Tag Archives: theatre

A Right Old Laugh

February 17, 2017 Neil

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a really good couple of week’s. Mine have been very busy with lots of fun things going on. My run of recent trips to see TV programme’s being filmed continued. This time an episode for the new series of the DAVE comedy computer games show “Go 8 Bit” at the Elstree Studios.

It is presented by Dara O’Briain. He is joined by team captain’s Steve McNeil and Sam Pamphilon. Who came up with the idea for the Edinburgh Festival, a couple of years ago. Plus comedian and former computer games journalist Ellie Gibson. Who acts as the oracle for all the games. And as co-commentator with Dara for all the high octane action.

Steve was joined by comedian Russell Kane and Sam’s team mate was the comedian Lolly Adefope. The teams go head to head in a wide range of new and classic computer games. One of which was Lemmings. I had completely forgotten about it but I loved the game as a kid. I am not sure if it was just the way they were playing it. But it certainly looked a lot harder than I remembered.

For the final challenge they played a new virtual reality game. Where you work in a burger bar. And have to make and serve burgers. It sounds rubbish but it actually looked like fun. And it also proved to be pretty difficult. Who knew? The new series will be shown later this year, so keep an eye out for it.

The other weekend I went to Cheshire to see one of my oldest friends and his family. The purpose of my visit was to celebrate his wife’s fortieth birthday. I got there on the Friday evening. He has a two year old daughter. Who insisted on showing me all of her toys. Then on us reading some books together. While watching the Shaun The Sheep Movie.

For those of you who may have not seen it. I can recommend it, it is very amusing. She is a big fan. I think I must have seen it at least three times while I was there. After the little one had gone to bed. We had a few beers. And watched one of the grown up’s DVD’s. The latest one from the ace Sarah Millican. Which was hilarious. Very clever and simply laugh out loud funny.

Saturday was the party day. In the morning we went for a walk in a local park. While there, none other than the mother of One Direction’s Harry Style’s walked past us. When we got back to their house. We were all blowing up inflatable guitars and microphones. Plus lots of helium balloons. Which was actually much harder work than it sounds. And we had pumps.

We had about an hour to get the venue ready before the guest’s arrived. Which we did. Strangely they had a few electricity issues and the lights in the toilets were not working. So they had put lots of candles in there. Which actually gave them a very romantic and seductive feel. Which was odd but weirdly relaxing.

Neil Quigley TV Radio & Live — Neil Quigley TV, Radio & Live

The party itself was fantastic. I had a few drinks and some tasty food. Including the birthday cake that my mate had baked and decorated himself. It looked and tasted amazing. I had a dance with the Birthday girl. Then thanks to the aforementioned inflatable instruments. Me and my friend recreated the glory of a live Gun’s N Roses stage show. With Slash and Axl Rose during Sweet Child O’ Mine. He was on the guitar. I had the mic.

Thankfully as far as I am aware there is no video evidence of this incident. The next day along with her parents. We all went out for a slap up Chinese Meal. Which was a fitting end to the weekend.

I recently made my first visit to the Comedy Store in London for about eighteen years. I was not purposely avoiding the place. I had just not got round to going back. But I did put that right a couple of Monday’s ago. I went to a Gala Comedy Night in aid of a children’s charity. It was fronted by Tim Vine. Who was great with his quick fire jokes and silly visual gags. Plus I got to see pen behind the ear live.

Also performing we had Tom Lucy, who has recently been supporting Shappi Khorsandi. Elliot Steel, who is the son of Mark Steel. Charlie Baker who is a top comedian and an excellent singer, who has appeared in a few musicals. Angela Barnes who is of course the current host of Newsjack on Radio 4 Extra. And the headline act Adam Hills. They were all on top form. It was a very funny night. And I will definitely not leave it so long until I return there again.

I do like a trip to the theatre to see a musical. This show had been on my radar since it opened. So I was very happy the other week. When I managed to get a ticket to see the new version of Half A Sixpence at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End.

I was familiar with the film version that starred Tommy Steele in the lead role. A role he also played on stage. And one that he very much made his own. So I knew the songs and the story line already.I did however absolutely love this latest version. The cast were all fantastic.

The three lead females are all quality performers with amazing voices. And for me they nearly stole the show. But the man who had the biggest shoe’s to fill by taking on the part of Arthur Kipps was Charlie Stemp. And he does not disappoint. He totally makes it his own. But at the same time possibly due to the time and geographical area that it is set in (which remains the same.) There is, I felt at least a nod to the original star in his performance.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I would recommend you go and see it. As always with classics, the stories and dilemmas the characters face are still relevant today. Plus there are some great show stopping songs in it. Another successful night at the theatre. Which left me dancing and singing on the way home.

Last Wednesday I went to a specially refurbished theatre in the Holborn area of London. To witness a run through of a new entertainment show. That ITV are currently in the process of developing called The Nightly Show. It is due to start at the end of this month. It will be on five days a week at ten o’clock at night. For around a month at first.

It will be presented by a different presenter each week. The plan is for it to feature up to date topical jokes, some great guests and some fun games. So they are doing some practice shows to get used to the theatre. And to work out exactly what they will or will not be able to achieve in thirty minutes of fast paced television.

