A poignant and humorous memory from the golden age of British satire has been shared, casting new light on the creative partnership between the late playwright John Antrobus and comedy legend Spike Milligan.
A Night at the Comedy Theatre in 1963
In a letter published by the Guardian, Philip Allen of Kentish Town, London, recounts a memorable evening as a student in 1963. He attended a performance of the absurdist play The Bed-Sitting Room at the Comedy Theatre in London. The play was co-written by Spike Milligan and John Antrobus, whose recent passing was marked by an obituary.
The Unforgettable Finale
In that era, it was standard practice for theatres and cinemas to play the national anthem at the conclusion of a show. As the audience began to file out after the final curtain of The Bed-Sitting Room, a deliberately coarse solo whistling of God Save the Queen crackled through the venue's speakers.
The reaction was one of confusion. Some patrons continued their exit, while others halted, caught in an awkward limbo, unsure whether to stand to attention for the ragged rendition.
Milligan's Iconic Punchline
Into this moment of collective uncertainty cut the unmistakable voice of Spike Milligan himself. From the speakers, he delivered a line that perfectly encapsulated the play's satirical spirit and his own rebellious comedy. "Anyone who'll stand for that will stand for anything," he declared.
This sharp, witty intervention punctured the formality of the tradition, leaving the audience with a final, unforgettable joke that blurred the lines between performance and reality.
The anecdote serves as a fitting tribute to the unique comic genius of both Antrobus and Milligan, whose work in The Bed-Sitting Room challenged conventions and audience expectations in the most brilliantly absurd ways.
