NEWS - ARCHIVE

Another 'Goon' offspring at Mercury

20 Mar 2009

Jane Milligan -the daughter of comedian Spike Milligan – is all set to appear on the Mercury Stage between Monday 23 and Saturday 28 March as Mary in Blonde Bombshells of 1943. Jane’s visit follows swiftly in the footsteps of Katy Secombe who has been playing the part of Hannah in A Chorus of Disapproval which from Tuesday 24 March moves onto Watford Palace.

A very talented musician Jane plays numerous instruments and with her family background, a career in theatre was an obvious choice for her. When Jane decided to become an actress Spike was very supportive. He used to say: 'Your mother had it, I've got it, you've got it and I'm very proud of you.'

In 2000, Jane starred in the film of Puckoon (based on her father’s book) playing Madigan’s wife.

Jane’s Dad and Uncle both fought in the 2nd World War and her father Spike’s memoirs are very well known, so they are great for researching her part in Blonde Bombshells. Also, both her Grandfathers fought in the First World War and she remembers lots of stories from both of them.

Jane feels very privileged to be Spike’s daughter. Her fondest memory of him is that he was funny and zany, his banter was constant and the family would all end up crying with laughter. She remembers lots of dinner parties when the likes of Peter Sellers and Britt Ekland would sit up all night talking, with her Dad holding court, he knew lots of famous people; both Prince Charles and John Lennon were fans.

Blonde Bombshells of 1943 is based on the award-winning TV film The Last of the Blonde Bombshells starring Dame Judi Dench; this laugh-out-loud musical comedy is filled with 1940’s classic hits performed by a sensational eight piece swing band.