On the version I watched. They had a very experienced presenter in Eamonn Holmes. It was filmed as an actual show would be. Before it started he came out and explained what would be happening. The first part was the opening monologue. Then the guests were Right Said Fred and Saira Khan.

The interviews were pretty straight forward with slight little twists. For example during the pop stars’ chat. They played a quick game with some audience members. And the last part of the Loose Women’s bit saw her and Eamonn being fed special love food ready for Valentines Day. Which basically involved the Irishman having a few Oysters and Saira having a chocolate banana.

The most interesting thing for me was Eamonn discussing things with the director. Asking them how much time he had for each item. Advising what he thought was working or not. And making some suggestions of things they might like to look at. It was kind of like, say a Formula One racing driver test driving a new car and giving the mechanics feedback. To make it smoother and better.

It gave a nice insight in to things that need to be considered. For it all to work for the programme and the presenter. It was still early days. But they have got quite a bit to iron out before it all starts, I feel. It was interesting to be a part of. I cannot wait to see what the actual show will look like. When it goes out. Another fun evening spent in the world of television.

Sarah Parish started the Neil Quigley Fan Club

Last weekend I visited a town in Somerset. Where I spent five and an half years working and living. I went to Yeovil to catch up with some old friends and to see how much it has changed since I was last there. I moved down there in 2004 to work for the radio station Ivel fm. Which later became Midwest Radio.

I then left there in February 2010. In fact randomly last weekend was the seventh year anniversary of my leaving and returning to Buckinghamshire. Much of the town still looks the same. As I took the taxi from the train station to the hotel. I felt quite at home there.

I visited the road where I used to live. And had a look at my flat from the outside. I actually lived about five minutes walk from the radio station. In a little Cul-De-Sac called Ivel Court. So yes that is correct. I was living there when I was working at Ivel fm. So I was certainly very much on brand when I was there.

On the Friday Night I went to a few pubs I used to drink in first. Then met my former boss Steve Carpenter and ex colleague Chris Criddle for a Curry in the Viceroy Indian Restaurant. Somewhere that was just around the corner from my flat and where I used to go regularly.

The food and service was as ever excellent. And the company to was delightful. I had a great night catching up on the current and talking about the past. It was great to see them both.

On the Saturday morning I met up with another mate for a cup of tea and a nice chat. Then in the afternoon I went and saw Yeovil Town play. In the past I have reported and commentated on a lot of their big games. Including a match that saw them win the league at home and a trip to Wembley Stadium for a play off final.

I also went to loads of press conferences. And regularly spoke to the manager and the players. I went to the game with the former Yeovil Town, Bristol Rovers and Hereford United player Tony Pounder and the former Yeovil Town and Torquay United defender Paul Thorpe.

It was great to catch up with them. They are top blokes. Who have loads of brilliant stories from their playing days. The Glovers were playing Leyton Orient. Both teams were pretty equally matched. So an one all draw was probably a fair result.

I mentioned I used to know the players when I was working down there. So I did find it a little odd seeing two players I knew from that time Darren Way and Terry Skiverton in the dug out as the current management team. Despite Yeovil Town not being able to hold on for the win. It was a very enjoyable afternoon at a lovely club with some brilliant company.

That night I met up with a few people in the establishment. That was actually below the Ivel fm studios. It was the place where we held the station’s first birthday party. And somewhere I used to DJ and spend a lot of my free time.

I also was a judge and host for lots of different talent competitions held there. The place was the Chicago Rock Cafe. Since I moved away it has had a few refits and changed its name several times. But it has reverted back to its original title again. It felt a little strange being back in there. And bought back lots of great memories.

Before returning home on the Sunday I met up with another former work friend of mine and her husband in one of the town’s coffee shops. It was lovely to see them both. We had a good chat about old times and some exciting plans for the future.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. In a place where I have so far spent an eighth of my life. I am glad I ventured down there. To coin an old radio station strap line Good times, Great Music.

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Les Good Times

February 3, 2017 Neil

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a really nice couple of week’s. Mine have been very busy with lots of fun things going on. The other Saturday to mark my Mum and Dad’s latest Wedding Anniversary.

We went on a family trip to the theatre in London. To see the matinee of the long running musical Les Miserables. We had brilliant seats. In the royal circle, no less. I had not seen it previously but just before it started my sister gave me a quick run through of the basic plot and we were away.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It is fair to say it is pretty emotional and heavy going. I mean the title itself does suggest that it is not exactly going to be a barrel of laughs from start to finish. The cast were sensational and fully deserved their standing ovation at the end. The songs are very powerful and meaningful.

A lot of the messages of the story are more appropriate than ever after recent world events. Which may explain how it keeps finding a new big audience year after year. If you have not cried at some point during it, you are not human.

The whole experience was made even better by the lovely glass of red wine I had during the interval. Well done to the Queen’s Theatre on this. As this is not always the case. When it comes to beverages in the West End. After the show had finished and we had all dried our eyes.

We continued the regal theme by heading round the corner to have a nice meal at the Queen’s Head. The steps up to the restaurant area there, were actually made in the town where I live Princes Risborough. It had that information written on them. Which weirdly made us feel very at home there.

I went to a fascinating recording of a new Radio 4 Extra short series called “The Comedy Controller”. It was part of a three programme special. Each one has a different era of comedy that they are focusing on. It features former and current comedy producers. Talking about great old show’s and their own experiences with making these show’s. And also trying to sell them to America.

