
Beyond Our Ken - So Long, It's Been Good to Know You
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Kenneth Horne
n. This is the BBC.
Patricia Lancaster
You say you didn't get enough, did you?
Kenneth Horne
They tend to get a laugh.
Arthur Fallowfield
Well, it's a fine attitude take on a comedy show. It's either in what you say, it's the way you say it. I'll show you. Ron, here, show this gentleman how to
Patricia Lancaster
get laugh by saying this is the BBC.
Kenneth Horne
This is the BBC.
Patricia Lancaster
There you are, you see, you got a laugh.
Kenneth Horne
Yes, I know, but I am an announcer.
Arthur Fallowfield
No comment. Well, all right.
Patricia Lancaster
Don't you, Stanley, announce the program on.
Kenneth Horne
You know, ladies and gentlemen, whatever happens during the next 30 minutes will certainly be beyond our care. Among those taking part are senor Alfredo Rodriguez Hemingway, Bert Fitch, Noel Harington, Wayne Scott, Hillary Boot, the honorable Priscilla gorms Dyke, Rear admiral Pike, and of course, Mr. Kenneth Horn, who prefers to remain anonymous. Ladies and gentlemen, Kenneth Horn. Hello, good evening and welcome to beyond our care. Now, first of all, I have a special message for shipping. Will all ships expected in the Thames estuary next Thursday afternoon please proceed with the utmost care. I'm going paddling. Well, now, tonight I was going to talk to you about the domestic habits of the lesser spotted nighthawk. But having had a closer look at the domestic habits of of the lesser spotted nighthawk, I thought we'd better leave that sort of thing to the Sunday papers. So instead, let me tell you about a rather unusual dinner I attended last Wednesday given by the league of physicians, doctors and surgeons. We started off with a plate of ferry dioxy carbotetrachlorate jocularly referred to as brown Windsor Soup. However, the next cost was supreme. De l' Universite College Outpatient Department Francaise. Or in English, Cottage Hospital Pie for sweet. We all enjoyed steamed golden pudding smothered in a delightful syrup, which turned out to be Dr. Fosdike's lightning cough cure. And then the eminent surgeon. The eminent surgeon. Dr. Scalpel. Fifthingham. Forceps. Told us some of the very amusing things that happened to him on the way to the theater. All in all, I had a splendid evening on Wednesday, and I haven't eaten so well for a long time. Thursday I went to the doctor. Friday I felt much better, and it turned out to be quite an eventful day. As usual, I had breakfast in the diner.
Patricia Lancaster
Can I clear away now, sir?
Kenneth Horne
Oh, I say, Prudence.
Patricia Lancaster
Yes, sir?
Kenneth Horne
Just look at this desk. I can write my name in the dust.
Patricia Lancaster
Oh, sir, I wish I was educated like you.
Kenneth Horne
Well, whip a duster over it when you got the moment, will you? By the way, Prudence, what's the time?
Patricia Lancaster
It's just nine o', clock, sir.
Kenneth Horne
Oh, is it? I'll just switch on. I mustn't miss Housewives Choice. Hello, housewives, and what a lovely sunny morning it is. Just put those old pots and pans away for a while as you listen to your very own program. And good morning first to Kenya Thorne of Kensington.
Hugh Paddick
I hope you're listening, because here is
Kenneth Horne
the record you asked. Oh, at last. I've been waiting for weeks. Oh, bother.
Arthur Fallowfield
Hello?
Kenneth Horne
Hello, Ken.
Hugh Paddick
This is Hugh Paddock here. I said, you know they're playing your record on Housewife.
Kenneth Horne
Yes, I know.
Hugh Paddick
They happen to be listening just now. Unusual for me because I never listen to the program.
Kenneth Horne
Well, thank you, Hugh. Reason.
Hugh Paddick
I switched on the morning when I heard your name.
Kenneth Horne
Very nice.
Hugh Paddick
Let you know just in case you hadn't had the wireless on and you might have missed it.
Kenneth Horne
Yes, yes, thank you.
Hugh Paddick
But I hope you don't mind my ringing.
Kenneth Horne
No, certainly not. I. I must ring off now. I'm trying to listen to the wireless. Goodbye. Oh, not again. Oh, dear. Hello?
Arthur Fallowfield
Hello, Ken? This is Ken. Confusing, isn't it? I live near. Boy, am I right? I suppose it's actually you who ask the teddy bear picnic on I. Ch.
