Ying Tong - A Walk With The Goons

Ying Tong - A Walk With The Goons is a play by Roy Smiles (1966-)[1].

Also referred to simply as Ying Tong by some sources

The original text

The play is a study of the comic genius Spike Milligan[2], looking at Milligan's serious nervous breakdown, whilst writing the British radio comedy programme The Goon Show [3] in the 1950's. Set in the final year of the show, it tells of in the of Milligan planning his escape from a mental institution dressed in only his pajamas so he can write “The Goon Show to end all Goon Shows.” After applying to the British Museum to get his marbles back, he starts to lose his grip on reality and threatens to kill Eccles, the most famous Goon character. It is up to the other characters to stop him.

(The title derives from the "Ying Tong Song"[4], a novelty song written by Spike Milligan and performed by the Goons, usually led by Harry Secombe.)

First performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2004 before transferring to London's New Ambassadors Theatre in 2005. Performed in the USA at The Wilma Theater, Philadelphia in 2008.

Published as Ying Tong - A Walk With The Goons by Oberon Books in 2004