The panel were Paul Jackson, John Lloyd, Jimmy Mulville and the excellent Beryl Virtue. These people have been involved in some of the greatest comedy programmes of all time including Steptoe and Son, Coupling, Blackadder, Spitting Image, The Young Ones and Whose Line Is It Anyway, to mention just a few.

During this event at the BBC Radio Theatre. Which focused on the sixties and seventies, as well as satire. They played some legendary bits of comedy for us to enjoy. The esteemed panel then discussed these show’s and performer’s from this period. Best bit for me was them telling stories about things that happened. While they were working on their various programmes. And they all had some great anecdote’s about trying to pitch English comedies to the American television executives.

As a huge comedy fan. I found it both entertaining and educational. To hear all these behind the scenes stories. All told in such an amusing way themselves. It was a real feel good evening. Sitting there and reminiscing.

The current series of the excellent Radio 4 Extra weekly satirical comedy show Newsjack is now under way. The first two programmes have now been broadcast. They have both been exceptionally funny. Although I think it is fair to say that there is a lot of good subject matter around at the moment. I was at the recording of the first one at the historic BBC Radio Theatre.

It was Angela Barnes’s debut as host. And personally I thought she was totally brilliant. She made it her own right from the start. Plus the supporting cast set the bar very high. As they were all brill. Showing such versatility and skill with the many recognisable impressions that they were required to do.

I have been submitting material once again for this programme. I missed out on getting any of my jokes in the first episode that I was at. Which was a shame. As it would have been nice to gauge the audience’s instant reaction. But the first one was so funny with so much clever stuff in there from all the other very talented writers. I really did not mind. I am as ever hopeful that I will sneak something of mine in there before this latest run is over.

I never tire of watching things at the radio theatre. It is such a lovely venue. I would really like to see one of the big music names do one of their small and intimate shows there. As they do for Radio 2 from time to time. I suspect that would be amazing.

On the way to BBC New Broadcasting House

Last Saturday I experienced the magic of the FA Cup at White Hart Lane. When the team I support Tottenham Hostpur. Took on the team my parents support. And the team I used to watch regularly when I was a teenager. I went with my mum to the game. She is a Wycombe Wanderers season ticket holder. So she got me my ticket for the match. Which meant we were in the away end with the Chair Boys fans.

We travelled to the game on one of the sixteen supporters coaches laid on. Fair play to Buckinghamshire as a whole. They really got behind the team and made a great effort. The fans looked stunning in the light and dark blue colours. And they made plenty of noise for the team.

The coach journey was comfortable, smooth and they even served hot drinks to buy on the way there and the way back. It was all very civilised. We got to the ground just after one o’clock. And the coach handily dropped us right outside a burger van. Which fulfilled our food requirements.

After soaking up the atmosphere outside for a bit. We met up with my Uncle and Cousin and made our way in to the stadium. We grabbed a pre-match beer to calm the nerves. As the place filled up with lots of very excited Wanderer’s supporters. We then headed out to take our seats and watch the players warm up.

The game itself was an emotional roller coaster. With me wanting Wycombe Wanderers to do really well but Spurs to actually win and go through. So when Wycombe were two nil up after the first twenty-five minutes. I was feeling some mixed emotions. Really pleased for Wycombe, while at the same time thinking my team were about to crash out of the cup. That was the half time score line.

In the second half Tottenham pulled it back to two all. And I was starting to think they could go on to win it. Then having already made our three substitution’s Kieran Trippier had to go off injured. Leaving us down to ten men. Not long after this from out of nowhere Wycombe go three-two up with a great header. Now I am really worried.

Fortunately a minute or so later Dele Alli equalises. I am thinking that it will be a draw with a replay back at Adams Park. So a good day for Wycombe. They get a lucrative second game. Which Tottenham could still progress from. Then from out of nowhere late in to injury time Spurs grab a winner.

I instantly see the Blue’s manager Gareth Ainsworth. Who had been kicking every ball drop to his knees and start beating the ground out of frustration. He had been so close to pulling off a big shock. And had just experienced that rug being pulled from under his feet right at the very death.

Wycombe Wanderers were a credit to him, the town and their fans. They were immense and gave a Premier League side a good run for their money. In fact I will happily admit that it was down purely to luck in the end. That my team progressed. Well done to Wycombe Wanderer’s and everyone involved with the club.

My friend Andy Holmes is soon to become the Political Reporter for BBC Three Counties Radio. I mean what a time to be covering this particular area of expertise. It will keep him busy. He decided he wanted to take a look round the area, he would be covering. So I said that I would go along with him to keep him company on the drive around Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Just think of it as a low budget remake of The Trip with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. Without the exotic location’s, six star restaurants and Michael Caine impressions. It was a nice way of catching up with a mate.

Plus very useful for him to find his way around. And get a feel of how the landscape of these places sits. For me it was a reminder of how lucky I am to live around here. With all the interesting villages and beautiful countryside. It was a fun day. I wish him all the best in his new role.

I went along to the Elstree Studios to see a recording of the E4 show Virtually Famous. It is hosted by the very funny Chris Ramsey. I saw him do some stand up at the Limelight Theatre in Aylesbury about five years ago and he was brilliant. The two team captain’s are Sean Walsh. Who I also have seen perform live in Tring.

