The Climb

Hello again, I hope all is well with you. And that you have had a very good couple of weeks.I have had yet again another busy fortnight. Last Saturday I managed to combine catching up with my mate, his wife and his son, with visiting a big charity car event in the town where I live. The Kop Hill Climb actually started as quite a serious motor racing event in 1910. When competitors would race up what was then a dirt track up the Chiltern Hills, to try to record the fastest time and become the winner. The event was then stopped in 1925. Before being revived in its current form in 2009. It is now a great family fun event that last year raised fifty thousand pounds for local charities.

Kop Hill Climb 2014
Kop Hill Climb 2014

There are static displays to enjoy from ancient classic cars right up to modern super cars, and everything in between. So there really is something for everyone. Then you still have the excitement of watching all these different vehicles try to race up the old hill. Plus there are lots of other attractions to enjoy like the beer tent, fairground rides and the frightening Wall of Death. Which is a motorcycle display show. That was both terrifying and amazing in equal measure. The people who perform it are crazy but if you get the chance it is well worth seeing. So I had a really nice time catching up with my friend and his family. While enjoying what was on offer from this fantastic local event. Now I am not a massive car fan but it did make me decide that if I ever win the lotto. I am going to buy an exact replica of the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazard to drive around in.

Kop Hill Climb 2014
Kop Hill Climb 2014

I am still doing quite a bit of work at Wembley Stadium, which is brilliant. One of the things I like about working there is the random people you can bump into at any time. The other week ahead of George Groves latest fight, which took place at the SSE Arena in Wembley. They held the weigh in for it at the Stadium. So there were lots of people in the building from the world of boxing. After the event had finished I found myself sharing a lift with the legend that is Michael Buffer. If you are not familiar with the name you would recognise his voice. He is the best and most sought after ring announcer in the business.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

He basically coined the phrase “Let’s Get Ready Rumble” which is actually his registered trade mark in America. He is rumoured to be worth around $440 Million Dollars and judging by the stylish fitted suit he was wearing. I could certainly believe that. He has the greatest announcing voice and has graced so many great boxing occasion’s over the years. In fact even just having a very brief chat to him while we were in the lift I got to appreciate just how cool and unique his voice is. I can really see why it earns him the big bucks.

Neil Quigley TV Presenter
Neil Quigley TV Presenter

I do have a tendency to mess about and have a laugh whenever I get the chance. Specially when I am out and relaxing with my mates. I was out for a few drinks with a friend the other weekend. We had gone to a local pub to watch a covers band. At one point during the evening we were standing on the dance floor to get a better look at the group that were performing. At which point a group of girls came over and asked if I could take a picture of them. I deliberately pretended to misunderstand and acted like I thought they wanted to take a picture of me. They did correct me and I did take a couple of pictures for them. But my jokey actions must have convinced them at least a little bit. That if I thought they wanted a picture, may be I was someone of interest or someone who might be famous. That possibly they just did not recognise. So they did actually take a couple of pictures of me posing with them. They are probably going to be quite disappointed when they show them to their friends. And no-one recognises me. But as ever the important thing is it amused me and made me laugh.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

Last Wednesday I went to the BBC Radio Theatre in London to see the first programme in a new series of the excellent Radio 4 Extra topical news show “Newsjack” being recorded. This is a show which I have had material on in the past. And that I have been to see before. I always enjoy going to the radio theatre because it is based at New Broadcasting House. So while you are waiting to go in to the theatre, you wait in the Media Cafe there. Which actually overlooks the main newsroom. So you can see all the journalists working hard on new stories. You can also clearly see the Weather studio. And you can see in to the back of the BBC News 24 Studio. You are basically looking through that bit of glass. That the Queen arrived behind during the live news show, that was on when she visited the building. If you have ever seen that clip you will know exactly where I mean.

The recording itself was great. It is the second series that Romesh Ranganathan has hosted. Since he has become the focal point they have tweaked the format of the show very slightly, to fit in with his style of comedy. But it all works really well and still gives them the same platform for some great topical jokes and sketches. It was a very funny show. As you will have heard if you caught it on the radio. The show goes out at 10:30pm every Thursday night for the next six weeks on Radio 4 Extra. I will once again be doing some writing for this series. So do listen out at the end of the show to see if my name is mentioned as one of the contributors to that episode. It really is a lot of fun to be involved with. And it was great to be there in the theatre to see the finished article produced in person.

