Just A Minute

In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons in this group
I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over for a
couple of years now.

I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to replace, not
least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.

Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but if for
some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for his
replacement?

Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only two
names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth - but
both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect, far
too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is similar.

Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you pick?

Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great institution
which is Just A minute?

I'd be very interested to hear the group's thoughts.

---

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>
> Finally, something I could really sink my teeth into.
>
> Well, I don't think it would be all that right to try and find

>
> or failing that, they could get Clive Anderson, he was awfully

>
> j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@...> wrote:
> In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons

> I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over for a
> couple of years now.
>
> I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to replace,

> least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
>
> Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but if

> some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for his
> replacement?
>
> Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only two
> names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth - but
> both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect, far
> too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is similar.
>
> Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you pick?
>
> Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great institution
> which is Just A minute?
>
> I'd be very interested to hear the group's thoughts.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection.
> Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.
>

I considered the 'Have I got News For You Approach' and think it
would be a disaster. The qualities you outline are of paramount
importance, this isn't just reading someone elses jokes off an auto
queue..... but then again .. what about Boris Johnson!? haha. Praps
not.

--- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
<bobbyshaddoe3004@ ...> wrote:
>
> Finally, something I could really sink my teeth into.
>
> Well, I don't think it would be all that right to try and find
another Nicholas Parsons, but the idea being that to find someone
that has an understanding of the show in that the comedy and humor
and banter is actually a bit more important than the rules of this
silly game. or they could do what they do on 'Have I Got News For
You' and have different people as chairman every few weeks or so.
>
> or failing that, they could get Clive Anderson, he was awfully
good on Whose Line, I'm certain he could do just as well chairing
JAM.
>
> j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@. ..> wrote:
> In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons
in this group
> I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over for a
> couple of years now.
>
> I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to replace,
not
> least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
>
> Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but if
for
> some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for his
> replacement?
>
> Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only two
> names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth - but
> both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect, far
> too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is similar.
>
> Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you pick?
>
> Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great institution
> which is Just A minute?
>
> I'd be very interested to hear the group's thoughts.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ---
> Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection.
> Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.
>

---

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>
> never thought of it that way. only because, it seemed such a nice

>
> I doubt very much that the show would just end if Nicholas

>
> j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@...> wrote:
> I considered the 'Have I got News For You Approach' and

> would be a disaster. The qualities you outline are of paramount
> importance, this isn't just reading someone elses jokes off an auto
> queue..... but then again .. what about Boris Johnson!? haha. Praps
> not.
>
> --- In just-a-minute@..., Robert Torres
> <bobbyshaddoe3004@> wrote:
> >
> > Finally, something I could really sink my teeth into.
> >
> > Well, I don't think it would be all that right to try and find
> another Nicholas Parsons, but the idea being that to find someone
> that has an understanding of the show in that the comedy and humor
> and banter is actually a bit more important than the rules of this
> silly game. or they could do what they do on 'Have I Got News For
> You' and have different people as chairman every few weeks or so.
> >
> > or failing that, they could get Clive Anderson, he was awfully
> good on Whose Line, I'm certain he could do just as well chairing
> JAM.
> >
> > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons
> in this group
> > I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over for a
> > couple of years now.
> >
> > I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to replace,
> not
> > least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> > anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
> >
> > Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but if
> for
> > some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for his
> > replacement?
> >
> > Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only two
> > names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth - but
> > both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect, far
> > too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is similar.
> >
> > Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you pick?
> >
> > Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great

> > which is Just A minute?
> >
> > I'd be very interested to hear the group's thoughts.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection.
> > Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Need Mail bonding?
> Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users.
>

I'm not usre you can say there have been worst losses in the past.
The one constant in every episode of JAM has been Nicholas Parsons
and as (mostly) chairman, his character very much colours the show
whether you find him funny or not. Personally I do, as an object of
fond ridicule, despite his self-confessed pomposity and his
outrageous and all too serious (in his mind) attempts at flirting
with the females. Its all pretty funny and he rarely allows his
professionalism to slip while barely keeping a lid on things one
level removed from chaos in many cases. I suspect there are few
potential replacements that could do that half as well, let alone
better.

--- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
<bobbyshaddoe3004@ ...> wrote:
>
> never thought of it that way. only because, it seemed such a nice
novel approach after they ousted Angus Deayton. also bearing
something else in mind that you'd need someone still in their prime,
young enough, but not too young, to carry the show into the next 40
years or so.
>
> I doubt very much that the show would just end if Nicholas
decided to step down, I mean the show has got far too much life left
in it. the show has suffered worse losses in the past and managed to
continue, I'm sure the same will apply here. all they need is the
right sort of chap to do the job. if we're lucky, we might get
someone who is actually funny.
>
> j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@. ..> wrote:
> I considered the 'Have I got News For You Approach' and
think it
> would be a disaster. The qualities you outline are of paramount
> importance, this isn't just reading someone elses jokes off an auto
> queue..... but then again .. what about Boris Johnson!? haha. Praps
> not.
>
> --- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
> <bobbyshaddoe3004@ > wrote:
> >
> > Finally, something I could really sink my teeth into.
> >
> > Well, I don't think it would be all that right to try and find
> another Nicholas Parsons, but the idea being that to find someone
> that has an understanding of the show in that the comedy and humor
> and banter is actually a bit more important than the rules of this
> silly game. or they could do what they do on 'Have I Got News For
> You' and have different people as chairman every few weeks or so.
> >
> > or failing that, they could get Clive Anderson, he was awfully
> good on Whose Line, I'm certain he could do just as well chairing
> JAM.
> >
> > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons
> in this group
> > I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over for a
> > couple of years now.
> >
> > I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to replace,
> not
> > least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> > anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
> >
> > Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but if
> for
> > some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for his
> > replacement?
> >
> > Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only two
> > names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth - but
> > both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect, far
> > too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is similar.
> >
> > Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you pick?
> >
> > Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great
institution
> > which is Just A minute?
> >
> > I'd be very interested to hear the group's thoughts.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------ --------- --------- ---
> > Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection.
> > Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ---
> Need Mail bonding?
> Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users.
>

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>
> well, think about it this way. the show has lost Kenneth Williams,

>
> oh I find Nicholas to be a great object of ridicule, in fact

> Case in point. During an episode of the 2004 season, the panelist

>
> anyway, the only person that I can think of that has their own

>
> Dave <j_a_m_fan@...> wrote:
> I'm not usre you can say there have been worst losses in

> The one constant in every episode of JAM has been Nicholas Parsons
> and as (mostly) chairman, his character very much colours the show
> whether you find him funny or not. Personally I do, as an object of
> fond ridicule, despite his self-confessed pomposity and his
> outrageous and all too serious (in his mind) attempts at flirting
> with the females. Its all pretty funny and he rarely allows his
> professionalism to slip while barely keeping a lid on things one
> level removed from chaos in many cases. I suspect there are few
> potential replacements that could do that half as well, let alone
> better.
>
> --- In just-a-minute@..., Robert Torres
> <bobbyshaddoe3004@> wrote:
> >
> > never thought of it that way. only because, it seemed such a nice
> novel approach after they ousted Angus Deayton. also bearing
> something else in mind that you'd need someone still in their

> young enough, but not too young, to carry the show into the next 40
> years or so.
> >
> > I doubt very much that the show would just end if Nicholas
> decided to step down, I mean the show has got far too much life

> in it. the show has suffered worse losses in the past and managed

> continue, I'm sure the same will apply here. all they need is the
> right sort of chap to do the job. if we're lucky, we might get
> someone who is actually funny.
> >
> > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > I considered the 'Have I got News For You Approach' and
> think it
> > would be a disaster. The qualities you outline are of paramount
> > importance, this isn't just reading someone elses jokes off an

> > queue..... but then again .. what about Boris Johnson!? haha.

> > not.
> >
> > --- In just-a-minute@..., Robert Torres
> > <bobbyshaddoe3004@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Finally, something I could really sink my teeth into.
> > >
> > > Well, I don't think it would be all that right to try and find
> > another Nicholas Parsons, but the idea being that to find someone
> > that has an understanding of the show in that the comedy and

> > and banter is actually a bit more important than the rules of

> > silly game. or they could do what they do on 'Have I Got News For
> > You' and have different people as chairman every few weeks or so.
> > >
> > > or failing that, they could get Clive Anderson, he was awfully
> > good on Whose Line, I'm certain he could do just as well chairing
> > JAM.
> > >
> > > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > > In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons
> > in this group
> > > I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over for

> > > couple of years now.
> > >
> > > I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to

> > not
> > > least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> > > anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
> > >
> > > Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but

> > for
> > > some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for

> > > replacement?
> > >
> > > Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only

> > > names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth - but
> > > both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect,

> > > too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is

> > >
> > > Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you pick?
> > >
> > > Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great
> institution
> > > which is Just A minute?
> > >
> > > I'd be very interested to hear the group's thoughts.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------
> > > Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection.
> > > Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Need Mail bonding?
> > Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers

> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Need Mail bonding?
> Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users.
>

I remember the show you refer to very well. One of a pair of episodes
from a recording in Dundee - and quite by far the worst two episodes
back to back for many a long, long year in my opinion.