And Vicky Pattison, who for a stunning looking lady sure likes her chocolate’s and crisp’s. She was snacking on them during proceedings. They were both excellent and very amusing. The other guests were Binky Felstead, Dane Baptiste, Joel Dommett and one of my favourite comedian’s Jimmy Carr.

It was a very entertaining and funny afternoon. Everybody playing their part in that but for me Jimmy Carr, as ever stole the show. Always razor sharp and totally on the ball. Happy to go to where ever he needs to for a laugh, no taboo subjects. He will just say it if he thinks it’s funny.

Joel takes a bit of stick regarding an online incident that he was involved in. If you do not know what I am talking about just google him. So another fun afternoon in a television studio. Watching the magic happen. Nice to see Andy Collins there on warm up duties to. That place is like his second home.

I also went to the famous Pinewood Studios to see a couple of episodes of the quiz show Debatable being filmed. It is presented by Patrick Kielty. Who is always good fun. It is made in a cosy little studio with a small and intimate audience. Taking their place on the celebrity panel, when I was there. We had Rick Edwards, Jonathan Edwards and Ann Widdecombe. Ann was lovely, very friendly and happy to chat to anyone. I am a fan of quizzes. It was good fun to play along in my head with the contestants, while there in the studio.

I also cannot fault the hospitality with a nice cup of tea and some biscuits supplied during the break between the two shows. It was Patrick Kielty’s birthday. So we did very briefly sing to him as a treat. You will probably be quite surprised about this. But I believe that he was planning on going out for a few celebratory drinks. He also had a further six shows to film the day after. So I hope they all went well for him.

I am up north this weekend to attend my friend’s wife’s 40th Birthday Party. Which I am really looking forward to. It will be nice to attend one, that is not mine and that I have not had the stress of organising. So that will be a lot of fun. And a great chance to catch up with them and their family.

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

The Present Times

January 21, 2017 Neil

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a good start to the year and a really nice couple of week’s. Mine have been quite busy with some fun things going on. I celebrated my fortieth in December and held a big party. Although I said on the invitations. That I did not want any presents. People were so nice and generous. That they still got me some gift’s anyway. Which was really lovely of them. I did get given quite a bit of money. So I decided to do some much needed clothes shopping. I am not a man who tends to update his wardrobe often. So this task was possibly well overdue.

When it comes to clothes. I am really not a high fashion expert. Or somebody who is particularly bothered about designer names. Although I do own an Armani Suit. That I bought about fifteen years ago now. I tend to buy all my stuff from just one particular store. As in there, I have found the sizes that I am, actually correspond with the sizes of the clothes they sell. And they fit me perfectly, specially their jeans. The shop in question is Next. So if you do see me on a red carpet somewhere. The answer to the question “who are you wearing” will most probably be Next.

Being a man who always likes to get more from his money and loves a “bargain”. I knew from my time working at Wembley Stadium. That there is a Next Outlet store there. So that is where I went fully armed with my Birthday cash. It was a pretty successful trip. I picked up a pair of jeans, two shirts, a jumper, and a pair of shoes. They do not have changing rooms there. So you can’t try anything on. But as I know and trust all the size labels there. All the items fitted me perfectly. The whole thing took less than twenty minutes. Result!

Also many of my family and friends clubbed together and very generously gave me lots of Amazon vouchers as a gift. It all added up to quite a decent amount. There was not one big thing in particular that I actually wanted or needed. So I decided to browse the website and have a think about what I might actually need or like. I ended up making a list of about ten different things. And randomly the overall price of these. Actually came to about the value of my vouchers. Which as ever with my life was more by luck than judgement.

Here is a selection of some of the presents I bought myself. I got a new tripod for my phone. So I can do some more filming with it. Which you should expect to see some of the benefits of in the coming months, I hope. I also got a new razor set. Which the makers claim gives the perfect shave. I am not totally convinced yet. As I am still trying to work out how to fit the blades correctly.

I got a new microphone for my home studio. A set of hair clippers. Just in case I am ever brave enough to have a go at doing my own hair. And lastly despite saying I would never ever get one, let alone ever wear one. I bought myself a Union Jack Onesie. Which was meant to be for a laugh. But when I tried it on. It was actually really comfortable. And I am now just secretly waiting for the chance to wear it.

I was out in London the other week enjoying a meal with a former radio colleague of mine. His name is Robbie Lane. I met him when we were both at Ivel fm in Yeovil. He is now living in Lincolnshire. But he was in the Capital for a few days, so we managed to meet up. He is originally from the Isle of Wight. And as a sideline. He runs a very successful website promoting it. I am working on getting a cheap holiday there. But I have not quite done that yet.

We went to a nice restaurant in the Hays Galleria. Which is not far from London Bridge. It is right by the river and over looks where HMS Belfast is situated. I had a nice three course meal. And a good catch up with an old friend. So I would put that down as a decent evening.

I am now about half way through the Bruce Springsteen autobiography “Born to Run” that I am currently reading. So far it is brilliant. Firstly it is very well and cleverly written. And secondly it is fascinating. He latched on to the power of music very early in his life. He was inspired by iconic big events on American television.

