Welcome back to My 70s TV Childhood! In this episode, I celebrate one of the most beloved characters in British television history, Basil Brush. He was a fox, a puppet, a national treasure, and a firm Saturday teatime favourite for millions of families throughout the 1970s.
But first, I have some exciting news about our My 70s TV Childhood quiz game, which is now in pre-production. If you'd like to register your interest in buying one, please visit www.my70stvchildhood.com and let us know!
💬 What to Expect:
The Birth of Basil: I trace Basil's origins back to 1962 when Peter Firmin, yes, the man behind the Clangers and Bagpuss, first created a fox glove puppet for a show called The Three Scampis.
David Nixon and the Sidekick Years: Basil's early days as a sidekick to the great TV magician David Nixon, and how the little fox kept upstaging his partner.
The Basil Brush Show: From 1968 onwards, Basil had his own Saturday teatime show, and I look at the format that made it such a family favourite, from the comedy sketches to the musical guests and story time.
Ivan Owen, the Man Behind the Fox: I celebrate the extraordinary puppeteer and voice artist who brought Basil to life and who kept such a low profile that he never gave a television interview, because he didn't want to break the spell.
Mr Derek, Mr Roy and the Companions: I remember the brilliant straight men who worked alongside Basil, from Derek Fowlds to Roy North, and the chemistry that made the show so special.
Musical Guests and Story Time: From Petula Clark to Demis Roussos, the top artists who queued up to perform alongside Basil, and the wonderful story time segments featuring Basil's ancestors and relatives.
Do you remember the Basil Brush Show? Was your family watching and laughing together on a Saturday teatime? Get in touch and let me know!
Take care,
Oliver
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