The Comedy Historian Podcast: The Stories Behind British Comedy

robertrosscomedyhistorian
  • 4.6 (9)
  • FILM HISTORY
  • MONTHLY

Go beyond the jokes to discover the real stories behind comedy. Hosted by writer, presenter, and comedy historian Robert Ross, this podcast explores the lives, careers, and cultural impact of the comedians who shaped British film, television, and stage. From icons like Peter Sellers and Sid James to overlooked figures and forgotten moments, each episode reveals the creativity, controversy, and legacy behind the laughs. Insightful, engaging, and rich in storytelling, this is the podcast for anyone interested in comedy, culture, and entertainment history. New episodes exploring British comedy and its impact.

  1. What a Carve Up! — Murder, Mayhem & Magnificent British Comedy

    2 DAYS AGO

    What a Carve Up! — Murder, Mayhem & Magnificent British Comedy

    This time on Giggle Pod, comedy historians Robert and Gemma Ross unlock the creaking doors of the classic British comedy-horror film What a Carve Up! — starring the incomparable Sidney James and Kenneth Connor. With a spooky mansion setting and a gathering of suspicious relatives for the reading of the will, with lots of razor-sharp one-liners and glorious slapstick chaos, Robert and Gemma dig into the film’s place not only in comedy history, but its many connections with classic horror cinema. Along the way, they discuss the legendary cast, and just why the film will make you yearn for a fish 'n' chips supper! So, as Friday Night is Horror Night, and today is the anniversary of the birth of Sid James, what better subject for Robert and Gemma to sink their teeth into. And if you enjoy this spirited chat about the film, we highly recommend you read the book. Well, Jonathan Coe's novel which is something sort of the same but very different! And wonderful. #GigglePod #WhatACarveUp #SidJames #KennethConnor #BritishComedy #ClassicComedy #ComedyPodcast #BritishCinema #VintageFilm #ComedyHistory #CarryOn #ComedyLegends #FilmPodcast #CultCinema #RetroComedy

    30 min
  2. The Forgotten Peter Sellers Film You Need to Know – Carlton-Browne of the F.O.

    1 MAR

    The Forgotten Peter Sellers Film You Need to Know – Carlton-Browne of the F.O.

    Peter Sellers is best remembered for his iconic roles—but some of his most interesting work is often overlooked. In this episode, we explore Carlton-Browne of the F.O., a lesser-known film that reveals another side of Sellers’ talent. What makes this performance so unique—and why has it been forgotten? A deep dive into one of the most intriguing chapters of his career. You can follow Robert’s work by visiting http://www.robertross.co.uk/ Or on Facebook Robert Ross Comedy Historian Or On Instagram @ROBERTWROSSESQ This Podcast was hosted by Robert Ross The Podcast is Produced by Gemma Ross

    29 min
  3. The Real Kenneth Williams – Genius, Insecurity, and Comedy Legacy

    22 FEB

    The Real Kenneth Williams – Genius, Insecurity, and Comedy Legacy

    Kenneth Williams was one of the most distinctive voices in British comedy—but behind the performances was a far more complex figure. This episode explores the contradictions at the heart of his career: brilliance and self-doubt, success and frustration. What made him so unforgettable—and what did it cost him?   You can follow Robert’s work by visiting www.robertross.co.uk Or on Facebook Robert Ross Comedy Historian Or On Instagram @ROBERTWROSSESQ This Podcast was hosted by Robert Ross The Podcast is Produced by Gemma Ross

    31 min

  4. 25/10/2025

    Quip Wrecked - Episode 5 Roy Gould

    Welcome to the latest episode of Quip Wrecked that Podcast which discussed which Comedy Actor and Actress you would choose to be on desert island along with their choice of Comedy Creative, be it a director, writer or producer and their favourite TV Sitcom along with Favourite Comedy Film.   In Today’s Episode Robert is Joined by Director, Producer and writer Roy Gould   Roy is best known for being David Croft’s right hand man and directed You Rang, M’Lord? Roy also produced The Booze Cruise and as was often spotted around the BBC. More recently Roy has turned his hand to writing, with his latest book Theatre of War. Roy is currently one of the producers, writers and directors of James and Ivy, the spin off audio comedy drama to You Rang M’lord?   So are you ready to be Quip Wrecked with Roy Gould?     If you’ve enjoyed this podcast please subscribe for more upcoming episodes and do tell your chums.   You can follow Robert’s work by visiting www.robertross.co.uk   Or on Facebook Robert Ross Comedy Historian   Or On Instagram @ROBERTWROSSESQ   This Podcast was hosted by Robert Ross The Podcast is Produced by Gemma Ross