Like Elvis Presley’s first TV appearance. And the first time the Beatles appeared on screen in the US. It made him want to pick up a guitar and make his own music. Completely self taught through hours and hours of dedication and practice as a teenager. To this day he cannot read music. But he sure knows how to play those notes and cords on his guitar.

Neil Quigley and Elvis Presley hanging out in the 70's #crazydays — Neil Quigley and Elvis Presley hanging out in the 70’s #crazydays

I can certainly tell you he paid his dues. Before he became a success. He put the work in. He gigged constantly with a few different bands. And lived on the breadline for about eight years. Before he got his first recording deal. It is also brilliant to hear how he kind of almost accidentally, slowly over the space of several year’s bumped in to members of the E-Street band. And ended up working with them.

He does seem to be a man with a clear vision of what he wanted to do. The band members he chose were carefully selected to achieve this goal. He started off as shy guitarist before his confidence grew developing in to the front man and show man that we know today.

I saw Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band play at Hyde Park around five year’s ago now. For the encore that night Sir Paul McCartney came out and they performed two Beatles classics. “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Twist and Shout”. Now I could tell at the time that Bruce was pleased and excited to have Paul on stage, playing with him and the band.

What I did not realise was that the first song “The Boss” ever learned on the guitar. And the first song he ever sang in public with his first band was “Twist and Shout”. So I can now see why that song. And getting the chance to do it with an actual “Beatle” meant so much to him. It was amazing to be there and witness it. It was totally brilliant!

The topical Radio 4 Extra comedy show Newsjack is back for a new series this coming Thursday night. There has been a change of host once again for this year. Nish Kumar has now left and has been replaced by Angela Barnes.

I find that when they make this switch. Which they tend to do every few years. It does seem to re-invent the programme. As a new comedian brings their own style and puts their own stamp on proceedings. I am once again looking forward to writing some jokes for the show.

I was invited to a writer’s briefing with the producers and the new presenter. Unfortunately I was unable to make it. But they have sent me all the details for the new series. And it sounds fantastic. I am going along to see the first show being recorded this week.

I am hoping I will be able to see the cast perform some of my material. I will of course let you know, if they do. It will be on Radio 4 Extra for the next six week’s. Every Thursday night at 10.30pm. If you are a fan of satirical comedy. It is definitely worth a listen.

It has been another good couple of weeks to be a Tottenham Hotspur fan. We are now second in Premier League. Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in our last game. And we managed to get past Aston Villa in the FA Cup. So I am very happy with how the football season is going at the moment. Talking of the FA Cup. The fourth round draw has thrown up an interesting game.

With the team I support facing the team that I used to watch as a teenager. In fact my parents are season ticket holders. Who go home and away watching the Buckinghamshire club. Next Saturday Wycombe Wanderers travel to White Hart Lane to play the mighty Spurs.

The first Wycombe Wanderers game I went to was a friendly against a Tottenham Hotspur eleven. At the Chair Boy’s old ground Loakes Park. Spurs brought along a strong side. And Paul Walsh scored a brilliant hat-trick.

Next Saturday I am going to see the return fixture, at last. As they compete for the right to progress in England’s premier club cup competition.

I am going to the big game with my Mum. She will be cheering on Wycombe and I will of course be supporting my team. So it could be an interesting and quiet journey home for one of us.

I would like the Wycombe players to enjoy the day and play well. But ultimately get beaten. So the Spurs can go marching on to Wembley.

Despite the fact there does seem to be a lot of very angry and ill-informed people on social media. I am still a big fan and user of Twitter. Personally I use it to follow people I know or like. And to interact and have a laugh with them.

This has led in the last fortnight to me being re-tweeted by Lily Allen. As well as having Susanna Reid like one of the tweets that I sent her. It all means nothing but is just a bit of good harmless fun. If you would like to get on board on follow me on twitter. I am simply @NeilQuigley

New for 2017 I have launched my own regular weekly Podcast. It is five minutes long. It takes a light-hearted look at some of the big stories and events that have happened during the last seven days. The first two episodes are already available.

To listen to them just head to the “Podcasts” section of my website. If you go to the top of this page you will be able to find it. Alternatively you can hear it on I-tunes or listen via my Youtube Channel which is Neil Quigley TV.

As I have been busy with other projects recently. I have not had time to visit any television studios and watch any programme’s being made. Well that is about to change spectacularly. As during the next few weeks alone. I am due to be seeing Virtually Famous, Debatable and Go 8-bit all being filmed.

I have seen the last one before. But the other two are new one’s for me to witness in person. I am looking forward to them. I always like being in a TV Studio. I will let you know how I got on next time we speak.

I am looking forward to spending this afternoon in London. I am seeing one of the longest running musicals with my family. To celebrate my mum and dad’s wedding anniversary. We are going to see Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre.

Although my friend Mike Sterling previously played the lead role in this show, in the capital. I have not actually seen it before. So I am very excited about it. We have some fantastic seats. Plus we are going for a nice meal afterwards. It will be a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon. You can’t beat a trip to the theatre.

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Best Wishes for 2017 – Happy New Year

January 7, 2017 Neil

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a really nice couple of week’s. Mine have been fairly quiet and relaxing. Well it has been Christmas. I occasionally do take it easy and not do too much. That said I was working Christmas Eve night for the BBC. I finished at around 8.30am on Christmas Day.