You misunderstood my use of the word 'colour'. By that I mean his
tangible presence impacts on EVERY show as chairman and was not a
comment on any degree of charisma.

I agree his flirtations are not funny because he appears to have a
mis-guided and arrogant self-belief in his own sexual prowess (this
comes from my observations outside of JAM).

Clive Anderson is a very interesting choice, certainly better than
any I've thought up so far. He may be too competent and witty to play
the required straight man role though.... Here's a couple to think
about for you .... Michael Palin ... or a generation younger ...
Martin Clunes.

--- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
<bobbyshaddoe3004@ ...> wrote:
>
> well, think about it this way. the show has lost Kenneth Williams,
Derek Nimmo and Peter Jones, those are serious losses the show has
suffered. in fact when Kenneth died, the BBC had seriously
considered cancelling the show rather than try to continue without
him because of the fact that Kenneth had been so closely associated
with the show at the time of his death.
>
> oh I find Nicholas to be a great object of ridicule, in fact
that's the only reason why I tolerate his presence on the show
because I love it when the other panelists have a go at him. as for
the flirtations, I don't find them funny, I find them disgusting, and
utterly disgraceful especially for a man that's reached an age that
when a girl says 'no' he should be profoundly grateful, and the fact
that he's married as well. anyway, that's another thing, I honestly
don't think that his personality colors the show at all, I think it's
utterly boring and bland, every time he makes some inane comment,
brings the whole show to a grinding halt because no one knows or even
cares about what it is he's talking about and its only when he
realizes that he's boring people to death that he even gets any
laughs. and even then half the time he's relying on all sorts of old
jokes, either that or he tries manipulating a situation that goes
against him to turn it against the panelist.
> Case in point. During an episode of the 2004 season, the panelist
consisted of Fred MacAuley, Nick Revell, Maria McErlane and Gyles
Brandreth, I'm not sure what the subject was but Maria was talking
about having a dream with Nicholas Parsons, she gets challenged for
deviation, Nicholas doesn't give it against her because he wants to
hear more, and then when she starts again she says that she woke up
screaming in terror because it was a horrible nightmare, then she
gets challenged, the audience give Maria their sympathy and boo the
person that challenged her and what are the first words out of
Nicholas' mouth 'You've lost them Maria, you've ruined it. you've
lost them darling.' thinking that the audience were booing HER for
saying something rotten about Nicholas. it's not the first time he's
made these sorts of assumptions and generalizations.
>
> anyway, the only person that I can think of that has their own
unique style, but is actually funny and understands comedy is Clive
Anderson, the original host of Whose Line, before Drew Carey took
over.
>
> Dave <j_a_m_fan@. ..> wrote:
> I'm not usre you can say there have been worst losses in
the past.
> The one constant in every episode of JAM has been Nicholas Parsons
> and as (mostly) chairman, his character very much colours the show
> whether you find him funny or not. Personally I do, as an object of
> fond ridicule, despite his self-confessed pomposity and his
> outrageous and all too serious (in his mind) attempts at flirting
> with the females. Its all pretty funny and he rarely allows his
> professionalism to slip while barely keeping a lid on things one
> level removed from chaos in many cases. I suspect there are few
> potential replacements that could do that half as well, let alone
> better.
>
> --- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
> <bobbyshaddoe3004@ > wrote:
> >
> > never thought of it that way. only because, it seemed such a nice
> novel approach after they ousted Angus Deayton. also bearing
> something else in mind that you'd need someone still in their
prime,
> young enough, but not too young, to carry the show into the next 40
> years or so.
> >
> > I doubt very much that the show would just end if Nicholas
> decided to step down, I mean the show has got far too much life
left
> in it. the show has suffered worse losses in the past and managed
to
> continue, I'm sure the same will apply here. all they need is the
> right sort of chap to do the job. if we're lucky, we might get
> someone who is actually funny.
> >
> > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > I considered the 'Have I got News For You Approach' and
> think it
> > would be a disaster. The qualities you outline are of paramount
> > importance, this isn't just reading someone elses jokes off an
auto
> > queue..... but then again .. what about Boris Johnson!? haha.
Praps
> > not.
> >
> > --- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
> > <bobbyshaddoe3004@ > wrote:
> > >
> > > Finally, something I could really sink my teeth into.
> > >
> > > Well, I don't think it would be all that right to try and find
> > another Nicholas Parsons, but the idea being that to find someone
> > that has an understanding of the show in that the comedy and
humor
> > and banter is actually a bit more important than the rules of
this
> > silly game. or they could do what they do on 'Have I Got News For
> > You' and have different people as chairman every few weeks or so.
> > >
> > > or failing that, they could get Clive Anderson, he was awfully
> > good on Whose Line, I'm certain he could do just as well chairing
> > JAM.
> > >
> > > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > > In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons
> > in this group
> > > I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over for
a
> > > couple of years now.
> > >
> > > I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to
replace,
> > not
> > > least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> > > anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
> > >
> > > Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but
if
> > for
> > > some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for
his
> > > replacement?
> > >
> > > Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only
two
> > > names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth - but
> > > both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect,
far
> > > too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is
similar.
> > >
> > > Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you pick?
> > >
> > > Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great
> institution
> > > which is Just A minute?
> > >
> > > I'd be very interested to hear the group's thoughts.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------ --------- --------- ---
> > > Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection.
> > > Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------ --------- --------- ---
> > Need Mail bonding?
> > Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers
users.
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ---
> Need Mail bonding?
> Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users.
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>
> I think Dave I've found a kindred spirit in you my friend.
>
> the two recordings in Dundee, I wouldn't call them the worse pair

