he mistakenly says "cheese" leading to a problem with Dyspepsia Dyspepsia Dyspepsia , also known as upset stomach or indigestion, refers to a condition of impaired digestion. It is a medical condition characterized by chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, upper abdominal fullness and feeling full earlier than expected when eating... . During a visit to the Shoulder of Mutton it transpires that Arthur has been referred to the local hospital after a visit to his GP after a number of drinks he goes to the hospital but has missed his consultant. After mistaking a number of members of staff and dozing off he dreams that he is a famous consultant with unorthodox methods ("Let's save this man's life and we can have a post mortem afterwards"). He later discharges himself and returns to the pub, the true source of his ailment then becomes clear. |
| Ancient Egypt Speech | 04/04/2007 |
Series 3
| Title | Airdate | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Late Review | 28/12/2007 | Arthur is due to review a book for the BBC and whilst searching for it finds a pint of milk and half a dozen eggs down the back of the sofa "well that's a spot of lunch", he also has to deal with a "non-recalcitrant" cat doing it's "outrageous misdemeanours". Being unable to recall either the name or subject of the book Jeffrey is dispatched to retrieve a tea towel which has the same picture. A visit to the library and then the librarian's mother follows in the Arthur's search for the book. When finally he gets to the studio he has to bluff his way. |
| Car Boot | 04/01/2008 | Arthur picks a few select antiques to take to the local car-boot sale, where he is to hold a meat and theatrical memorabilia stall with Wilf, before negotiating the sale of a priceless family heirloom. Arthur also plans to carry out valuations for a small "constipation" and to video his performance to send to the BBC's "Antiques Roadkill Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow is a British television show in which antiques appraisers travel to various regions of the United Kingdom to appraise antiques brought in by local people. It has been running since 1979... ". When at the sale Arthur has an uncomfortable encounter with the buyer of his heirloom and then carries out a confused valuation with the long suffering Jeffrey. |
| The Advert | 11/01/2008 | Arthur is counting his loose change when Malcolm turns up looking for his "acting stagecraft and personality crafts lessons". When Arthur discovers that Malcolm is preparing for a casting for a toffee advert featuring a granddad he realises this is an opportunity for him to attend the audition. After a visit to the Shoulder of Mutton an improvisational session at the audition allows Arthur to exercise all his skills. |
| Arthur Goes Camping | 18/01/2008 | Arthur buys a tent for a camping trip to the "Brecon Beaklands Brecon Beacons The Brecon Beacons is a mountain range in South Wales. In a narrow sense, the name refers to the range of popular peaks south of Brecon, including South Wales' highest mountain, Pen y Fan, and which together form the central section of the Brecon Beacons National Park... " avoiding the idiot proof one that injured his "friend". He then pick up a flyer for a new "gastric pub Gastropub Gastropub or Gastrolounge refers to a bar and restaurant that serves high-end beer and food.The term gastropub, a portmanteau of gastronomy and pub, originated in England in the late 20th century. English pubs were drinking establishments and little emphasis was placed on the serving of food. If... " where he masquerades as a meeter and greeter, however the almost Communist number of owners lead to the premature end of his residency. After missing the "mini-bar" he ropes Jeffrey into driving him to Wales. |
| 2001- A Space Idiocy | 25/01/2008 | Arthur decides it is time to join the 20th century by buying a mobile phone in the hope that it will help him compete with "Edward Woodworm Edward Woodward Edward Albert Arthur Woodward, OBE was an English stage and screen actor and singer. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art , Woodward began his career on stage, and throughout his career he appeared in productions in both the West End in London and on Broadway in New York... " for work. He then becomes the victim of a scurrilous ear photographer before receiving a call offering him a job on the local hospital radio. Going home for a nap to repair he dreams of HAL HAL -Companies and organisations:* HAL Computer Systems, a defunct computer manufacturer* HAL Laboratory, a Japanese video game developer* Halliburton, by NYSE ticker symbol* Hamburg America Line, a shipping company* Hawaiian Airlines... from 2001: A Space Odyssey 2001: A Space Odyssey (film) 2001: A Space Odyssey is a 1968 epic science fiction film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick, and co-written by Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke, partially inspired by Clarke's short story The Sentinel... turning him into a baby. The slot on the hospital radio is then disrupted by the guest surgeon being called Hal and sounding remarkably similar to his dream. |