Kenneth Horne
Yes, that's right.
Arthur Fallowfield
Oh, frankly, I'm surprised. I mean, after all.
Kenneth Horne
Well, what's the matter with it?
Arthur Fallowfield
Oh, nothing, really. I like that sort of thing. I mean, if it be me, I should be asked for something much more artistically satisfying, like I'm a pink toothbrush.
Kenneth Horne
Yes, yes. Well, thanks for phoning. I. I really must go now.
Arthur Fallowfield
Oh, Sorry, mustn't keep you sure to go.
Kenneth Horne
Oh, bother. My record seems to have finished. Now I shall have to request it again. Now, where's my pen? Ah, now then, Here we are. Perhaps you may remember. Oh, here's another one. Yes, it was me. I did request it. I liked the Teddy Bear's Picnic. I'm asking for it again. And who is this?
Patricia Lancaster
It's Patricia.
Kenneth Horne
Oh, Patricia Lancaster. Sorry to be so rude, Pat. Now, what can I do for you?
Patricia Lancaster
Well, Ken, I just boned about my song for the show.
Kenneth Horne
Oh, I say, I got an idea. Why don't you do the Teddy Bears Picnic?
Patricia Lancaster
Well, I'd love to, Ken, but I've already chosen my song. It's called I'm Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight.
Kenneth Horne
Well, that's an even better idea. How does it go again?
Arthur Fallowfield
Like this.
Patricia Lancaster
I don't care what I did last night or the night before that and the night before that too. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. That's what I'm gonna do. I'm a blow and I'm feeling so happy New Year's. Evie lost my heart if that's the clue. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. That's what I'm gonna do. And when the moon takes five minutes. Intermission. I'll be wishing the intermission through. Here's to you, here's to me. And here's to Elias. Mary, I've just got to. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. That's what I'm gonna do. When you're in love feeling fancy, your heart is happy, your feet are dancing. You're in a state that's done the atrancy. It's almost too good to be true. I don't care what I did last night or the night before that and the night before that too. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna r. Well, tonight that's what I'm gonna do. And when the moon takes five minutes in permission. I'll be wishing the intermissions through. Here's to you, here's to me and here's to Eliza's Mary. I've just got to whoop dee doo. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. I'm gonna ring the bell tonight. Gonna ring a star bel.
Kenneth Horne
Thank you, Pat. That was lovely. And came over the phone well too. Goodbye.
Patricia Lancaster
Oh, excuse me, sir. There's a gentleman to see you. Shall I Show him in.
Kenneth Horne
Yes, of course.
Patricia Lancaster
In here sir, please.
Kenneth Horne
Yeah.
Hugh Paddick
Oh, good morning Mr. Horne. My name is Duncan Warrington Barker. D, I, G, B, B, C, O.
Kenneth Horne
All right. You don't know how to spell it. Yeah,
Hugh Paddick
in a few weeks time we're starting something entirely new in radio. Oh, this is something quite revolutionary for the BBC.
Kenneth Horne
It's a panel game. Oh no, not another one.
Hugh Paddick
Ah, but this one's completely different. Gilbert Harding won't be in it.
Kenneth Horne
I see.
Hugh Paddick
And now Mr. Horne, we would like you to be the chairman.
Kenneth Horne
Oh, thank you.
Hugh Paddick
Now the idea is this. It's a symposium of questions from an invited audience answered by a team of experts. And I may add, we have devised a rather witty little title.
Kenneth Horne
Oh really, what's that?
Hugh Paddick
We're calling it A symposium of questions from an invited audience answered by a team of experts.
Kenneth Horne
Very catchy, very apropos, isn't it? Yes, all right, I'll do it. Oh good.
Hugh Paddick
Now the first broadcast is coming from the old barn. Little Twittering Fox.
Kenneth Horne
Right, well I'll be there sir. By the way, excuse me, a bit embarrassing. Preston, do you happen to have any influence with the housewives Choice?
Patricia Lancaster
Hello, Mr. Coret here. There's something going on in the old barn.
Kenneth Horne
Ah, there generally is this time of evening.
Patricia Lancaster
No, no, vive BBC fellers with some new fangled panel game. Why don't you come along? Tis free.
Kenneth Horne
All right, I will. I say, would you mind keeping that cow quiet? Now, now, quiet everybody please. Thank you. This is the BBC and welcome to Little Twittering Tonight. Tonight our panel consists of first at the top of the table, philosopher, poet and writer Bertrand Bustle
Hugh Paddick
Greening.