>
> I think I understand now with your use of the word 'color', cuz

>
> I'm glad someone else is on my side regarding the flirtations,

>
> Michael Palin? well, it certainly would be interesting for him

>
> By the way, whose Martin Clunes? I'm unfamiliar with the name.
>
> Dave <j_a_m_fan@...> wrote:
> I remember the show you refer to very well. One of a pair

> from a recording in Dundee - and quite by far the worst two

> back to back for many a long, long year in my opinion.
>
> You misunderstood my use of the word 'colour'. By that I mean his
> tangible presence impacts on EVERY show as chairman and was not a
> comment on any degree of charisma.
>
> I agree his flirtations are not funny because he appears to have a
> mis-guided and arrogant self-belief in his own sexual prowess (this
> comes from my observations outside of JAM).
>
> Clive Anderson is a very interesting choice, certainly better than
> any I've thought up so far. He may be too competent and witty to

> the required straight man role though.... Here's a couple to think
> about for you .... Michael Palin ... or a generation younger ...
> Martin Clunes.
>
> --- In just-a-minute@..., Robert Torres
> <bobbyshaddoe3004@> wrote:
> >
> > well, think about it this way. the show has lost Kenneth

> Derek Nimmo and Peter Jones, those are serious losses the show has
> suffered. in fact when Kenneth died, the BBC had seriously
> considered cancelling the show rather than try to continue without
> him because of the fact that Kenneth had been so closely associated
> with the show at the time of his death.
> >
> > oh I find Nicholas to be a great object of ridicule, in fact
> that's the only reason why I tolerate his presence on the show
> because I love it when the other panelists have a go at him. as for
> the flirtations, I don't find them funny, I find them disgusting,

> utterly disgraceful especially for a man that's reached an age that
> when a girl says 'no' he should be profoundly grateful, and the

> that he's married as well. anyway, that's another thing, I honestly
> don't think that his personality colors the show at all, I think

> utterly boring and bland, every time he makes some inane comment,
> brings the whole show to a grinding halt because no one knows or

> cares about what it is he's talking about and its only when he
> realizes that he's boring people to death that he even gets any
> laughs. and even then half the time he's relying on all sorts of

> jokes, either that or he tries manipulating a situation that goes
> against him to turn it against the panelist.
> > Case in point. During an episode of the 2004 season, the panelist
> consisted of Fred MacAuley, Nick Revell, Maria McErlane and Gyles
> Brandreth, I'm not sure what the subject was but Maria was talking
> about having a dream with Nicholas Parsons, she gets challenged for
> deviation, Nicholas doesn't give it against her because he wants to
> hear more, and then when she starts again she says that she woke up
> screaming in terror because it was a horrible nightmare, then she
> gets challenged, the audience give Maria their sympathy and boo the
> person that challenged her and what are the first words out of
> Nicholas' mouth 'You've lost them Maria, you've ruined it. you've
> lost them darling.' thinking that the audience were booing HER for
> saying something rotten about Nicholas. it's not the first time

