Flywheel, Shyster & Flywheel

In 1990 the airwaves were set alight with the arrival of Flywheel, Shyster & Flywheel to BBC radio.

Based on material from a series of the same name broadcast on American radio in the early thirties, these modern adaptations benefited hugely from great production, excellent scripts and a highly talented cast, particularly the two lead performers Michael Roberts and Frank Lazarus, both of whom totally captured the energy and spirit of Groucho & Chico Marx, retaining their timeless character while giving them a contemporary tweak. The then up-and-coming BBC radio wunderkind Dirk Maggs (who later gained audio industry national treasure status via his collaborations with the likes of Neil Gaiman) directed the show and it ran for three series on BBC Radio 4, attracting huge listening figures and much popular acclaim.

One of its biggest champions was a man who by this point in his life was critical about what he considered the state of modern comedy: Spike Milligan. Confessing to having been delighted and enchanted by the series – and coming from a huge Marx Brothers fan from whom he had drawn much inspiration this was high praise indeed – Spike was invited onto the show. The former Goon ended up appearing twice, and despite nerves seemed to relish every moment of it.

This week Goon Pod has the rare honour of playing host to Dirk, Michael and Frank, who look back at the series and recall how it came about, sharing favourite moments and behind-the-scenes gossip and remembering the rather challenging circumstances in which they welcomed Spike onto the show.

News of the remake was huge at the time and received international television coverage from the likes of CNN. We hear some rare clips and Frank talks about appearing on the Dick Cavett Show in an earlier iteration of Chico, while Michael explains about how ad-libbing was positively encouraged. There is also tribute paid to Mark Brisenden, the man behind the scripts, and the supporting cast including Lorelei King and Graham Hoadly, not to mention the great Dick Vosburgh, the accomplished comedy writer who did so much to revive the Marx Brothers in the seventies and eighties and who acted as consultant on FS&F.

A must-listen for fans of the Marx Brothers, the Goons or great comedy in general!