Kenneth Horne
And next to him charming and talented actress Eunice Gaysmile. Hello. Next our expert on local government, chairman of several committees and prospective parliamentary candidate for The Goodwin Sands, Mr. George Simcott. Hello. Finally, the well known countryman and author Arthur Fallowfield. Right. Right, well now that's our panel. And now we're ready for the first question which comes from Timothy Hat.
Hugh Paddick
I should like to ask the team, do they agree that the current high rate of super tax discourages incentive and
Kenneth Horne
does it reverse the profit output ratio
Hugh Paddick
thus creating a retrograde progressive movement in regard to the production of non essentials?
Kenneth Horne
And a very good question too. Does the team think what the gentleman said? Bustle hustle.
Hugh Paddick
Well he's no good asking me, I
Kenneth Horne
mean, I don't know.
Hugh Paddick
I mean I haven't fainted. I. I mean when I was at Cambridge I did a thesis once on the subject and we really came to the Conclusion that, economically speaking, that what is? No asking me. I just don't know.
Kenneth Horne
Yeah. Now, Ms. GaySmile, would you care to elaborate on that?
Patricia Lancaster
Well, darling, I think the question had something to do with money. And of course I'm all for it. But when it comes to the question of tax, I'm afraid I can't give any advice because, frankly, darling, I just don't pay any. Oh, what have I said?
Kenneth Horne
George Simcox, perhaps you can contribute something. Well, I've had a lot of experience on finance committees, and we used to have a saying in the old council chambers, money talks. And that's true, you know, money does talk. Of course. All it ever says to me is goodbye. Well done, Simcox. And so you should be. Now, Fallowfield, Fallowfield, what's the countryman's view of all this?
Arthur Fallowfield
Well, I think the answer lies in the soil. What do we simple country folk know about super Tax anyway? We like to live a plain, honest, to goodness, down to earth life. As I said to my chauffeur this morning, Philpotts, I said, to the glorious day, drive me down to the country. I don't think you can do it.
Kenneth Horne
Thank you all so very much. Thank you. Well, the team seems to be agreed on that point. Next question.
Hugh Paddick
I'd like to ask a question.
Kenneth Horne
Just a minute, sir. Just a minute. I think this lady was first.
Patricia Lancaster
My name is Mrs. Florence Fox.
Kenneth Horne
Well, never mind.
Patricia Lancaster
Yeah, I'm very worried about my teenage daughter. Does the team think that young girls nowadays are given too much freedom?
Kenneth Horne
Simcox, we'll give this question to you. I'd rather have the teenage daughter. Yes, but. Now, Eunice. Eunice.
Patricia Lancaster
Well, darling, I do understand this problem because I played the part of a mother with the same problem in a recent play and it was one torment after another. My billing wasn't right. The dressing room was appalled. And, my dear, as for the leading man, well, he didn't seem to get the hang of his part at all. Absolutely no sense of character.
Kenneth Horne
But, you know, surely that was the play you did with Alec Guinness.
Patricia Lancaster
Yes, that's right. Whatever became of him?
Kenneth Horne
Arthur, Arthur, what have you got to say about teenagers?
Arthur Fallowfield
Oh, good luck to him, that's what I say. It's no good, you know. You can't fight nature. It's all harmless fun. Anyway, I'm sure Ms. Gatesmeier would agree with me. There's no harm in a bit of kissing and cuddling now and then, now, is there? You need.
Patricia Lancaster
No, darling, none at all.
Kenneth Horne
Good.
Arthur Fallowfield
Then I'll see you afterwards.
Kenneth Horne
Well, now, I think we should hear from Bustle on this. Now, Bertrand,
Hugh Paddick
get this chicken off by.
Kenneth Horne
Need an egg Buckle. Buckle, please. Pay attention, please. Now, do you think that teenage girls are given too much freedom?
Hugh Paddick
Well, I think I cannot this one. You see, as a man of the world, I feel that it is. There have been certain situations in which. How should I put it? I. I do feel qualified in saying that I. I make this statement in all sincerity. Well, I. I remember once. What was the question again?
Kenneth Horne
Are teenage girls given too much freedom? Yes. Thank you. And on that note, we'll say goodbye. From the panel, George Simcox. Hello. Eunice Gay Smile.
Patricia Lancaster
Night, my darling.