> made these sorts of assumptions and generalizations.
> >
> > anyway, the only person that I can think of that has their own
> unique style, but is actually funny and understands comedy is Clive
> Anderson, the original host of Whose Line, before Drew Carey took
> over.
> >
> > Dave <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > I'm not usre you can say there have been worst losses in
> the past.
> > The one constant in every episode of JAM has been Nicholas

> > and as (mostly) chairman, his character very much colours the

> > whether you find him funny or not. Personally I do, as an object

> > fond ridicule, despite his self-confessed pomposity and his
> > outrageous and all too serious (in his mind) attempts at flirting
> > with the females. Its all pretty funny and he rarely allows his
> > professionalism to slip while barely keeping a lid on things one
> > level removed from chaos in many cases. I suspect there are few
> > potential replacements that could do that half as well, let alone
> > better.
> >
> > --- In just-a-minute@..., Robert Torres
> > <bobbyshaddoe3004@> wrote:
> > >
> > > never thought of it that way. only because, it seemed such a

> > novel approach after they ousted Angus Deayton. also bearing
> > something else in mind that you'd need someone still in their
> prime,
> > young enough, but not too young, to carry the show into the next

> > years or so.
> > >
> > > I doubt very much that the show would just end if Nicholas
> > decided to step down, I mean the show has got far too much life
> left
> > in it. the show has suffered worse losses in the past and managed
> to
> > continue, I'm sure the same will apply here. all they need is the
> > right sort of chap to do the job. if we're lucky, we might get
> > someone who is actually funny.
> > >
> > > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > > I considered the 'Have I got News For You Approach' and
> > think it
> > > would be a disaster. The qualities you outline are of paramount
> > > importance, this isn't just reading someone elses jokes off an
> auto
> > > queue..... but then again .. what about Boris Johnson!? haha.
> Praps
> > > not.
> > >
> > > --- In just-a-minute@..., Robert Torres
> > > <bobbyshaddoe3004@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Finally, something I could really sink my teeth into.
> > > >
> > > > Well, I don't think it would be all that right to try and

> > > another Nicholas Parsons, but the idea being that to find

> > > that has an understanding of the show in that the comedy and
> humor
> > > and banter is actually a bit more important than the rules of
> this
> > > silly game. or they could do what they do on 'Have I Got News

> > > You' and have different people as chairman every few weeks or

> > > >
> > > > or failing that, they could get Clive Anderson, he was

> > > good on Whose Line, I'm certain he could do just as well

> > > JAM.
> > > >
> > > > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > > > In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons
> > > in this group
> > > > I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over

> a
> > > > couple of years now.
> > > >
> > > > I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to
> replace,
> > > not
> > > > least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> > > > anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
> > > >
> > > > Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but
> if
> > > for
> > > > some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for
> his
> > > > replacement?
> > > >
> > > > Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only
> two
> > > > names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth -

> > > > both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect,
> far
> > > > too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is
> similar.
> > > >
> > > > Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you

> > > >
> > > > Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great
> > institution
> > > > which is Just A minute?
> > > >
> > > > I'd be very interested to hear the group's thoughts.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---------------------------------
> > > > Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection.
> > > > Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------
> > > Need Mail bonding?
> > > Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers
> users.
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Need Mail bonding?
> > Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers

> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> TV dinner still cooling?
> Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.
>

> In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons in this group
> I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over for a
> couple of years now.
>
> I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to replace, not
> least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
>
> Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but if for
> some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for his
> replacement?
>
> Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only two
> names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth - but
> both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect, far
> too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is similar.
>
> Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you pick?
>
> Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great institution
> which is Just A minute?

Martin Clunes is a British comdey-actor best known, I suppose, for
the series Men Behaving Badly. He has also done some films and TV
plays. He has very sticky-out ears, so if all else failed, the
panelists could resort to abusing him about them in tight situations.

Sorry to disappoint, but my favourite two panelists are Clement and
Paul, so that probably disqualifies me on the kindred spirit thing.

--- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
<bobbyshaddoe3004@ ...> wrote:
>
> I think Dave I've found a kindred spirit in you my friend.
>
> the two recordings in Dundee, I wouldn't call them the worse pair
of episodes, I liked those episodes, because it showcased some good
players that didn't include Paul Merton or Clement Freud for that
matter. I just liked that Gyles was there, along with Maria, Fred
and Nick. I can think of several other episodes that are far worse,
like one episode I think from 2005 in Edinburgh that featured Paul,
Clement, Owen O'Neil and Bill Bailey, no sir, didn't like it, because
for one thing I don't find Bill Bailey to be all that funny and Owen
was just a non-entity, he might as well have not been there for all
he contributed.
>
> I think I understand now with your use of the word 'color', cuz
he certainly does have an impact on the show, and it sure as heck
ain't got nothing to do with charisma. as Clement once said, 'when
one looks at Nicholas Parsons, one sees a void where charisma should
be'
>
> I'm glad someone else is on my side regarding the flirtations,
and I couldn't have put it better myself regarding his own arrogance
and the degree of self-importance he has about himself.
>
> Michael Palin? well, it certainly would be interesting for him
to be chairman, I mean it's been years since he was even on the
program as a panelist. you know what's funny, I'm still hoping that
John Cleese or Eric Idle will be on JAM, to sort of continue the
Monty Python connection.
>
> By the way, whose Martin Clunes? I'm unfamiliar with the name.
>
> Dave <j_a_m_fan@. ..> wrote:
> I remember the show you refer to very well. One of a pair
of episodes
> from a recording in Dundee - and quite by far the worst two
episodes
> back to back for many a long, long year in my opinion.
>
> You misunderstood my use of the word 'colour'. By that I mean his
> tangible presence impacts on EVERY show as chairman and was not a
> comment on any degree of charisma.
>
> I agree his flirtations are not funny because he appears to have a
> mis-guided and arrogant self-belief in his own sexual prowess (this
> comes from my observations outside of JAM).
>
> Clive Anderson is a very interesting choice, certainly better than
> any I've thought up so far. He may be too competent and witty to
play
> the required straight man role though.... Here's a couple to think
> about for you .... Michael Palin ... or a generation younger ...
> Martin Clunes.
>
> --- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
> <bobbyshaddoe3004@ > wrote:
> >
> > well, think about it this way. the show has lost Kenneth
Williams,
> Derek Nimmo and Peter Jones, those are serious losses the show has
> suffered. in fact when Kenneth died, the BBC had seriously
> considered cancelling the show rather than try to continue without
> him because of the fact that Kenneth had been so closely associated
> with the show at the time of his death.
> >
> > oh I find Nicholas to be a great object of ridicule, in fact
> that's the only reason why I tolerate his presence on the show
> because I love it when the other panelists have a go at him. as for
> the flirtations, I don't find them funny, I find them disgusting,
and
> utterly disgraceful especially for a man that's reached an age that
> when a girl says 'no' he should be profoundly grateful, and the
fact
> that he's married as well. anyway, that's another thing, I honestly
> don't think that his personality colors the show at all, I think
it's
> utterly boring and bland, every time he makes some inane comment,
> brings the whole show to a grinding halt because no one knows or
even
> cares about what it is he's talking about and its only when he
> realizes that he's boring people to death that he even gets any
> laughs. and even then half the time he's relying on all sorts of
old
> jokes, either that or he tries manipulating a situation that goes
> against him to turn it against the panelist.
> > Case in point. During an episode of the 2004 season, the panelist
> consisted of Fred MacAuley, Nick Revell, Maria McErlane and Gyles
> Brandreth, I'm not sure what the subject was but Maria was talking
> about having a dream with Nicholas Parsons, she gets challenged for
> deviation, Nicholas doesn't give it against her because he wants to
> hear more, and then when she starts again she says that she woke up
> screaming in terror because it was a horrible nightmare, then she
> gets challenged, the audience give Maria their sympathy and boo the
> person that challenged her and what are the first words out of
> Nicholas' mouth 'You've lost them Maria, you've ruined it. you've
> lost them darling.' thinking that the audience were booing HER for
> saying something rotten about Nicholas. it's not the first time
he's
> made these sorts of assumptions and generalizations.
> >
> > anyway, the only person that I can think of that has their own
> unique style, but is actually funny and understands comedy is Clive
> Anderson, the original host of Whose Line, before Drew Carey took
> over.
> >
> > Dave <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > I'm not usre you can say there have been worst losses in
> the past.
> > The one constant in every episode of JAM has been Nicholas
Parsons
> > and as (mostly) chairman, his character very much colours the
show
> > whether you find him funny or not. Personally I do, as an object
of
> > fond ridicule, despite his self-confessed pomposity and his
> > outrageous and all too serious (in his mind) attempts at flirting
> > with the females. Its all pretty funny and he rarely allows his
> > professionalism to slip while barely keeping a lid on things one
> > level removed from chaos in many cases. I suspect there are few
> > potential replacements that could do that half as well, let alone
> > better.
> >
> > --- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
> > <bobbyshaddoe3004@ > wrote:
> > >
> > > never thought of it that way. only because, it seemed such a
nice
> > novel approach after they ousted Angus Deayton. also bearing
> > something else in mind that you'd need someone still in their
> prime,
> > young enough, but not too young, to carry the show into the next
40
> > years or so.
> > >
> > > I doubt very much that the show would just end if Nicholas
> > decided to step down, I mean the show has got far too much life
> left
> > in it. the show has suffered worse losses in the past and managed
> to
> > continue, I'm sure the same will apply here. all they need is the
> > right sort of chap to do the job. if we're lucky, we might get
> > someone who is actually funny.
> > >
> > > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > > I considered the 'Have I got News For You Approach' and
> > think it
> > > would be a disaster. The qualities you outline are of paramount
> > > importance, this isn't just reading someone elses jokes off an
> auto
> > > queue..... but then again .. what about Boris Johnson!? haha.
> Praps
> > > not.
> > >
> > > --- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Robert Torres
> > > <bobbyshaddoe3004@ > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Finally, something I could really sink my teeth into.
> > > >
> > > > Well, I don't think it would be all that right to try and
find
> > > another Nicholas Parsons, but the idea being that to find
someone
> > > that has an understanding of the show in that the comedy and
> humor
> > > and banter is actually a bit more important than the rules of
> this
> > > silly game. or they could do what they do on 'Have I Got News
For
> > > You' and have different people as chairman every few weeks or
so.
> > > >
> > > > or failing that, they could get Clive Anderson, he was
awfully
> > > good on Whose Line, I'm certain he could do just as well
chairing
> > > JAM.
> > > >
> > > > j_a_m_fan <j_a_m_fan@> wrote:
> > > > In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons
> > > in this group
> > > > I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over
for
> a
> > > > couple of years now.
> > > >
> > > > I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to
> replace,
> > > not
> > > > least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> > > > anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
> > > >
> > > > Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but
> if
> > > for
> > > > some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for
> his
> > > > replacement?
> > > >
> > > > Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only
> two
> > > > names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth -
but
> > > > both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect,
> far
> > > > too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is
> similar.
> > > >
> > > > Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you
pick?
> > > >
> > > > Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great
> > institution
> > > > which is Just A minute?
> > > >
> > > > I'd be very interested to hear the group's thoughts.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------ --------- --------- ---
> > > > Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection.
> > > > Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------ --------- --------- ---
> > > Need Mail bonding?
> > > Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers
> users.
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------ --------- --------- ---
> > Need Mail bonding?
> > Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers
users.
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ---
> TV dinner still cooling?
> Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.
>

