'Allo 'Allo Special, with Kim Hartman, Guy Siner and Richard Gibson — Tony Slattery's Rambling Club

This week’s guest Presidents are Kim Hartman, Guy Siner and Richard Gibson, otherwise known to generations of television viewers as Helga, Lieutenant Gruber and Herr Flick from the much-loved BBC sitcom, ’Allo ’Allo!

Now, there’s a rather familiar picture lurking in the Presidential Shed, and it seems our visitors have come looking for a certain Monsieur Leclerc and a rather special work of art: the Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies by Van Clomp. Naturally, we couldn’t possibly let them leave without joining us for a ramble.

So, give the enchanted bingo machine a spin, listen out for Sir Stephen Fry’s familiar narration, and join us as we head into the great outdoors for three rather unexpected destinations.

Our first number is 394.1 – Eating and Drinking Customs. And what better place to begin than the extraordinary culinary traditions of ’Allo ’Allo? We discover the importance of comedy egg and chips, the cast’s pre-recording rituals, Kim’s legendary hospitality, and the rather substantial quantities of gin that can accompany a podcast recording. There’s also talk of sausages, soup, musical performances and the curious business of keeping a cast happy.

Next, the machine takes us to 910.4 – Travel Accounts. We explore the international success of ’Allo ’Allo, its extraordinary reach around the world, and why a sitcom set in a fictional French town became such a treasured part of British family life. Our guests discuss the warmth of David Croft’s writing, the affection between the characters, the extraordinary production values, and the importance of playing comedy truthfully. We also discover why Lieutenant Gruber was such a groundbreaking and sympathetic character, and why Herr Flick needed to be genuinely frightening.

Finally, we arrive at 929 – Genealogy and Family History. This takes us back to the beginnings of three remarkable acting careers, the childhood experiences and theatrical encounters that inspired them, and the extraordinary world of repertory theatre and the BBC’s great production departments. We hear about the people who shaped their ambitions, the ensemble spirit of ’Allo ’Allo, and the special bond that has kept these three friends laughing together for decades.

And, because this is Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club, we couldn't possibly finish without talking about our President himself. Kim, Guy and Richard share their memories of Tony: his extraordinary improvisational talent, that wonderfully naughty twinkle, and the gentle, humble man behind the performance. It’s a lovely reminder of why we miss him.

So, pull on your gloves, join us for a little French adventure, and enjoy the company of three very special guests. Just remember: listen very carefully!

Presented by Paul Carmichael & Allan Lear with Sir Stephen Fry as the voice of the Bingo Machine.

Special Guest Presidents: Kim Hartman, Guy Siner & Richard Gibson

Music composed and performed by Michael Livesley & Andy Frizell

The voice of Pwfthhh- Michael Livesley

www.michaellivesley.com

Series Researcher- Soula Carmichael

Series Producers- Erica Lear and Mark Hutchinson

Producers- Alan Dyebing & Stuart Morris

Executive Producer- Mark Strickson

Join the rambling club and receive your club membership card, badges, exclusive content and access to early release episodes, an exclusive extra podcast you won't hear anywhere else and exclusive club-only perks!

www.patreon.com/SlatteryLive

Official Website- www.tonyslattery.com

Twitter/X: @SlatteryLive

Instagram: tony_slattery_official

BlueSky: @ramblingclub

Paul's Threads: @paul.carmichael.1213

Paul's Bluesky: @paulcarmichaeluk

You can hear Kim, Guy and Richard's wonderful Allo Allo podcast by searching for 'Listen Very Carefully' on your podcast app.

Instagram: listenverycarefullypod

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