Audiobooks by Eric Merriman

Take It From Here: The Later Years: 40 Episodes from Series 9-13 of the Classic BBC Radio Comedy

"More timeless comedy from the long-running variety show Take It from Here was one of the most popular radio shows of its day, running for 12 years on the BBC Light Programme between 1948 and 1960. With its literate, pun-filled scripts written by comedy legends Denis Norden and Frank Muir, it was a huge hit with listeners, and over 20 million regularly tuned in to enjoy the madcap adventures of the TIFH team. These 40 specially chosen shows feature Madam Butterfly as you’ve never heard it before, a West End musical spoof, the fall and rise of Punch and Judy – and quickfire quizzing with ‘Double Your Nothing’. Meanwhile in ‘The Glums’, the marathon engagement of the drippy Ron and the doting Eth rumbles on, and down at his local, Mr Glum regales barman Ted with tales of woe and hard-luck stories. Also included are three Christmas episodes from 1955, 1958 and 1959; the 250th show (Series 10, Episode 1); the 10th anniversary episode (Series 11, Episode 12) and the last ever episode (Series 13, Episode 20) – as well as a piece of comedy history: the original version of a sketch made famous by Peter Sellers, 'So Little Time' (Series 12, Episode 15). Jimmy Edwards, June Whitfield, Dick Bentley and Wallas Eaton star in this sparkling selection of shows, with musical accompaniments from Alma Cogan, The Keynotes, Toni Eden and The Polka Dots. NB: Some of the language and humour on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast, and due to the age of the source material, the sound quality may vary. Production credits Starring Jimmy Edwards, Dick Bentley, June Whitfield and Wallas Eaton With contributions from ‘Herbert Mostyn’ (aka Frank Muir and Denis Norden) Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden (Series 9-12) and Barry Took and Eric Merriman (Series 13) Produced by Charles Maxwell (Series 9-12) and Charles Chilton (Series 13) Music from The Keynotes and the Augmented BBC Revue Orchestra, Alma Cogan (Series 9), Toni Eden (Series 13) and The Polka Dots (Series 13) With thanks to Keith Wickham Episode guide First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme on the following dates: Series 9 (11 October 1955-3 April 1956) Episode 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5, 6 ,7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 ,17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 Series 10 (2 January-15 May 1957) Episode 1, 2 January 1957 Episode 7, 13 February 1957 Episode 8, 20 February 1957 Episode 17, 24 April 1957 Episode 20, 15 May 1957 Series 11 (8 January-21 May 1958) Episode 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 Series 12 (27 November 1958-12 March 1959) Episode 2, 5, 13, 14, 15 Series 13 (22 October 1959-3 March 1960) Episode 10 & 20 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Barry Took, Denis Norden, Eric Merriman, Frank Muir (Author), Alma Cogan, Dick Bentley, Full Cast, Jimmy Edwards, Joy Nichols, June Whitfield (Narrator)

Audiobook

Play it Cool: A Vintage BBC Radio 4 Comedy

"The complete series of the fast-moving 1960s sketch show A leading light of British stage and screen from the 1950s onwards, Ian Carmichael made a career out of playing the amiable, bumbling nincompoop in films such as Private's Progress and I'm All Right Jack, and TV shows including Bachelor Father and The World of Wooster. This dithering persona was expanded and amplified in his first radio comedy, Play It Cool. Written in 1964 by Beyond Our Ken's Eric Merriman, it sees him joined by Carry On's Joan Sims and radio veteran Hugh Paddick (Beyond Our Ken, Round the Horne) for a series that mixes music and comedy to provide a slice of 1960s cool. These six episodes feature a plethora of comic characters, and situations ranging from the potty to the pompous. Join our frolicsome trio as they send up big business and women's magazines; expose the behind-the scenes worlds of ballroom dancing and boxing; and turn the pages of history back to the Edwardian era in 'Scrapheap of 1907'. There's also international affairs, revealing tales of Hollywood, and the life of William Shakespeare - plus an insight into what might happen if the Cannes Film Festival came to Britain... Light-hearted, witty and slyly satirical, this sparkling series showcases all three of our comedy stars' skills, ably assisted by guest stars Gordon Faith and Anthony Sagar. Musical interludes are provided by Rosemary Squires, The Mike Sammes Singers and The Ken Thorne Orchestra. Production credits Written by Eric Merriman Starring Ian Carmichael, Joan Sims and Hugh Paddick With Gordon Faith and Anthony Sagar Produced by John Simmonds With music from Rosemary Squires, The Mike Sammes Singers and The Ken Thorne Orchestra First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme, 26 July-30 August 1964 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Eric Merriman (Author), Hugh Paddick, Ian Carmichael, Joan Sims (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: The Collected Series 5-7: The BBC Radio classic comedy series

