Welcome to Just a Minute!: A Celebration of Britain’s Best-Loved Radio Comedy

Nicholas Parsons

Aug 2014 · Canongate Books

About this ebook

'A joyous compendium of facts, fun and stories. This hilarious and informative guide is destined to become the companion to radio's most enduring panel game' PAUL MERTON In this first ever official companion, chairman Nicholas Parsons tells the fascinating story of the much-loved panel game and Graham Norton, Sue Perkins, Jenny Eclair and Gyles Brandreth share their memories of the show. Over the decades, the greats of British comedy have entertained Just a Minute listeners with performances that have come to define our comic heritage - from Kenneth Williams' outrageously funny 'battles' with Sheila Hancock, Clement Freud's acerbic wit and Derek Nimmo's tall tales to Paul Merton's imaginative flights of fancy, Julian Clary's flagrant innuendos and Pam Ayres' poetic humour. Welcome to Just a Minute! is an entertaining journey through British comedy history and a master class in comic timing, verbal dexterity and sharp one-liners.

Ratings and reviews

A truly entertaining accompaniment to the Radio Show. A must read.

About the author

Nicholas Parsons was born in Grantham in 1923. He first came to prominence in the late 50s in the comedy partnership with Arthur Haynes. As well as presenting Just a Minute, he was known for hosting Sale of the Century and for his chat show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He was awarded an OBE for his services to Drama and Broadcasting in 2003 and a CBE for his charitable work in 2014. He died in January 2020.