Take It from Here

By: Frank Muir, Denis Norden

Narrated by: Dick Bentley, Jimmy Edwards, June Whitfield, Wallas Eaton

Four episodes from the much-loved radio show starring Dick Bentley, Jimmy Edwards, June Whitfield, and Wallas Eaton

Take It from Here was one of the most influential radio shows of all time, sweeping in a new era of comedy and introducing an enduring pair of writers: bright young things Frank Muir and Denis Norden. Their literate scripts, and the madcap adventures of Dick Bentley, "Professor" Jimmy Edwards, and June Whitfield, ensured 11 years of classic capers.

Who could forget the barrage of puns, the Take It from Here "Oscar"-winning screen skits, and the hilarious weekly reports on the marathon engagement of the drippy Ron and the doting Eth of The Glums? "Oh, Ron!" and the inevitable response 'Oh, Eth!' became a despairing catchphrase that swept the land, and The Glums' popularity continued in two television series.

Now we can laugh again at their timeless humour in these four fantastic episodes from 1958. Oh, bliss!

©2007 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2007 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

nutty, sometimes fun

Would you consider the audio edition of Take It from Here to be better than the print version?

This doesn't apply, as it's a variety show; it would be a drag to read it without hearing it.

If you’ve listened to books by Dennis Norden and Frank Muir before, how does this one compare?

They can be brilliant, and their performance is good, but this sample isn't their best material.

Which scene was your favorite?

The recurring dramas involving the father and his maladjusted son are the most memorable, and very funny.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it's more a box of assorted bonbons to come back to (several half-hour shows).

Any additional comments?

The sketches are snappy and reckless, the carefully arranged musical numbers something of a bore. No pause points to skip to except between whole shows.