| Piddler On The Roof | 01/02/2008 | Arthur is staging a revue with songs from Fiddler on the Roof but due to a problem at the printers his fliers have an unfortunate misprint. Arthur visits his doctor's surgery in order to place one of his posters on the notice board. He discovers that his GP has died -- "blimey that's not a very good advert for his business" -- but then after looking for the lavatory he gets confused for a doctor, allowing him to dispense medical pearls of wisdom. A visit to the Shoulder of Mutton allows him to hand out "fly papers". After attempting to post a flier at Wilf's, Arthur receives a nasty knock on the head. A mixture of painkillers and a "medicainal bottle of spirits" leads to doubts about his ability to perform, but after a mixed grill the show must go on and Arthur performs concussed; "not be the first time I've performed concussed and I certainly hope it'll not be the last". The performance becomes increasingly erratic -- "this is sodding grease all over again, is this" |
Special
| Title | Airdate | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Role Playing | 25/08/2008 | (Special recorded at the Edinburgh Festival) After a visit from a new neighbour trying to deliver a letter, Arthur gets confused between the small ads and the personals in his local paper and ends up propositioning someone he believes to be selling a hedge trimmer. He then takes part in a doctor training session, role playing the part of a patient before retiring to The Shoulder of Mutton |
Series 4
| Title | Airdate | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Alf Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmare | 07/01/2009 | Arthur prepares to clean his bay window only to find his galvanised zinc bucket has been "burgalered" so he resorts to item 2 on his agenda, breakfast at Jerry's. After philosophising on the possibilities of a full Brazilian instead of the usual full English he discovers that Jerry has injured his back after falling over a bucket remarkably similar to the Arthur's. As the cafe is closed for the foreseeable future Arthur steps in and takes over the running of the Gerry's, doing an Alf Ramsey with Jeffrey acting as his "suicide" chef. Arthur attempts to move the cafe up-market organising a visit by local food "crickets" with predictable results before being re-united with the missing bucket. |
| An Audience With | 14/01/2009 | Arthur is reading from his Novel "The Malteser Falcon" when he is interrupted by a visit from the vicar reminding him about a fund raiser for which Arthur is meant to be organising entertainment. As usual however Arthur has forgotten so has to hastily organise some "X Ray Factor" style auditions at The Shoulder of Mutton. Due to the low calibre of the candidates Arthur decides to put on An Audience with ... himself. |
| Pub Quiz | 21/01/2009 | Arthur is interviewed for the a local radio station about the proposed new by-pass before moving on to Gerry's. He discovers that Sally, Geoffrey and Wilf are all members of the Three Musketeers team in the Shoulder of Mutton's quiz night. Arthur soon invites himself to become team captain before organising Sally and Geoffrey into swatting up at the local library. When they convene at the Shoulder of Mutton Arthur manages to acquire numerous free drinks and novel flavoured crisps. Arthur's team is then joint first requiring him as team captain to take centre stage for the tie-breaker question. |
| Coach Trip | 28/01/2009 | Arthur postulates on the origin of the Zebra crossing Zebra crossing A zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing used in many places around the world. Its distinguishing feature is alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface, from which it derives its name. A zebra crossing typically gives extra rights of way to pedestrians.The use of zebra... , why no-one ever rides a Zebra and possible improvements in road safety before embarking on a day trip to Bridlington Bridlington Bridlington is a seaside resort, minor sea fishing port and civil parish on the Holderness Coast of the North Sea, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It has a static population of over 33,000, which rises considerably during the tourist season... with the Legion. During a break at a service station he becomes detached from the rest of the group and is mistaken for an inspector from head office, allowing him to demonstrate his improvisational skills. Trying to board the wrong bus he is forced to hide in the ladies before going cross country and rejoining the coach four hours later. As usual the day ends in The Shoulder Of Mutton. |
| Charley Ant | 04/02/2009 | Arthur is gathering his costume and searching for his make-up when Malcolm arrives and is offered the position of Arthur's dresser for the role of Auntie Charlie in "The Man from Auntie's Uncle Charley's Aunt Charley's Aunt is a farce in three acts written by Brandon Thomas. It broke all historic records for plays of any kind, with an original London run of 1,466 performances.... ". When Arthur fails to find his valise Malcolm suggests they go for a free makeover at the local department store where Malcolm's cousin works on the make-up counter. After being transformed into a "spit of his Mother with a touch Margaret Lockwood, a handful of Anita Harris Anita Harris Anita Harris is an English actress, singer and entertainer.... and a soup spoon (soupcon) of Brig Eggland Britt Ekland Britt-Marie Ekland is a Swedish actress and singer, and a long time resident of the United Kingdom. She is best known for her roles as a Bond girl in The Man with the Golden Gun, and in the British cult horror film The Wicker Man, as well as her marriage to actor Peter Sellers, and her... ". Unfortunately their efforts are to no avail as they become stuck in a lift and never make it to the auditions. |