---

Cheap Talk? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

On Tuesday, February 6, 2007, at 07:13 PM, j_a_m_fan wrote:

> In the light of certain comments about Nicholas Parsons in this group
> I thought I'd post up some thoughts I've been mulling over for a
> couple of years now.
>
> I think Nicholas is great and would be terribly hard to replace, not
> least because that type of Britishness really doesn't exist
> anymore, and I believe that is one of the great charms of JAM.
>
> Now obviously I hope he goes on for many, many years yet, but if for
> some reason he didn't continue, who would be your choice for his
> replacement?
>
> Do you try and replace like for like? In which case the only two
> names I can think of are Stephen Fry and Giles Brandreth - but
> both of these are very good players and would be, I suspect, far
> too competent anyway. Its only their Britishness which is similar.
>
> Or do you go for some whole new feel? If so, who would you pick?
>
> Or, god forbid, would this herald the end of the great institution
> which is Just A minute?

My thoughts....

I wouldn't entirely rule out the thought that the BBC might "retire" the
show if Nicholas left - he is so much the personification of it.
Remember that Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor have said
that I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue will end when Humphrey Lyttelton leaves.
I think actually it will be up to Paul Merton. If Paul wants to continue
under someone else, the BBc would be crazy to turn down someone of his
talent.

So assuming it does continue. I would say the following.

1. Look at the recent appointment of Sandi Toksvig who was promoted from
panellist to chair the News Quiz. It's likely to be someone already
associated with the show.

