Spike Milligan was one of the most loved comedy writers in Britain and like most of our icons of days gone by frequently danced on the line between genius and madness. Suffering from bi-polar disorder in a time where mental health was less understood he still managed to create some of the most successful books and of course write the phenomenally successful, The Goon show. This production follows the accounts of Norma Farnes, his long suffering secretary who worked though his temper tantrums, depressions and blissful highs from 1996 right up until his death in 2002.
Insightful and dripping with wit this production largely impresses, Jill Halfpenny’s delights as the feisty Yorkshire girl who always maintains a cheeky sexy charm throughout. Though equally impressive is the fallen comedian Michael Barrymore, surely the most inspired piece of casting at the Fringe, as Barrymore to those somehow unfamiliar to his story was one of the biggest stars in Britain before falling from his pedestal, a man that if last years Big Brother is anything to go by is still very much battling his inner demons.
While the parallels with Barrymore are inevitable, this production is very much about the friendship between Farnes and Milligan and the actors compliment each other beautifully. The onscreen chemistry between the two is the secret to the shows success and had the audience loudly cheering in the final, heart breaking moments.
Fascinating, emotional and stuffed full of Milligan’s endlessly quotable lines, this is a production that comes highly recommended.
4/5 
Martin Miller