I then headed straight to my parents. I got there at about 9.45am. When I walked in my Dad was already cooking the fried breakfast. You have no idea how amazing it smelt. And despite having been up all night. It woke me up instantly. This is how we always start every Christmas Day.

After we had finished breakfast. It was time to open our presents to each other. Now to avoid any awkwardness and unwanted gifts. We do have a very direct way of dealing with this. We all write a list saying what we would like. Which then gets passed around to other members of the family.

So we all pick what we buy from this list. The benefit of this is you tend to get what you want. The downside of this is that there are rarely any surprises during the unwrapping process.

I was really lucky this year and got everything on my list. I did not ask for too much, I promise. I got a really good electric toothbrush. As recommend by my dentist. A Star Wars T-shirt. Which by the way is really cool and features all the original main characters on it. Which of course sadly became more poignant over the festive period.

I also received two new Tottenham Hotspur T-shirts, a chocolate Santa, a racing post diary and courtesy of my dad a Calendar. Which features a different picture of him and my mum every month. Which great and individual though it is. I can confirm that was not on my original wish list. And to think that last year, I had a Kylie Minogue one.

Next on Christmas Day it was the traditional lunch time trip to the pub. To have a few drinks with some of my Uncle’s and Cousin’s. I have been doing this every year since I was legally old enough to drink. So let us just say I have been following this ritual for a good many years now. It was good fun as always.

I then returned to my parents opened a nice bottle of red wine and settled in for the rest of the day. We had decided to have a later dinner than usual. So we spent the afternoon chatting and watching some television. Which did include seeing The Queen’s Speech, of course.

My dad cooked the food this year, ably assisted by me. Well I peeled the potatoes and cut up the parsnips at least. So I am pretty sure that makes me a Sous- Chef. Have to say dinner was great. A traditional turkey meal with all the trimmings. In fact my parents ordered such a huge bird. I believe they have only just finished using it for their Sandwiches.

The pudding was toffee cheesecake selected by me. But supplied and made by a big supermarket chain. It finished things off very nicely. And did also go very well with the red wine, I was still drinking.

After dinner we returned to the living room to watch Dr Who and the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Both of which were excellent. Now my parents have a home karaoke machine. Which is always set up and ready to go at a moments notice. So my dad and sister decided to fire it up and do a few songs each. This was around 8pm.

Now bearing in mind I had been awake since around 9am on Christmas Eve. I will be honest. I was starting to flag a little bit by now. And was drifting off in my chair. Which I must add was no reflection on their performance. So after around an hour. I called it quits and headed off to bed. After a really nice traditional family Christmas Day.

Boxing Day and the Christmas Bank Holiday the day after followed a pretty similar pattern. With lots of nice food, good company and a few drinks. So basically I had a very nice festive period. During which I managed to catch up with friends and family, exchange gifts and have a good laugh.

I caught up with some mates in a coffee shop on Christmas Eve morning. For a get together over a cup of tea and some cakes. How times have changed. A few years ago this would have been later in the day and involved a few pints. But we are more grown up and responsible now. Well the three friends I was with are anyway.

There was one other present I received that I did not mention earlier. I got given Bruce Springsteen’s Book Born to Run. Which was something that I had very much asked for. I have seen The Boss and the E-Street Band play live twice. Both times they were out of this world. I am a fan of the man and his music. So therefore I am really enjoying reading this book.

You know how he writes intriguing and heart felt real song lyrics. Well he has written it in that same style. He is very honest and open about his upbringing, his family and the area that he grew up in. It actually also gives you a very good idea, as to what that part of America was like at that time to.

Although I have only read the first five chapters so far. It does highlight the fact. That we are all what we are from what we experienced, when we were growing up. The interactions with family members. The people we went to school with and were taught by. All seem to have some influence on the way you develop, your mind set, motivations and to degree your own character. And your desire to succeed.

Certainly with Bruce, things that happened in his childhood helped shape things like his work ethic and the desire to better himself and improve his life. I am looking forward to finding out how he made it in the world of music. And how he has stayed at the top of his game for so long. It is an excellent read, so far.

Now I mentioned this the other month and advised you to watch it. And I very much hope you did. I am talking about “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” by the genius Mischief Theatre Company. A specially recorded version featuring David Suchet as the guest star was shown on BBC 1 on New Year’s Eve. And just like all their other plays that I have seen. It was brilliant.

They have a very unique and perfectly honed style. With their shows just becoming more and more chaotic in so many different and clever ways. They perform the shows themselves. As well as writing them. The whole cast is so talented and great together. They are possibly the hardest working group of actors, I know. The comedy they do is often physical and very demanding.

I thought Peter Pan Goes Wrong was hilarious and brilliant. Plus because I have seen their other two shows on in London. The Play That Goes Wrong and Comedy About A Bank Robbery. I have seen the whole cast perform live. And feel like I kind of know them all. Which made it even better seeing them on my television. I thought Nancy Zamit was brilliant. I noticed it when I saw their last play in the West End. But as well as being naturally very funny. She does have a sensational singing voice.

It reminded me of old style fun, silly and crazy variety. And for me it was possibly the best thing on over the entire festive season. Their original show The Play That Goes Wrong is heading to Broadway this year with the original London cast. So I wish them all the best for their American adventure. They are going to go down a storm there, I reckon.