| Documentary | 11/02/2009 | Arthur has a day-mare in which he hosts a request show on Radio Doncaster where he receives repeated requests for "Play Misty for Me", a tune which haunts him for the rest of the day. Jeffrey arrives and brings Arthur a cassette recorder as he is planning on making a documentary about his career in show-business, an idea which came to him on the lavatory where he has also storyboarded a quiz show, and other ideas on Izal toilet paper. Jeffrey is enlisted into operating the tape recorder for Arthur and following a visit Gerry's to interview him about Arthur, they move onto the Hippodrome where Arthur used to "top himself regularly in 1960 something", however the venue has changed use and Arthur makes the acquaintance of Pandora over a few glasses of champagne, followed by a warning from the local constabulary and a brief visit to the Shoulder of Mutton. |
Series 5
| Title | Airdate | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Beer Cruise | 18/12/2009 | (From RT Radio Times Radio Times is a UK weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, owned by the BBC. It has been published since 1923 by BBC Magazines, which also provides an on-line listings service under the same title... website) It's an early start for Arthur as he sets off on a day trip to France with his old friends Wilf, Sally and Geoffrey. Having brushed up on his French the night before, Arthur shows them all just how to communicate in a foreign tongue. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be many French people about to converse with. Still, there's always the wine! |
| Murder Most Fouled Up | 25/12/2009 | (From RT Radio Times Radio Times is a UK weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, owned by the BBC. It has been published since 1923 by BBC Magazines, which also provides an on-line listings service under the same title... website) Arthur steps in at short notice to play a prominent role in an Murder Mystery evening for Lord and Lady Preston, his new best friends - if they did but know it! Who committed the heinous murder? Can Count Arthur solve the case? Did he do it? Was it the butler? |
| Keep Fit | 01/01/2010 | (From RT Radio Times Radio Times is a UK weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, owned by the BBC. It has been published since 1923 by BBC Magazines, which also provides an on-line listings service under the same title... website) Not one to turn down a free dinner, when Arthur sees an advert in the paper for free trial membership of a new gym, there's no stopping him. There's just one thing - to qualify he has to get the doctor to give him a clean bill of health. |
| Yes Count Arthur | 08/01/2010 | (From RT Radio Times Radio Times is a UK weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, owned by the BBC. It has been published since 1923 by BBC Magazines, which also provides an on-line listings service under the same title... website) Frustrated by a dispute at the local opticians over repairs to his glasses, Arthur decides to stand up for the 'little man' and seeks high office in the local council elections. With his protege Malcolm as his assistant campaigns manager, surely Number 10 has to be the next stop for the Dream Team? |
| Cookery Book | 15/01/2010 | (From RT Radio Times Radio Times is a UK weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, owned by the BBC. It has been published since 1923 by BBC Magazines, which also provides an on-line listings service under the same title... website) Arthur's latest scheme to secure an advance for his celebrity cookery book idea goes somewhat askew when he stands in for old pal Billy to demonstrate a kitchen appliance in the local shopping centre. |
| The Musical | 22/01/2010 | (From RT Radio Times Radio Times is a UK weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, owned by the BBC. It has been published since 1923 by BBC Magazines, which also provides an on-line listings service under the same title... website) Owing to the huge success of shows like Miss Signon, Cats and Annie Get Your Coat, Arthur decides 'his time is now' and devises his own autobiographical musical tribute to himself, Count Arthur Strong: The Musical. Hoping to raise the money to take it into the West End, Arthur performs highlights of the show to an invited audience of potential investors. Will he raise the money he needs to make his dream come true? |
Series 6
