Quite A Boast - A Celebration of Reeves & Mortimer

In this episode we speak to journalist, reviewer and author, Bruce Dessau. Bruce is the founder of the 'Beyond The Joke' website and writer of several books including the ‘Reeves & Mortimer’ biography.Bruce tells us about when he first chanced upon the pre-TV Vic Reeves Big Night Out in the late 80s and we discuss Jim & Bob’s career progression throughout the years. We also discuss Bruce’s love of music; from his devotion to Top of The Pops to his very brief stint in a legendary British indie group.https://www.beyondthejoke.co.uk/You can find Bruce's book here;https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reeves-Mortimer-Bruce-Dessau/dp/0752817817/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390648366&sr=1-1

In this episode we chat with the legendary John Thomson; star of numerous TV shows from The Fast Show to Cold Feet, to Coronation Street to a stunt riding policeman in The Weekenders to Britain's sweariest chef in Monkey Trousers. Be aware that this episode may include a number of celebrity impressions …Great..

Oh Mr Songwriter! In this episode we speak to Sean Lyons, Kevin Powell & Morris Windsor, who once donned their racing silks as ¾ of the Vic Reeves Orchestra on the Big Night Out series. Between them, they have played alongside a number of acts; from Robyn Hitchcock to STEPs, from Alan Partridge to Brian Pern, and also contributed to Vic’s album I Will Cure You. They chat about their memories of filming the series and their long enduring friendship.

In this episode we chat with comedian, actor and Fast Show legend, Simon Day. We hear of how Vic & Bob were in attendance for Simon's first ever gig, which lead to a nationwide tour with the Big Night Out. We also hear of Katie Price's words of wisdom backstage at Shooting Stars and Simon chats about the day Gary 'Cheesy' Cheeseman fought back, "You damn fool Reeves!"

In this episode we chat with actor Mark Benton; star of numerous TV and stage productions.. from Early Doors to Hairspray, Booze Cruise to Glengarry Glen Ross, he also appeared as Kev the Geordie Astronaut in Monkey Trousers and as the majestically mulleted Mark in Catterick. Hear how he made a career out of dressing up, putting on a wig and and having a laugh with his mates. Plus how he persevered doggedly through that memorable Catterick outtake...

In this episode we chat with Jack Dent. One of Jim Moir's oldest friends and one fifth of the legendary Fashionable Five, he tells stories that range from drinking with the 'hairies' in the pubs of Darlington to running the Vic & Bob fan club to travelling the country with the 'Big Night Out' tour. Discover how the Fashionable Five freaked out Billy Idol and which huge pop star was a fully paid up member of the fan club.

In this episode we are joined by television legend Jonathan Ross, who tells us how Vic Reeves Big Night Out moved from the pubs & clubs of North London to the nation's TV screens. We'll hear tales of dancing round a joint of meat with Gilbert & George, receiving a doctor's note fax from Morrissey and also discover what to wear for a forest fire...

In this episode we chat with actor Mike Wattam, the man who once posed the question "got any booze fort baby?" Learn how Mike and John Thomson narrowly diced with death whilst filming 'The Weekenders', find out about the brief and tumultuous career of boyband, Mandate and discover which award winning film director Mike was nearly on first name terms with. Please note: You can't give a baby booze!