The only other thing I watched on television over Christmas and New Year. Which is something I have to see every year. Was some classic moments of the best comedy double act ever Morecambe and Wise. They always have so many tribute programmes in their honour every year. And they never fail to make me laugh out loud.

Even though I have seen the sketches and bits so many times. For example Eric Morecambe advising the ambulance going past is not going to sell many ice-creams going at that speed. Is never not going to be funny. They were geniuses and I could watch them all day long.

It was a good Christmas and New Year period for my football team Tottenham Hotspur. We had a couple of decent wins, scored some good goals and played some nice football. Which as a supporter I think is pretty much all you can ask. It looks like we should be making another decent challenge to try to finish in the top four in the League. To try to get into the Champions League again.

Although we have already been knocked out of that this time round. We are still in the Europa League and still playing our home games at Wembley. So I am not ruling out another trip to the national stadium to see Spurs play in the next month or so.

Over the years I have worked a lot of New Year’s Eve’s mainly dj’ing at Private Parties. And once again I finished the last year and started this, while at work. I was working through the night at the BBC. Although luckily I was actually on a break around midnight. And thanks to a chance meeting with another colleague. I ended up finding a nice vantage point at Broadcasting House. From where I could watch the fireworks display on the South Bank taking place around the London Eye.

So I saw out 2016 and welcomed in 2017 on a famous roof. Enjoying a great view of the Capital. While taking in what I thought was a brilliant show. The fireworks looked stunning. And I really think we gave Sydney a run for their money this year in the fireworks stakes. It was I think one of the strangest most memorable places that I had seen in the New Year. May I wish you a very happy New Year. I hope you have a fun and interesting 2017.

I gave up making any new year’s resolutions decades ago. I decided that if you want to change something in your life. Why wait for a specific time and excuse, just do it. If it is the right thing to do for you. I do like to think of things that I might like to do or achieve in the next twelve months.

This year I would like to return to doing a bit more stand up comedy. I have got the taste for it again after my performance at my birthday party. I would also like to host some more live events. So I will be looking at a few options in that area. And putting out a few feelers.

It has also been far too long since I presented a live radio show. So that is something that I would really like to do again in 2017. Not so worried about having my own regular daily show again. But if I could get back behind the mic and do a few programmes here and there. That would be pretty good.

I also want to do a bit more travelling. And get to a few more places on my to see and visit list. But mostly I just want to be healthy, happy and to have a good laugh. You never know what exciting and new opportunities are around the corner. That is the beauty of life.

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Happy New Year. Cheers Neil.

Dead Funny

November 11, 2016 Neil

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a really nice couple of week’s. Mine have been quite busy with some fun things going on. I have just upgraded my mobile phone. I do sometimes wonder how we ever used to cope without them now. My whole life appears to be on it.

As it contains my diary, my photos, my social media, my train times and also all my phone numbers. So with all my contacts and google constantly with me at all times. I do not need to ever remember anything ever again. I can search for the answer to anything, instantly. Which in many ways is terrifying.

I am a very good customer. In that as long as the company I am dealing with does not annoy me and cause me any hassle. I will probably just stay with them as it is easier than changing. Sometimes I do feel it is better the devil you know. So even though I could have almost certainly got myself a much better deal elsewhere. I simply stuck with the same lot again.

When I got the notification that I was due an upgrade. I went straight back to the Carphone Warehouse. I got my very first contract phone from them at least sixteen years ago. I still use the same service provider and have the same number. I am a very loyal customer. For the last couple of renewals. I have gone to the same branch and even seen the same person. Who to be honest is brilliant. I tell him what I need the phone to do. That I will not be paying for a new phone. And that ideally I want it to be a cheaper monthly payment than my previous deal was.

He then makes that happen every time, so far. So I have just got the next I-phone up from what I had previously with a bit more inclusive data. Mainly to cover the amount of time I spend messing about on Twitter. He set up my new phone for me. Which took a lot longer than it should have. Because some silly idiot could not remember his ID for Apple. In my defence I very rarely use it. I plan on repeating this exact performance in two years time. I am very much of the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” school of thinking.

Just three days after I had got my brand new shiny phone. I had a bit of an incident with it. After which I discovered a feature that they appear to have included. Which the company who make them. Had not really made a big thing out of. But that I found to be a bit of a life saver. Now this will sound a little bit like an advert that you may have seen on the television. But I promise you, this did really happen to me.

I was on the phone to a friend of mine, while I was cooking my dinner. I was washing up as I was going along. So had a bowl of warm water in the sink. As I was trying to talk to my mate and also drain the water from the potatoes, I had just cooked. I managed to drop the phone in to said bowl of water. It was completely submerged for about a second or two. Before I whipped it straight out.

My pal was still on the phone and connected. So I explained what had happened and said I would call him back later. In a bit of a panic. I dried it with a towel and then put it straight in the airing cupboard. To try to dry it out a bit. As I must have heard somewhere that this was the thing to do in this situation.

Then I did what everyone does now. I googled to see if this particular phone just happened to be waterproof. To my surprise and delight the internet seemed to suggest this was the case. With reports of YouTube videos showing people dunking them for an hour and them still working straight after. So happily it has been fine since and it looks like I have got away with it. But just to be on the safe side. I will no longer chat on it when I am cooking in the future. I am far too reliant on my phone to risk that again.

