Gavin & Stacey star Robert Wilfort plays the eponymous role in Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s Spike, coming to Cardiff’s New Theatre in November. Eve Davies caught up with Wilfort during the play’s Darlington run of shows to find out about his experience as Spike Milligan.

Spike brings the Goon mania of 1950s Britain to the stage. Amid post-war austerity, The Goon Show besotted fans across the country and changed the face of British comedy with farcical storylines, puns, catchphrases, and sound effects. Harry Secombe, portrayed by Patrick Warner in this retelling, and Peter Sellers, played by Jeremy Lloyd, are set on becoming overnight celebrities. Meanwhile, fellow Goon and chief writer Spike Milligan – Robert Wilfort, who you may know as Gavin & Stacey’s Jason West – tempts new grounds of comedy, wearing the tolerance of the BBC through ridicule of authoritative figures and mockery of humankind.

Spike’s 2022 tour began in early September in Cheltenham before zigzagging across mid-south England – Malvern, Guildford, Oxford, Salisbury, and Brighton – north to Darlington, Glasgow, and Blackpool, before closing in Cardiff. After a busy few months, Wilfort reflected on how the tour has gone.

“The production has been very well received so far – everybody seems to be enjoying the show, we’ve received warm welcomes from audiences, and lots of fun has been had by the cast and crew. It’s been great.

“I think everybody needs something fun and uplifting at the moment, so this UK tour has certainly come at the right time. It’s been great to share the laughter with whole auditoriums. We’ve covered a lot of miles, but it’s been a good ride.”

Considering what he has enjoyed most about playing comedy great Milligan, Wilfort says, “I’ve always been a fan of Spike so playing this role has been great fun for me. I especially enjoyed the research process – it involved watching and re-watching a lot of video clips, which was great as an original fan!” He is now enjoying sharing the comedy and satire involved in this role with people from across the country.

Returning to perform on Welsh soil must be a special experience. How is this play’s lead feeling about bringing Spike to Cardiff? “Petrified!” Wilfort laughs. “No, no. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m originally from Porthcawl so coming to perform in Cardiff feels like a homecoming show for me. It’s exciting.

“I’ve been telling everybody this story, but my mum has booked a load of tickets for the Wednesday matinee, insisting that she will fill the spaces. So I’ll have a host of friends and family in the crowd for that show…”

Spike, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 22-Sat 26 Nov.

Tickets: £21.50-£39. Info: here

words EVE DAVIES