Kenneth Horne
Arthur Fallowfield, Happy plowing. And Bertrand Bustle.
Hugh Paddick
It is new asking me. I mean, you know, I haven't the fittest idea.
Kenneth Horne
And with that, ladies and gentlemen, we return you to the studio. And we're just in time to hear Music for Milking provided by the Malcolm Mitchell Trio. Well, I've sung this song but I'll sing it again. Of the people I've met and the places I've been Of some of the troubles that bothered my mind On a lot of good people that I've left behind so long it's been good to know ya so long it's been good to know ya so long so long it's been good to know you For a long time Since I've been home and I gotta be driftin along. I walked down the street to the grocery store it was crowded with people both rich and both poor I asked the man how his butter was sold he said 1 pound a pie or 2 pounds a goat I said so long it's been good to know you so long it's been good to know you so long it's been good to know you For a long time Since I've been home and I gotta be drifting along. So long it's been good to know you so long it's been good to know you so long it's been good to know you For a long time Since I've been home and I gotta be drifting along Gotta be drifting along I've gotta be drifting along. And now we come to the special Kenneth Horne documentary feature, Hornarama. Yes. Each week at this time, Kenneth Horne and his team of investigators bring you a factual report on topics of interest. And tonight we present sketchbook for 1908. The pages of our sketchbook are turned
Hugh Paddick
by Mr. Kenneth Horne, suave, debonair, a man about 5 foot 10 in his stocking feet.
Kenneth Horne
1908. A great year for stocking. Feet.
Arthur Fallowfield
1908. A bad year for shoe polish.
Kenneth Horne
How well I remember that year. Nobody asked you. 1908. A year that had gaiety, charm, elegance and 12 gallons a month.
Arthur Fallowfield
Yet they don't make years like that any longer.
Kenneth Horne
A year of achievements. Come on, be a sport.
Patricia Lancaster
All right, little old man. I will go away with you.
Kenneth Horne
How well I remember that year. 1908. First, let's take a look at the ordinary man. Revolting, wasn't it? Now let's turn to something.
Arthur Fallowfield
That's right. Go on.
Kenneth Horne
Turn your back on the ordinary man. The time is coming.
Patricia Lancaster
The hour is at hand. The workers are rising.
Kenneth Horne
About time, too, lazy devil. 1908. Oh, well, I remember that. Oh, a glittering decade. And at the fashionable hunting balls, the cream of society gathered. Glittering and decaying.
Hugh Paddick
I say, Lady Caroline, that shottish with the title Hotties.
Patricia Lancaster
Yes, indeed it was, Lieutenant. I wonder if it's any cool out on the Vanda
Arthur Fallowfield
much,
Hugh Paddick
Lady Carolina.
Patricia Lancaster
Oh, dear, it's no use. Wedgie. You know our love can never be. After all, you are only a third lieutenant. And Daddy is colonel of the wedding.
Kenneth Horne
Oh, don't let that worry you.
Hugh Paddick
I'm not a snob. Oh, Caroline.
Patricia Lancaster
Wedgie.
Arthur Fallowfield
Unhand my daughter.
Hugh Paddick
Colonel Smilingham Phipps, sir. I do hope you're not thinking of holding Lady Caroline against me.
Arthur Fallowfield
You were doing all right on your own. Caroline returned to the ball. Lion, sir? Who are you?
Hugh Paddick
Lieutenant Marshbanks, sir.
Arthur Fallowfield
Marshbanks? Marshbanks. Her name is me. I seem to remember a Tiger Marshbanks Once Drink 4 Mayfair clubs dry and threw a policeman into the Serpentine. In relation.
Hugh Paddick
My mother, sir.
Arthur Fallowfield
Yes, Dash. Fine woman. Well, we forget this incident, Marsh Banks. Let's return to the ball.
Hugh Paddick
Good heaven, sir.
Arthur Fallowfield
It's gone down dead. You're right, I say. And we have our ball back.
Kenneth Horne
1908. Oh, well, I remember that year. A year of conquest in the air. Yes, on a day in May, several English aviators were drifting silently into the sky in balloons. It was, in fact, the International Balloon Race.
Arthur Fallowfield
I think I'm gaining on them.
Hugh Paddick
Throw out a sandbag and up we go. Now another sandbag.
Kenneth Horne
And up and up.
Patricia Lancaster
Another one. Higher. Another one. Oh, higher, higher, higher.