I must admit I am not a fan of Halloween. I have never really got in to it, even as a kid. The whole ghosts and ghouls thing never interested me. And as for going round and asking strangers for sweets. That goes against everything I was taught as a kid. I have not got any children yet, so may be I cannot quite see the fun side of it and the excitement in it for them.

Parents spend the whole year telling their off spring to be careful due to some weird and wonderful folks in the community. Then one night of the year. They could inadvertently send them straight to their door. As you have already guessed I am not at all one for trick or treating. So to stop this being an issue. I simply go out every Halloween night.

This year I went to the Vaudeville Theatre in London to see Dead Funny. The play is set around the time of the death’s of comedy legend’s Benny Hill and Frankie Howerd.

It is about the relationship’s of two late thirty-something couples. The stress and problems that can happen in life, as the year’s progress. The plot is centred around the “Dead Funny Society”. Which is a social group. Who meet up regularly to reminisce and celebrate the lives of great comics.

The play is very funny in its own right. But it also includes lots of nods to great comedic talents from the past. With many impressions and even some of their old classic routines repeated. Which just added to the enjoyment and nostalgia of it for me. The all star cast were all totally amazing. You have Katherine Parkinson, who was in the IT Crowd. Steve Pemberton from The League of Gentlemen and Benidorm. Ralf Little from Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. Emily Berrington, who was in the second Inbetweeners film and Rufus Jones from W1A.

They were all brilliant. And all get to do impressions of the some of the top comics of all time. I never thought I would write this but Ralf Little does a perfect impression of Max Miller and Emily Berrington is somehow a more than passable Ernie Wise at one point.

I would definitely recommend this show if you like your classic comedy. May be you are heading towards your forties. Or you just enjoy a damn good laugh from your visit to the theatre. Just one word of warning. It does feature a bit of nudity, so it is not for the faint-hearted.

I had cracking front row seats and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a lovely friendly theatre to. It is worth getting to your seat a little bit early as before the curtain goes up they have screens showing lots of classic clips of the comedy geniuses in action. Which really puts you in the mood for the performance.

A few weeks ago I was sat in the BBC Radio Theatre watching the American comedian Rich Hall record one of his US Election Breakdown show’s for Radio 4. If you did not catch any of them. They were set in a pretend American Radio Talk Station with Rich as the show’s host assisted by his English co-host Nick Doody. They would take pretend callers played by Mike Wilmot, Lewis Macleod and Debra Stephenson. Raising various comedic points all about the American Election campaign.

It was the first time that I had seen Rich Hall in action live and he was brilliant. So sharp and very dry. It was a fun show to see made. And at the time of course hugely topical. We now of course know the outcome of the said election. I think there is a chance of extracting plenty more comedy from this in the future though. With the way it has panned out. So may be this programme will return at some point. Or run all through the next four year term, possibly.

I was at Wembley to see Tottenham Hotspur’s second home Champions League game of the season there. This time I took my dad and one of my best friends with me. The evening did not start too well. When the train we were going to get to the stadium was cancelled at the last minute.

So we then had to wait thirty minutes for the next one. Which as it had two train’s worth of people on it was absolutely rammed. We still got there in good time. But may be I should have seen that as a sign of how the night might go.

It was again a great atmosphere inside the ground. And I was excited that my dad and mate were going to see top level club European football for the first time. I managed to get some decent seats again. In the front row behind one of the goals. During the warm up one of the official warm up balls had been left just in front of me. I must confess for a moment I did have my eyes on it. But the Spurs staff retrieved it in the end.

The game itself was not great. We didn’t take our chances and gave away a fairly soft goal. Two things you can really not afford to do at that level. But despite the result it was another good night out at the home of football. As long as we win the next one away in Monaco. We can still qualify for the next stage.

As ever working where I do currently there is always the chance of meeting or at least catching a glimpse and some interesting and exciting people. I was quite pleased to pass one of my radio heroes in the office the other week. As Danny Baker walked past on the way to do his BBC Five Live Show. He had his hat pulled down and was looking at the floor. Which made me suspect he was not interested in a chat at that point.

The Today programmes Nick Robinson is someone I often spot. And I can now add to that list Colin Murray who currently is presenting Fighting Talk on a Saturday morning.

I was also working on a show the other week. Where one of the guests was a former NASA Astronaut Mike Massimino. This man has actually been in to space several times on the iconic Space Shuttle’s. He has space walked and he has fixed the Hubble Telescope. He was on to talk about his new book “Spaceman: An Astronaut’s Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe”.

He said something during the interview that made me think. He has looked down on the earth from above. While out in the vast nothingness of space. And his view was we are all little individual space travellers who are constantly moving through the galaxy on our little planet. Just a tiny speck of the whole universe. I took from that enjoy life, push boundaries and try as many different new and exciting things as you can.

I had a general routine dentist check up appointment the other week. And they foolishly let me pick the time that I attended. So you will probably not be to surprised to find out. That I opted for two-thirty in the afternoon. Simply for comedy value. So when people found out I was going to the dentist and suggested the standard joke time. I could say. Yes, that is right. It is the little things in life that amuse me the most.

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Neil Quigley Presenter