BBC Radio Theatre
BBC Radio Theatre

I was actually back at the BBC Radio Theatre the following night. This time to watch a recording of the brilliant The Now Show. The BBC Media Cafe is quickly becoming like my second home. They do have a few recognisable items and props placed in and around the room. For example there is a copy of the Tardis in one corner and a seemingly new addition of one of those spinning red chairs from the voice. I would like to believe it was the one that Kylie Minogue used. You can also get a nice cup of tea in there or something a little bit stronger, if you wish to. I didn’t spot anyone I recognised while I was in there this week but previously I have spotted Dan Snow having a coffee. While we were waiting for the recording to start the production crew came round with a form giving us chance to get involved. And write a comedy question that they might possibly use at the end of the show. Needless to say I made sure I submitted one myself.

Radio 4 Comedy
Radio 4 Comedy

The Now Show recording was absolutely brilliant. I have for many years been a huge fan of the comedy masters that are Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis. From when they used to write for and work with Jasper Carrot. Through to the Mary Whitehouse Experience and pretty much everything either of them have been involved with. I saw their touring stage show in Yeovil around eight years ago, and that was hilarious to. So as the main writers and performers of the programme from the second they walked out to warm up the audience. We instantly knew we were in safe hands and in for a very entertaining evening. They were joined for this episode by the ridiculously talented Pippa Evans who must have played at least twenty different parts, all with different accents. It also featured the regular team member that is the tiny Jon Holmes. The guest performers for this week’s offering were Sarah Pascoe and Grace Petrie, who provided the musical comedy element.

The joke writing and comedy performances were just sensational. This is a fast paced topical weekly show. So everything must be new, up to date and hit the mark with what is happening in the country and in the world. While still being hilariously funny. Which is something that they managed effortlessly for this week’s show. The cast were so good and right on top of their game. While somehow being at the same time so seemingly relaxed and chilled. They were all actually enjoying a beer during the recording. And to give you some idea of just how good and professional they were. At the end of a forty minute radio show recording. There were only three re-takes required. In my radio days sometimes it has taken me five minutes to record a one minute piece of speech. And to top off a great evening at the end of the show, they did read out the question that I had submitted. Which I have to admit did get a nice big laugh from the audience. The Now Show is on Radio 4 Friday’s at 6:30pm.

Neil Quigley Stand Up Comedy
Neil Quigley Stand Up Comedy

Do you remember a while ago now I told you about when me and my sister visited Crocodiles of the World the Crocodile Conversation and Education Centre in Oxfordshire. During our visit they were doing some filming there for a BBC documentary. Well it turns out that programme is called Great Animal Moves. And the series is currently being shown on BBC 2. In last week’s show one of the keepers was talking about some of the residents. When the camera pans around and clearly shows me and my sister looking into one of the enclosures. So we already have one nice little cameo under our belts. But while we were there we also witnessed a feeding demonstration. Which was again all filmed by the television crew. So I am wondering if that will make it in at some point. I hope it does because at the end of the display I asked a question. Which of course if it is included will give me some more screen time. Keep an eye out for it and why not see if you can spot me at any point. Think of it as a kind of TV version of Where’s Wally? Although I was not wearing a red and white striped jumper but with hindsight I now wish I had warn one on the day. That would have been a lot funnier.

Crocodiles of the World
Crocodiles of the World

Tomorrow I am going to be working behind the scenes at Wembley Stadium for the NFL International Series Match between the Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raiders. I was at the first match they had there last year and it was fantastic. So it is going to be lots of fun. The whole razzamatazz of the occasion is sensational and spectacular from the build up, the pre game show right through to the action itself. The atmosphere is unreal. Last year I just happened to be standing in the tunnel area as the two teams ran out and the noise was deafening. So as you can imagine I am really looking forward to it.

NFL takes over Wembley
NFL takes over Wembley

This coming Tuesday I am looking forward to going to the Elstree Studios to watch an episode of Room 101 being recorded. The show is now hosted my Frank Skinner who is a comedy hero of mine. Who I have never seen live before so as you can imagine I am quite excited about that. Plus I love the show and they also have some really good and interesting guests on. I will tell you what it was like when we speak next.

