Memories of Milligan

After the Second World War, comedy seemed to be the antidote that many people were seeking. It was at this time when the entertainment industry was graced with one of the most influential and trailblazing comedians of all time.

As one of The Goons (and its chief writer), Spike Milligan became a national hero; a maverick, unpredictable wit whose style influenced several generations of comedians, including Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, the Monty Python crew and Vic Reeves.

Many regard him to be the funniest man ever, as a 1999 BBC poll revealed.

Milligan lived in Holden Road, Woodside Park, and then in The Crescent, Monken Hadley, and was also president of the Finchley Society for many years. In the Eighties, he fronted a television appeal on Esther Rantzen's That's Life to save College Farm in Fitzalan Road, Finchley.

The Finchley Society is now trying to raise £40,000 for a large bronze statue of Milligan to be installed outside one of his favourite old haunts, Avenue House, in East End Road, Finchley. It is staging this fundraising show, featuring a range of poets, artists, comedians and musicians who are waiving their fee on the night.

Unfortunately, the line-up was yet to be revealed at the time of going to press, but it promises top-class comedy, satire, zany humour, poetry and great music'.

Tickets cost £15 from the box office on 020 8369 5454.