"The complete Series 5-7 of the legendary BBC radio comedy One of the funniest and most popular series on radio between 1958 and 1964, Beyond Our Ken delighted audiences nationwide throughout its seven series and 123 episodes. Packed with sketches, songs, catchphrases and innuendo, it mixes silliness, satire and sophistication to superb effect, and continues to make us laugh today. Kenneth Horne - 'who prefers to remain anonymous' - is our unflappable host in these 46 episodes, presiding over an array of fabulous characters such as camp duo Charles and Rodney, celebrity chef Fanny Haddock and countryman Arthur Fallowfield (for whom the answer always lies in the soil, regardless of the question). Regular documentary spoof 'Hornerama' returns, with a look at topics including the arts, the countryside, travel and television; and Kenneth Horne's weeks become increasingly extraordinary and eventful. Plus, the team tackle the Siege of Troy, present a new interpretation of 'Horne In Wonderland' (or 'Beyond Our Looking Glass'), offer their take on Caesar and Cleopatra's story and revel in a Regency romp through Beau Brummel's Brighton. Accompanying them for some musical interludes are Jill Day, Edwin Braden, the Fraser Hayes Four, Eileen Gourlay and the BBC Variety Orchestra. Written by Eric Merriman, these wonderful, whimsical shows star Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee. Episode guide First broadcast on BBC Light Programme on the following dates: Series 5 - 12 October 1961-22 February 1962 Series 6 - 27 December 1962-21 March 1963 Series 7 - 24 November 1963-16 February 1964 These episodes have been restored to their fullest versions using both Home (BBC Light Programme) and Overseas (BBC Transcription Service) recordings. Whilst every attempt has been made to clean up and remaster these recordings using the latest technology, the sound quality may at times reflect the age and off-air nature of certain source material. Episodes restored and remastered by Ted Kendall and Keith Wickham. (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: The Collected Series 1-4: The BBC Radio classic comedy series

"All 60 surviving episodes from the first four series of the fabulous forerunner to Round the Horne - plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years An irresistible mix of of sketches, songs, puns and double entendres, Beyond Our Ken kept the nation laughing over seven series and 123 episodes between 1958 and 1964. With its witty wordplay, zany humour and comic catchphrases, it remains every bit as hilarious and entertaining today. Featuring larger-than-life characters like Rodney and Charles, roving reporter Cecil Snaith and doddery duo Ambrose and Felicity - not to mention avuncular host Kenneth Horne himself - this 'sort of radio show' is full of classic comedy moments. All your favourites are here in these 60 episodes, including spoof documentary series 'Hornerama', with its regular investigations into 'topics of immediate interest' such as showbusiness, shipping, photography, food, the City - and many more. There's also a wealth of surprising, surreal incidents from Kenneth Horne's week, the latest film releases in 'Picture Go Round', and a unique take on Any Questions, with panellists Hankie Flowered, Ricky Livid, Fanny Haddock and Arthur Fallowfield. Musical interludes are provided by a host of top artistes, among them Pat Lancaster, Janet Waters, The Malcolm Mitchell Trio, The Fraser Hayes Four and the BBC Variety Orchestra. Scripted by Eric Merriman and Barry Took, these much-loved shows star Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee. Episode guide First broadcast on BBC Light Programme on the following dates: Series 1 - 1 July-12 November 1958 Series 2 - 26 March-21 December 1959 Series 3 - 5 April-15 July 1960 Series 4 - 20 October 1960-2 March 1961 Bonus programme: Forty Laughing Years, 12 November 1962 The following episodes are missing from the BBC archives and therefore not included in this release: Series 1: Episodes 6, 10-13, 17, 21 and 22 Series 2: Episodes 1, 4, 7, 9, 15, 16 and 19 Series 4: Episode 12 Episodes restored and remastered by Ted Kendall. (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Barry Took, Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Minor Adjustment: The BBC Radio 4 comedy series

"The Stubbs family, cartoonist Richard, therapist Sarah, sixteen year-old Kate and 3 year-old Amy, who has Down's Syndrome, feature in this six part sitcom chronicling the highs and lows of family life. Richard (played by Peter Davison) and Sarah (Samantha Bond), juggle their way through life's minor disruptions, such as well-meaning TV crews turning up unannounced, summons to the headmaster's office to discuss teen Kate and the arrival of Sarah's sister with a horse-box full of expressionist art and 3 moulting cats. On top of it all, Sarah considers a third child. Perhaps a holiday will do? Written by son and father team Andy and Eric Merriman (best known for 'Beyond Our Ken'), the series was inspired by Andy's own four-year-old daughter, Sarah. Produced by Gareth Edwards A BBC Studios production"

Andy Merriman, Eric Merriman (Author), Claire Russell, Full Cast, Peter Davison, Samantha Bond, Sarah Merriman (Narrator)

Audiobook