| Title | Airdate | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen's Advice | 15/12/2010 | When Arthur attempts to return an item of clothing to a local shop, things don't go quite to plan - leading him to take some 'legal' advice at the Citizen's Advice Bureau. With an ever-increasing list of complaints, plus the possibility of having to acquire a puppy (or puppies) to boot, Arthur's day doesn't go quite as he'd hoped. The occasion does give him a chance to take a trip down memory lane, however, re-living an acting moment in a legal TV drama - which of course enables Arthur to give some sound advice of his own! Cast: Count Arthur Strong ..... Steve Delaney Announcer, Shop Worker, Mr Smith & Wilf ..... Alastair Kerr Geoffrey, Jack, Person & Advisor ..... Dave Mounfield Sally, Brillo & Receptionist ..... Mel Giedroyc |
| Calendar Boys | 22/12/2010 | Arthur is informed by Malcolm that there is an emergency meeting to be held in order to discuss raising funds for the local Church Hall, which is in dire straits and requires important improvements to remain open. In true Arthur style he comes up with an idea or two to help the fund-raising process, hoping to involve as many of his friends in the process. With an idea finally put to the committee and inevitably agreed to, after Arthur's persuasive words, the 'stage is set' for a fund-raising project that will surely turn heads and raise Arthur's personal profile as well as the much needed funding for the Church... Cast: Count Arthur Strong ..... Steve Delaney Man, Wilf, Policeman ...... Alastair Kerr Ref, Geoffrey, Child ..... Dave Mounfield Mother, Sally,Woman ..... Mel Giedroyc Malcolm ..... Terry Kilkelly |
| Tour Guide | 29/12/2010 | After meeting a Tour Operator in the street whilst doing his daily chores, Arthur joins a Tour Bus giving guided journeys around the city - and is, as only Arthur can be, hugely disappointed with his experience. Misunderstandings and misinformation abound, and after a stop to buy some pies from the market Arthur heads to the Shoulder of Mutton to talk through his annoyance at the day-so-far with Jack. He comes up with a plan to develop his very own and much improved tours of the city and, not having a bus at his disposal, decides to conduct walking tours. Whilst starting this new venture in earnest, Artrhur's best-laid plans, as usual, don't quite go as he'd hoped... Cast: Count Arthur Strong ..... Steve Delaney Woman/Market Trader/ Shop Assistant/Old Woman ..... Melanie Giedroyc Tour Operator/Official/ Jack/Old Man ..... Dave Mounfield Announcer/Tour Guide/ Man/Aussie ...... Alastair Kerr |
| The Curse of Count Arthur | 05/01/2011 | With all things 'horror' on his somewhat confused mind, Arthur receives a phone call from his good friend Barry Cryer to say that they have somehow lost Barry's briefcase containing the tickets they require to attend a lunchtime Hammer Horror convention at which they are due. They decide to re-trace their steps from the previous night, which includes taking in a visit to some local haunts and shops, as well as the Shoulder of Mutton. With the briefcase (and thus the tickets) nowhere to be found, Arthur and Barry are left to decide what they should do - try and get in to the convention by relying on their good names and reputations alone, or risk missing out on the Hammer Horror lunch...? Cast: Count Arthur Strong ..... Steve Delaney Dracula/Himself ..... Barry Cryer Sally ..... Melanie Giedroyc Gerry/Jack ..... Dave Mounfield Shop Assistant/Wally/ Bouncer/Wilf ..... Alastair Kerr |
| Gone Fishing | 13/01/2011 | On a fishing trip to Spiggy Lakes with long suffering friends, Sally, Geoffrey and Wilf, things start to go awry for Arthur after he 'finds' a rowing boat. He thinks may give him the edge in their £5.10 per head sweepstake based on who will catch the most fish, and sets out into the lake unaccompanied. Cast: Count Arthur Strong ..... Steve Delaney. Mother, Sally,Woman ..... Melanie Giedroyc. Ref, Geoffrey, Child ..... Dave Mounfield. Man, Wilf, Policeman ..... Alastair Kerr. Malcolm ..... Terry Kilkelly. |
| Ship on a Bottle | 19/01/2011 | After problems assembling his model three masted schooner, Arthur goes in search of a free gift. After taking a well-earned break at Gerry's Cafe he sees an advert in the local paper which gives him an idea... All he has to do is express an interest in a 'no obligation' timeshare apartment in the Canary Isles, and the free gift is his! What could possibly go wrong? Cast: Steve Delaney. Melanie Giedroyc. Dave Mounfield. Alastair Kerr. |
Television version
In 2009, it was reported that Delaney is working on making a television version of Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! for TalkbackThamesTalkbackTHAMES
Talkback Thames is a British television production company, a division of FremantleMedia . It was formed by the merger of Talkback Productions and Thames Television, the former ITV network franchisee for London on weekdays between 1968 and 1992...
and BBC Two
BBC Two
BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio...
. Graham Linehan
Graham Linehan
Graham Linehan is an Irish television writer, actor, comedian and director who, often in partnership with Arthur Mathews, has written or co-written a number of popular television comedies...
and Jeremy Dyson
Jeremy Dyson
Jeremy Dyson is an English screenwriter and, along with Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, a participant in The League of Gentlemen.-Early life:...
are also working on a project for TV called Count Arthur Strong's Entertainment Game.