Neil Quigley TV Radio & Live
Neil Quigley TV, Radio & Live

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Ha Ha Good

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a good couple of weeks. Mine have as ever been very busy and involved lots of fun things. I have still been doing a bit of work at Wembley Stadium recently. I was there for the latest England Football Team Press Conference. The one where the manager announced his first post World Cup Squad. For the friendly with Norway and the Euro 2016 Qualifying match away to Switzerland. I just happened to be standing in the Mixed Zone area. Which is a corridor just outside of the Press Conference Room. When the boss Mr Roy Hodgson himself came past to head in and speak to the members of the media inside. I have met him before, so fair play to him. He did give me a quick nod and a smile as our paths crossed. I also saw the England Under 21 manager Gareth Southgate. He was there naming his latest squad for his team’s next two games. The whole event was covered by Sky Sports. And I did bump in to their Chief Football Reporter Nick Collins a couple of times during the day to. There is always a nice buzz around that area when squads are announced.

He also confirmed Wayne Rooney as the next England Captain. Which personally I think is a very good choice. And I wish Wayne all the best with the new role. I feel he is easily the best man for the job. I will be very surprised if he does not go on to break Sir Bobby Charlton’s long standing record of forty-nine goals for the national team. I also think he has a good chance of beating David Beckham’s record of one hundred and fifteen caps for an outfield player, for the men’s national team. Wayne is twenty-eight years old. He currently has forty-one goals in ninety-six appearances for England. So he is closing in on both of those records.

England Football
England Football

Staying with football and the national team for just a little bit longer. I took my Dad to see England play Norway at Wembley the other week. It was nice to be able to return the favour. Because as a child I remember him taking me to see my first full England game. When we played Holland at the Old Wembley Stadium. I remember it being loads of fun and very exciting to see the top players up close and in person. So as my Dad had never been to the new place to see a match. And as he had not seen an England team play for over twenty-five years. I think he was as excited as I was, when the roles where reversed all that time ago.

It all worked out perfectly. We got an early train in, so both of us had a seat. We went to a bar I know right near the Stadium. Where there was no queue at all at the bar. So we were able to have a relaxing drink before heading in to the ground. There was no waiting at the turn style. So we went straight in and grabbed a quick bite to eat before taking our seats. In time to see the team’s warm up. Which is something we both like to do. The match was good and most importantly England won. We found a hotel bar near the station for a quick drink. So we could wait for the crowds to go and then jumped on a quiet train home. It was a perfectly fun night, watching a game at a truly great stadium. It really is a comfortable place for the fans. My dad enjoyed it so much. That he has already booked tickets to see the next home England match there against San Marino on the 9th October.

England at Wembley
England at Wembley

My mum celebrated a land mark birthday last weekend. So as well as spoiling her with presents and flowers. We went out for a nice family meal together at a local pub, where my parents often go. Once a month they have a steak night with a special set price on a meal for two. Which includes a bottle of wine in it. This worked out very nicely for me. As I was paired with my sister. Who does not normally drink. And who was driving all of us home that night. Which basically meant I got a whole bottle of red wine to myself. Result! I had not had a steak for ages, so I really enjoyed it. Over the last couple of years I have started getting a bit braver with them. So I now have them medium. And fair play mine was cooked to perfection.

The night got even better when they came round with the desert menu. As I managed to finish things off with Apple Crumble and Custard. Which is certainly up there in my top three favourite puddings. There was also a singing duo there performing for us during the evening. My parents actually know the people who run the pub. So with their help we proceeded to embarrass my mum by getting the band to lead the whole pub in singing her happy birthday. Just before the music finished. We did all manage to get up on the dance floor and have a little family dance. It was a really nice evening, spending time together as a family and celebrating a big occasion. Most importantly of all the birthday girl had a great time and really enjoyed it.

