The Phantom is back! Spike Milligan and Ronnie Barker’s hilarious classic comes to Mansfield

Something is rotten in Old London Town… and it’s about to get very, very silly!

Hambledon Productions, with the kind permission of Spike Milligan Productions Ltd and Handles for Forks Ltd, is bringing Spike Milligan’s and Ronnie Barker’s The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town to Mansfield Palace Theatre on Wednesday 16 September at 7.30pm.

From the wonderfully surreal mind of Spike Milligan and immortalised by the legendary comedy duo The Two Ronnies, this brand-new stage adaptation marks the first ever tour of one of British comedy’s most gloriously absurd creations.

Set in Victorian England, something sinister is stalking the streets of London. A mysterious raspberry blower is claiming the lives of members of the upper classes, while the dark alleyways and moonlit graveyards echo to the relentless sound of the Phantom’s infamous raspberry blowing.

With the police struggling to get to the bottom of the bizarre goings-on, Inspector Corner of the Yard and his faithful sidekick Sergeant Bowles are determined to crack the case. But will the Phantom finally be uncloaked?

Well… all will be revealed. Particularly if the Phantom uncloaks himself.

Made famous by The Two Ronnies, this wonderfully bonkers parody of the Jack the Ripper story is packed with Spike Milligan and Ronnie Barker’s trademark surreal absurdism, clever puns, quick-fire jokes, cheeky ribaldry and some of the most memorable wordplay in British comedy.

And there’s an extra reason to celebrate this hilarious production, as 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the original 1976 broadcast.

The newly adapted stage play brings the Phantom back to life for a whole new generation, while retaining the spirit and much-loved humour of the original.

Spike Milligan’s daughters, Jane Milligan and Silé Milligan, said:

“We wish The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town every success on its travels around the provinces. May the theatres be full, the raspberries ripe, and the audiences helpless with laughter. If the Phantom strikes again, we trust he will do so with impeccable timing and proper respect for Victorian Nonsense.”

Ronnie Barker’s daughter, Charlotte Barker, on behalf of Handles for Forks Ltd, added:

“The estate of the late Ronnie Barker is delighted that The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town is returning to terrorise London and beyond. His return is welcomed with the largest raspberry that Ronnie could possibly have blown! We hope as many people as possible can catch the show (and the villain!).”

The original Milligan script was first produced for television in 1970 as a one-off special starring Ronnie Barker. Barker later extended the story, under his pseudonym A. Gentleman, into a six-part serial co-starring Ronnie Corbett.

Now, adapter and producer John Hewer has brought the much-loved material to the stage, creating a production that celebrates its original spirit while introducing it to audiences who may know the Phantom through clips, catchphrases and reputation alone.

“We’re excited to be preserving so much of the original productions, while presenting the work to audiences who may only know the material through clips and reputation,” said Hewer. “The original concept, the authentic Milligan style, and the many embellishments from Barker, all deserve to not only be remembered, but to be enjoyed further by young and old audiences.”

With its wonderfully ridiculous premise, larger-than-life characters and legendary comic pedigree, The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town promises an evening of classic British comedy with a distinctly surreal twist.

So, if you fancy a night of nonsense, nostalgia, wordplay and plenty of raspberries, make sure you don’t miss the Phantom when he blows into Mansfield!

Book online 24/7 or call 01623 463133.