2. It will be someone who is already involved in comedy. The one must
for the show will be to have someone with comic timing. That's the gift
Nicholas brings - the judgement of when to start an argument going and
when to cut one off. That's the most important part of his job.

3. Whoever it is needs to have sufficient authority to exert some
control over big mouths like Paul and Graham.

4. It would help if they could be, like Nicholas, something of a figure
of fun, although sufficiently well-known that people didn't think they
were just trying to copy Nicholas.

My list then would be

1. Gyles Brandreth - an experienced presenter - he did breakfast
television and radio for years. He knows how to keep things bubbling
along - and he's something of a figure of fun. And he'd probably do it.

2. Kit Hesketh-Harvey - he said in an interview last year that he'd love
to be Nicholas's successor. He has a great sense of comic timing and his
sense of enjoyment of the show would be infectious - can't you just hear
him dissolving into giggles?

3. Liza Tarbuck - again an experienced presenter on TV, and someone who
would be strong enough to stand up and be counted.

4. Sheila Hancock - I really like the idea of Sheila doing it - I could
see something fresh being added to the game and she has the authority
and sense of timing to do it. Only thing is she is so much in demand I
doubt she would commit to it.

5. Tony Hawks - I think he would love to do it and he would be something
different to Nicholas. He knows about comedy and I could see him holding
his own in the banter stakes.

6. Tim Rice - someone of a natural authority who adores doing panel
games. Arguably the right age and has the verbal dexterity to do it.

Another thought was Tim Brooke-Taylor - but would be he prepared to add
another game show to his tasks?

---

Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Yahoo! Answers. Try it now.

--- In just-a-minute@..., Dean Bedford <dbedford@...> wrote:

>
> 2. Kit Hesketh-Harvey - he said in an interview last year that he'd
love
> to be Nicholas's successor. He has a great sense of comic timing and
his
> sense of enjoyment of the show would be infectious - can't you just
hear
> him dissolving into giggles?

I had to go and find that interview to see how that subject came up.
(Ooh, speculations of death. Touchy subject.) Not any easy way to do
it, I suppose; Kit just jumped in with "Nicholas is going to be very
difficult, if not impossible, to replace."

I think he'd be a great choice. I also agree with the Gyles Brandreth
suggestion. Naturally, though, it's hard for me to postulate at all,
because I just can't imagine a JAM without Nicholas.

--- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, Dean Bedford <dbedford@.. .> wrote:

>
> 2. Kit Hesketh-Harvey - he said in an interview last year that he'd
love
> to be Nicholas's successor. He has a great sense of comic timing and
his
> sense of enjoyment of the show would be infectious - can't you just
hear
> him dissolving into giggles?

---

Have a burning question? Go to Yahoo! Answers and get answers from real people who know.

>
> as Clement Freud would say, 'I can'. :)
>
> Sarah Falk <minerva.moon@...> wrote: I had to go and find

> (Ooh, speculations of death. Touchy subject.) Not any easy way to do
> it, I suppose; Kit just jumped in with "Nicholas is going to be very
> difficult, if not impossible, to replace."
>
> I think he'd be a great choice. I also agree with the Gyles Brandreth
> suggestion. Naturally, though, it's hard for me to postulate at all,
> because I just can't imagine a JAM without Nicholas.
>
> --- In just-a-minute@..., Dean Bedford <dbedford@> wrote:
>
> >
> > 2. Kit Hesketh-Harvey - he said in an interview last year that he'd
> love
> > to be Nicholas's successor. He has a great sense of comic timing and
> his
> > sense of enjoyment of the show would be infectious - can't you just
> hear
> > him dissolving into giggles?
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Have a burning question? Go to Yahoo! Answers and get answers from

>

> I had to go and find that interview to see how that subject came up.

--- In just-a-minute@..., Dean Bedford <dbedford@...> wrote:
>
>
> On Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at 05:56 PM, Sarah Falk wrote:
>
> > I had to go and find that interview to see how that subject came up.
>
> it was a while ago and I can't now find the reference. But basically he
> was saying how much he loved doing the show and working with Paul and
> Nicholas in particular, and he was asked if he would like to be
chairman
> one day when Nicholas retired, and he said yes, he would love it.
>

> Here's the link I found:
> http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/display/cm/contentId/80123
>
> Might not be the same one as the one you've read, but he talks about
> JAM and Nicholas on there--rather sweet.