Kenneth Horne
Oh, what a wonderful sensation it is
Hugh Paddick
floating along with a breeze.
Patricia Lancaster
Rising, dipping, rising, dipping.
Kenneth Horne
Oh, it gives a man something. What say you, Caldecott? Caldecott. Caldecott. Caldicott.
Arthur Fallowfield
Funny.
Kenneth Horne
I could have sworn it was a sandbag. But it wasn't. Only in aviation that progress was being made in America. Mr. Henry Ford had already developed the prototype of his new family motor car.
Arthur Fallowfield
Oh, Martha, come on out here.
Patricia Lancaster
Land sakes, Elmer. What in the world is that?
Arthur Fallowfield
That's a motor car, Martha. And this Here gentleman is Mr. Henry Ford. He designed it and built it.
Kenneth Horne
Glad to know you, ma'.
Arthur Fallowfield
Am. This here's my new design for a family car.
Hugh Paddick
And I'd be mighty obliged if you
Kenneth Horne
and your family will take the first
Hugh Paddick
ride in it and kind of try it out.
Patricia Lancaster
Oh, well, gosh, Mr. Ford, we just love to. I'll call the family. Matt, Joel, Bill, Gwendoline, Sylvia, Geraldine, Greg, Andrew, Penelope, Voldemort, Hank, Shirley, Albert Jr. Come on, kids. We're going for a ride with Mr. Henry Ford.
Kenneth Horne
It's everywhere.
Arthur Fallowfield
Mr. Ford. I guess we're all on board.
Patricia Lancaster
Oh, gee. Gosh, Isn't it exciting?
Kenneth Horne
Oh, well.
Hugh Paddick
Back to the drawing board.
Kenneth Horne
1908, and the theaters are booming. At the Shaftesbury, a fashionable throng flocked to see Lim Chittagong and Madge Wellington boot. And they gasped at the audacity of their new play, the Unbuttoned Glove. It achieved worldwide fame. The newspapers in New York had this to say. The Unbuttoned Glove is sensational. Never before has the theatrical experience such a thrill. With this play that begins where the others leave off.
Hugh Paddick
It will hold you, grip you, move you, enthrall you.
Kenneth Horne
Yes, it's a story of lust, hate, greed, envy, sex, violence and corruption. And in London, the Times said, diverting theatre. But of course, to the ordinary man in the streets, the music hall reigned supreme.
Hugh Paddick
We us make money went a lot further in them days. For a shilling, you could have a real good night out, mate. Three course dinner seat at the old home.
Kenneth Horne
Music all.
Hugh Paddick
Plate of Welkes, Pair of boots with two whiskers and a couple of Handy's Guide to the turf, mate.
Kenneth Horne
All for a shilling. Good.
Hugh Paddick
I've still got some souvenirs in them. Happy times have a welcome.
Kenneth Horne
Thank you.
Hugh Paddick
Who will ever forget the old home
Kenneth Horne
greatest music all of them all now, alas, still open. Here is a typical program of 1908. Rope dancer.
Arthur Fallowfield
Conrad Heppington impersonator.
Kenneth Horne
And many others contortionists. But perhaps best office. But perhaps best loved of all was the lovable Harry Biggs. As he used to sing this lovable song. We must apologize for the quality of the recording, which, of course, is very old. But in case you missed one or two of the words, we have with us in the studio, the lovable Harry Biggs himself. Now Mr. Biggs, would you sing that song for us now? Yes. 1908 was indeed a year of melody. And of course, in these modern days of American musicals, one soon forgets the days when British musical comedy was on top. And the hit show of 1908 was undoubtedly the Boys Are Back, which star a young, vivacious personality, Miss Cicely Drawbridge. No one who ever saw the show will forget her singing this song.
Patricia Lancaster
Come, rich, your darkest wonderful too memorable to brave and true they are the smartest in the land but they're British Shots through and through the dust Monday, dust Monday Keep holding them clean in baggage coats From John O Groats Right down the golden screen the empty or dustbins to brighten up the strand the dustmen, the dustmen, the dustmen of Bersen
Kenneth Horne
the dustman, the Derby Hooray. Well, There you are, 1908. A year that's gone down in history. Right down. Oh, well, I remember that. Oh, go away. Mrs. Denneth Horne saying goodbye for now, I'm leaving you with this thought. If you put a police constable to bed, would you be laying down the law? You've either been listening to or of just me. Beyond Our Ken, a sort of recorded radio show which gave employment to Kenneth Horn and also to Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Ron Moody, Patricia Lancaster, the Malcolm Mitchell Trio and the BBC Review Orchestra, conducted by Harry Rabinowitz. The script, believe it or not, was written and letters of complaint should be sent to Eric Merriman and Barry Short. However, the onus must inevitably fall on our producer, Jake.
