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The Original Foursome: Derek Nimmo

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bobbyshaddoe3004Mar 30, 2007
 

 
Much like Tim Rice, I'm opening up a discussion to be taken in parts.

I'm taking the time out to single out the original Foursome of Just a
Minute, to discuss their strengths, weaknesses, career highlights (when
possible), and their overall impact and contribution to comedy as per
their appearances on JAM.

The first person I'd like to talk about is Derek Nimmo.

Here was someone wil a hearty lugh and wonderfully fruity voice and
with a penchant for comedy like no other, for his time. I remember
listening to this wonderful man over the years he was on Just a Minute,
and there seemed to be as many facets to his own personality as there
were to Kenneth Williams. Derek at one point could be a gallant
gentleman, but other times can be a patronizing and condescending male
chauvenist pig. he also had a great love of the theater, which is no
surprise as he later on became a great theatrical prodcuer and writer.

what always puzzled me though is why was it that people were fascinated
by the fact that Derek could twiddle his toes? seems rather ordinary
and boring quite frankly, but what do I know.

anyway, he also had a great love of travel, which always came into
damn near every discussion and every topic. in fact, I seem to recall
one instance during the 90's when Paul Merton even directly challenged
just how Derek seemed to be milking the same sort of material with his
discussions of his travels and so on, to great hilarity as well. there
was even a great running gag in both recordings about the Raffles Hotel
in Singapore.

anyway, Derek was also exceptionally funny, and he was amongst the
first to go on flights of fantasy long before Paul Merton, with his
made up surreal stories on various different things, like on the
subject of 'How To Give Up Smoking' goes on a incredible story about
somone named Smolensky King drowning in the ocean. Which also
showcased an ability to create word pictures long before Ross Noble
came into the pciture, or using regular words to try and connect them
to the subject, and he would regularly be buzzed for deviation by
Kenneth, and would not have the subject taken away.

another thing that was always ever present was the fact that Derek has
a stammer or a stutter, an impediment that would cause him to hesitate
sometimes, and there was always a strange sort of situation where
whether or not he'd be given the benefit of the doubt regarding his
affliction, because it was just mindboggling to me, then again I
frequently find the decisions and justifications made by Nicholas to be
mindboggling.

but the one thing I always prized above all else is Derek's frequent
attacks on Nicholas Parsons, which were all entirely justified as
well. he was amongst the first to make fun of Nicholas' age, something
that is frequently done now. also, amongst the best moments usually
came from every time Derek had a correct challenge, he still wouldn't
get the point or the subject or from the moments when Derek is in full
flow and Nicholas steals the subject away from him, claiming that
someone else had challenged, this would come in the later years of
course, when ol' Nick was becoming even more round the twist than
usual. but anyway, the frequent thunder and outrage that Derek would
display at Nick was always worth the price of admission, even though
the show was free.

also, his arguments with other panelists were both funny, but sometimes
they could be downright rude though, especially if he buzzes someone
and doesn't give them a chance to say anything.

he was excellent in challenging, and especially with the celver
interpretations of the main rules, but also withe the clever and witty
one-worded challenges that nowadays earn people bonus points.

however, what was kinda sad in the later years of Derek's life was that
it was either his affliction had gotten worse, not so much stuttering
or stammering, but if you listen carefully, his words and his speech
became more and more muddled, which was very both sad and funny, only
because of the challenges that would come up when people would
challenge him for deviation of words or grammar.

he was one of a kind, no doubt about that.the great thing being was
that he was an actor, only because during his day there weren't what we
today know or refer to as 'stand up comedians'.

Now, I've heard that he used to be in a series called 'Oh Brother' as a
monk, I've never seen this show. but I have seen or heard him in other
things. the only notable things I've ever seen him in was the original
comedic spoof 'Casino Royale' playing the manservant to one of the
James Bonds in that film. and the only other radio program I remember
hearing him on was 'The Clitheroe Kid', he played a new next door
neighbor named Ironside.

anyway, the news of his death was indeed very tragic and I certainly
will never forget that wonderful man who opened so many doors on JAM,
and paved the way for the future. I'll open the floor now to anyone
else wishing to discuss this incredible actor.

 
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