Demolition of Teddington Studios - Once home to Thames TV and shows like 'Magpie', 'Robin's Nest', 'Father dear Father' and 'The Benny Hill Show' to mention but a few
Oh my.....this is a shock. I don't live in London anymore but my late mother used to work at the BBC and then got head-hunted to work at Teddington, firstly for Associated British Corporation (ABC) and then when it became Thames Television. So many happy memories: Mum used to take me into work with her during school holidays but I was under 14 (or was the age limit 16?) so could only watch rehearsals and dress rehearsals, not allowed in to live audience shows! So sad that those shiny-floored corridors are no more that I pattered up and down on. The wonderful prop store. The "modern" (for then!) canteen, the dozens of offices, art departments, scene stores, rehearsal rooms and the large boat that was moored at the jetty and was used for occasional hospitality. The Anglers pub next door where actors and crew would enjoy a pint or three. It was a magical place. Meeting Eric & Ernie and Tommy Cooper (so tall!) and sitting in the cosy darkness of the studio galleries. Watching "Bless This House", run-throughs of "Opportunity Knocks" and "The Kenny Everett Show" and begging to be let in to see the "Magpie" set because everyone seemed so cool! Many years later I applied to do technical training as I wanted to be a sound engineer. The course never materialised because Thames' days were numbered. I went elsewhere but the memories of Teddington are strong and fondly remembered.
Hi Mick, Thanks for your comment. I wasn't expecting that. You guys were always so much cooler than your rivals, Blue Peter! Shame about the studios- progress?!
Shame the old studio is gone. I used to go to Teddington Secondary modern, known colloquially as Broom Road School, mid 60's to early 70's. Often used to see Sue Stranks filming some Magpie footage out on the road. Later in life I worked for quite a few of the producers and directors that worked there. Benny Hill lived fairly close and used to see him out and about at times too.
Just found out, back in 2010 went to see the new version of Reggie Perrin being made there, such a treat to go there. Real historic place, Tommy Cooper, Morecambe and Wise to name but a few. Very sad.
I once went there to see a fake show, turned out to be This is your Life with Eamonn Andrews, can’t remember his guest, too long ago, it was Thames Television then, now nothing, not been back to Teddington in over 30 years.
malthus101 The CAA rules prohibit flying over private land without gaining permission from the owner. Hence I tried to stay over the river. New apartment blocks are more than half built now. May be worth another flight before they are occupied to show before and after.
Flummoxed Marmoset Agreed, it is a bit irritating but Magpie was the program I remember best from the studios and the often filmed outside looking at the footbridge and the weir. The point of the film was to highlight the visual impact of the demolition site compared with the vibrancy of the Magpie program. There were many, many great shows recorded and broadcast from there with a host of famous names of which Benny Hill was one.
Oh my.....this is a shock. I don't live in London anymore but my late mother used to work at the BBC and then got head-hunted to work at Teddington, firstly for Associated British Corporation (ABC) and then when it became Thames Television. So many happy memories: Mum used to take me into work with her during school holidays but I was under 14 (or was the age limit 16?) so could only watch rehearsals and dress rehearsals, not allowed in to live audience shows!
So sad that those shiny-floored corridors are no more that I pattered up and down on. The wonderful prop store. The "modern" (for then!) canteen, the dozens of offices, art departments, scene stores, rehearsal rooms and the large boat that was moored at the jetty and was used for occasional hospitality. The Anglers pub next door where actors and crew would enjoy a pint or three. It was a magical place. Meeting Eric & Ernie and Tommy Cooper (so tall!) and sitting in the cosy darkness of the studio galleries. Watching "Bless This House", run-throughs of "Opportunity Knocks" and "The Kenny Everett Show" and begging to be let in to see the "Magpie" set because everyone seemed so cool!
Many years later I applied to do technical training as I wanted to be a sound engineer. The course never materialised because Thames' days were numbered. I went elsewhere but the memories of Teddington are strong and fondly remembered.
I remember watching my favourite childhood channel when it was presented at that studio. Nostalgia
Sensory overload for a Magpiean! Major memories of friends and the best of jobs.
Hi Mick, Thanks for your comment. I wasn't expecting that. You guys were always so much cooler than your rivals, Blue Peter! Shame about the studios- progress?!
Shame the old studio is gone. I used to go to Teddington Secondary modern, known colloquially as Broom Road School, mid 60's to early 70's. Often used to see Sue Stranks filming some Magpie footage out on the road. Later in life I worked for quite a few of the producers and directors that worked there. Benny Hill lived fairly close and used to see him out and about at times too.
Just found out, back in 2010 went to see the new version of Reggie Perrin being made there, such a treat to go there. Real historic place, Tommy Cooper, Morecambe and Wise to name but a few. Very sad.
I used to work at the studios , heartbreaking to see this 😢😢
My dad worked there years ago as the driver. Sid Frampton was a darling.
I once went there to see a fake show, turned out to be This is your Life with Eamonn Andrews, can’t remember his guest, too long ago, it was Thames Television then, now nothing, not been back to Teddington in over 30 years.
New apartment blocks nearly finished now.
Omg they demolished the studios?.. I never knew that 😳😭
Alan jones Yes, such a shame. All apartment blocks now. 😿
Good thing I went to see it in 2004.
Good thing I got to see the studios in 2004!
Oops! I said that already!
Flats being built there now. I must do another fly past when they’re finished.
Looks like Les Ferdinand's been busy again.
I used to do a bit of droning up there myself.
+Tommy Boyd Thanks for your comment Tommy. That's two Magpies - how many more can I collect?
Sad stuff
Why does it say video not available when it is? Very annoying!
Too scared to fly over the site or something? Give us a proper up-close look!
malthus101 The CAA rules prohibit flying over private land without gaining permission from the owner. Hence I tried to stay over the river. New apartment blocks are more than half built now. May be worth another flight before they are occupied to show before and after.
Ged Burnett ignore the CAA! You're supposed to be an English lion! How are the CAA gonna know you flew a tiny little drone?? Do it!!
malthus101 Careful now, they’ll have you for incitement 😂😂😂
Ha, sadly you're probably right! More policing done on UA-cam, Facebook and Twitter than on the streets. What has England become.....
Flats for RUSSIANS & CHINESE not for locals
I would rather have heard the Benny Hill theme. This is far too irritating.
Flummoxed Marmoset Agreed, it is a bit irritating but Magpie was the program I remember best from the studios and the often filmed outside looking at the footbridge and the weir. The point of the film was to highlight the visual impact of the demolition site compared with the vibrancy of the Magpie program. There were many, many great shows recorded and broadcast from there with a host of famous names of which Benny Hill was one.