  5. 28/08/2025

    Quip Wrecked - Episode 4 Andy Merriman

    Welcome to the latest episode of Quip Wrecked that Podcast which discussed which Comedy Actor and Actress you would choose to be on desert island along with their choice of Comedy Creative, be it a director, writer or producer and their favourite TV Sitcom along with Favourite Comedy Film. In Today’s Episode Robert is Joined by author, scriptwriter and broadcaster, Andy Merriman. ANDY is the author of acclaimed biographies Hattie: The Authorised Biography of Hattie Jacques and Margaret Rutherford: Dreadnought with Good Manners. His latest book is called Ghost Like. Andy is the son of Television and Radio comedy writer Eric Merriman best known for Beyond Our Ken. So are you ready to be Quip Wrecked with Andy Merriman?

    49 min

  6. 25/06/2025

    Quip Wrecked - Episode 3 Dave Ainsworth

    Welcome to the latest episode of Quip Wrecked! The Podcast that discusses which Comedy Actor and Actress you would choose to be on desert island along with their choice of Comedy Creative, be it a director, writer or producer and their favourite TV Sitcom along with Favourite Comedy Film.   In Today’s Episode Robert is Joined by Stand Up Comedian Actor and Writer Dave Ainsworth   Dave wrote the award-winning play Oh Hello about the Carry On star Charles Hawtrey which was chosen as a ‘Pick of the Fringe’ at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It also won the Laurel Award for Best Play.. Dave most recently wrote When the Carry On Stopped published by Pen & Sword in February 2025.   So are you ready to be Quip Wrecked with Dave Ainsworth?   If you’ve enjoyed this podcast please subscribe for more upcoming episodes and do tell your chums. You can follow Robert’s work by visiting www.robertross.co.uk Or on Facebook: Robert Ross Comedy Historian Or On Instagram @ROBERTWROSSESQ This Podcast was hosted by Robert Ross The Podcast is Produced by Gemma Ross

    47 min

  7. 23/06/2025

    Quip Wrecked - Episode 2 Jeffrey Holland

    Welcome to the latest episode of Quip Wrecked! The Podcast that discusses which Comedy Actor and Actress you would choose to be on desert island along with their choice of Comedy Creative, be it a director, writer or producer and their favourite TV Sitcom along with Favourite Comedy Film.   In Today’s Episode Robert is joined by one of Britain’s best love situational Comedy Actors; Jeffrey Holland.   Fondly remembered as Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi! he became an invaluable member of the repertory company of writer and director David Croft. A seasonal favourite in Panto to performing in Goon Again taking on the many voices of Peter Sellers. Jeffrey has also recently written his memoirs The First Rule of Comedy..! Memories and Moments published by the History Press in 2025.   So are you ready to be Quip Wrecked with Jeffrey Holland?

    50 min

  8. 24/02/2025

    Quip Wrecked - Episode 1 Gemma Ross

    Welcome to a brand new revamp of the Comedy Historian Podcast. Britain's Comedy Historian Robert Ross, along with Gemma Ross, interview a guest to discover what comedy choices they would make if they were "Quip Wrecked" on a desert island. Five different comedy choices are made from; Comedy Actor, Comedy Actress, Sitcom or Comedy Series, Comedy Creative to Comedy Film.  In this first episode Robert chats to his co-host Gemma, about her Comedy Greats.

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4.6
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About

Go beyond the jokes to discover the real stories behind comedy. Hosted by writer, presenter, and comedy historian Robert Ross, this podcast explores the lives, careers, and cultural impact of the comedians who shaped British film, television, and stage. From icons like Peter Sellers and Sid James to overlooked figures and forgotten moments, each episode reveals the creativity, controversy, and legacy behind the laughs. Insightful, engaging, and rich in storytelling, this is the podcast for anyone interested in comedy, culture, and entertainment history. New episodes exploring British comedy and its impact.

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