Neil Quigley Presenter
Neil Quigley Presenter

Last Sunday night I did manage to get along to the Wycombe Swan to see my friend Ben Langley’s new show Ha Ha Hood. After making a brief appearance the last time one of his show’s was in Buckinghamshire.This visit was spent completely in the comfort of the auditorium watching with the rest of the audience. As normal with the Ha Ha brand Ben takes a well known story and re-writes it for comedy effect. While keeping with the variety and madness of the Ha Ha style. This latest play sees us catching up with the icon that is Robin Hood. Ten years on from the last we heard of him. A lot has happened. There have been many things that have changed. And then some things in his life that have seemingly remained the same. Ben plays Robin Hood. He is joined in the cast for this show by the fantastic Su Pollard. Who plays Maid Marion. And the comedy legends Cannon and Ball. Who both have duel hero and villain roles in the show. Which in itself leads to plenty of confusion and fun on stage. They are joined lastly by Andy Pickering. Who as well as supplying the musical accompaniment. Does pop up from time to time with some classic comedy moments of his own.

If you like good old fashioned laugh out loud fun. You must go and see this show. It has jokes, songs, pathos, lots of silliness. All with the added bonus that you are never totally sure what exactly is going to happen next. I was lucky enough to have a very quick catch up with Ben Langley before the show. He is a top bloke and really deserves all the success that he is having with the Ha Ha series. I did also manage to say hello to and shake the hands of Bobby Ball and Tommy Cannon. Who are both excellent in the show. It reminded me of when I used to watch them on television, when I was a kid growing up. They have lost none of the old magic. Nor has Su Pollard who proves yet again what a wonderful all round performer she is. And she does also get the opportunity to showcase her great singing voice. I had forgotten that she has released a few records over the years. I totally enjoyed the show. It was entertaining, funny and made me laugh out loud on several occasions. I will be going to see it again later on in the tour for sure. So if you can, do go and see it. Find out more here www.hahahood.com

Ha Ha Hood Poster
Ha Ha Hood Poster

It is fair to say I do have very limited options when it comes to what I can do with my hair nowadays. At the moment I normally visit the hairdressers around every three weeks. And have my head shaved with a grade one cut all over with the clippers. Now I always go to the same place. Which is a family run barbers near where I live. So I have one of the three relations in there cut my hair. I went in as usual the other week. I had to wait a little bit for my turn. Which is quite unusual. As I normally time it right, so I can just walk straight in and sit down in the the main chair. But this time I had to wait for a while. I then got called up to go to the chair. I was wearing my glasses. So as I sat in the chair for the haircut. I took them off. Meaning of course that I could not see.

Normally they do ask and check what I want before they start. But this time they didn’t. However as I have been having the same thing done there for the last two years. I thought nothing of it and just let them get on with it. We were chatting away as normal. At which point I started to feel that something was not quite right. Then at the end of the haircut. When I put my glasses back on and looked in the mirror. I instantly noticed my hair looked a lot shorter than normal. Instead of a grade one cut. I think they had done an half grade or even a grade zero. Which doesn’t sound much of a difference, when you say it quickly like that. But believe me it looked a lot shorter than I had ever seen it before. And it took me a few seconds to actually recognise myself in the mirror. Too shocked I didn’t say anything afterwards I just paid as normal and walked out. On the plus side. As it will have a lot more growing to do. I will probably not need to go back for at least a month now. And I will definitely confirm with the hairdresser exactly what we are doing before we get started next time. I will not make the same mistake twice.

Haircut
Haircut

Good news if you remember the new potential television quiz show. That I went to do some work on. To help them develop it a couple of months ago. It has now been taken up by a major TV channel. I am afraid I still can’t say which one yet at this stage. But it looks like they are going to make the first series of it early next year. They are starting to look for potential contestants for it at the moment. It is a very different concept and format to the more normal and conventional game shows. So I do think when it launches there will be a lot of publicity surrounding it. There is a very good chance that I may well still be involved with it in some way, before it hits our screens in 2015.

BBC Radio Theatre
BBC Radio Theatre

The new series of the brilliant Radio 4 Extra comedy show Newsjack starts on the station on Thursday 25th September. I know this as I am going to watch it being recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre in London the night before. I will once again be writing some jokes for the programme. So the ideal situation would be that I get to see and hear some of my work being performed, that night while I am there. I am looking forward to catching up with the very talented cast and seeing them in action again. It is always a good fun night out. I am actually back there at the BBC Theatre the night after to watch the excellent The Now Show with the amazing Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis being recorded. I have seen both of them live in the theatre before. And they are just fantastic. So I have a couple of decent nights of comedy lined up to enjoy there.

Neil Quigley
Neil Quigley

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.