Arthur Fallowfield
Sa.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
This episode features a rebroadcast of “Beyond Our Ken,” a classic BBC comedy radio show renowned for its clever wordplay, satirical sketches, and affectionate send-ups of British society. With Kenneth Horne at the helm and a comedic ensemble cast, this episode parodies current events, popular radio formats, and British life circa mid-20th century. The theme is a playful look back at earlier times, blending topical satire, character-driven humor, and musical interludes.
“This is the BBC.”
— Kenneth Horne, (01:17)
"Whatever happens during the next 30 minutes will certainly be beyond our ken."
— Kenneth Horne, (01:30)
“We started off with a plate of ferry dioxy carbotetrachlorate ... jocularly referred to as brown Windsor Soup.”
— Kenneth Horne, (01:57)
“Oh, sir, I wish I was educated like you.”
— Prudence (Patricia Lancaster), (03:57)
“I’m gonna ring the bell tonight, that’s what I’m gonna do… When you’re in love feeling fancy, your heart is happy, your feet are dancing…”
— Patricia Lancaster, (06:40–08:37)
“We’re calling it A symposium of questions from an invited audience answered by a team of experts.”
— Duncan Warrington Barker (Hugh Paddick), (09:29)
“Money does talk. Of course. All it ever says to me is goodbye.”
— George Simcox, (12:19)
“Well, I think the answer lies in the soil.”
— Arthur Fallowfield, catchphrase, (12:54)
“So long, it’s been good to know ya… For a long time since I’ve been home and I gotta be drifting along…”
— Malcolm Mitchell Trio & Kenneth Horne, (16:33–18:35)
“1908. A year that had gaiety, charm, elegance, and 12 gallons a month.”
— Kenneth Horne, (18:47)
“1908. A bad year for shoe polish.”
— Arthur Fallowfield, (18:54)
“If you put a police constable to bed, would you be laying down the law?”
— Kenneth Horne, (28:39)
“This is the BBC.”
— Kenneth Horne, illustrating how intonation changes laughs, (01:17)
“Money does talk... Of course. All it ever says to me is goodbye.”
— George Simcox, on finances, (12:19)
“Well, I think the answer lies in the soil.”
— Arthur Fallowfield, recurring catchphrase, (12:54)
“Oh, sir, I wish I was educated like you.”
— Prudence, poking fun at class and intellect, (03:57)
“We’re calling it A symposium of questions from an invited audience answered by a team of experts.”
— Hugh Paddick as Duncan Warrington Barker, twisting the panel game trope, (09:29)
“I do hope you’re not thinking of holding Lady Caroline against me.”
— Hugh Paddick as Lt. Marshbanks, farcical Edwardian suitor, (20:46)
“If you put a police constable to bed, would you be laying down the law?”
— Kenneth Horne, closing pun, (28:39)
| Time | Segment Description | |----------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 01:01 | BBC announcement parody & cast introductions | | 01:58 | Satirical dinner party description | | 03:50 | Domestic comedy with Prudence | | 04:07 | Housewives’ Choice spoof & phone interruptions | | 06:40 | Patricia sings “I’m Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight” | | 08:49 | BBC panel show satire begins | | 10:13 | Panel game Q&A (super tax, teenage freedoms, etc.) | | 16:33 | “So Long, It’s Been Good To Know You” musical number | | 18:38 | Hornarama: “Sketchbook for 1908” retrospective | | 28:03 | Musical parody: “The Dustmen of Bersen” | | 28:39 | Final jokes and credits |
The show’s tone is wry, whimsical, and rich in British wit, with rapid-fire one-liners, running gags, and affectionate lampoons of popular culture and national quirks. The ensemble cast expertly delivers playful banter and comedic timing, maintaining a breezy, clever, and quintessentially British style throughout.
This episode of “Beyond Our Ken” encapsulates the golden age of British radio comedy: clever, quick, and spirited, relishing the art of gentle parody. Jam-packed with period satire, silly songs, and comic sketches, it’s a nostalgia-steeped journey through British humor, delighting fans of classic radio and comedy alike.