Boom Boom Collecting Basil Brush – Basil Brush is a much-loved British icon, and has been entertaining children on television for over 50 years. He first burst onto screens in the 1960s, and since then has appeared in numerous shows. Basil is famed for his witty one-liners and mischievous sense of fun, and remains hugely popular to this day. In this Collecting Basil Brush feature, we’ll be taking a look at the history of everyone’s favourite fox explore some of the Basil Brush collectibles and Basil Brush merchandise produced over the years. (Click to view current Basil Brush auctions on ebay).

Basil Brush first made his debut in 1962 as part of BBC’s children’s programme The Three Scampis. The original glove puppet was created by Peter Firmin and voiced by Ivan Owen (until 2000). His distinctive voice, which was based on a combination of Owen’s own voice and that of an elderly gentleman he once heard on a train, quickly became popular with viewers. The Three Scampis took as its subject three out-of-work circus performers: Howard Williams (human), Spike McPike (a hedgehog also created by Peter Firmin) and Basil Brush (a fox, but we know that).

 

Basil Brush is best known for his charismatic puppet performances on daytime children’s television, but also appears in animated cartoon form and many cartoon strips. Ever since, this iconic mischief-maker has delighted children around the world and become an iconic symbol of British entertainment. To this day, Basil Brush is fondly remembered by many who tune in to classic reruns of his earlier shows.

Basil Brush is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most beloved children’s television stars and most recognizable red foxes. From the moment he made his debut on the British airwaves, Basil became a smash hit with his signature move – a mischievous verbal quip known as “Boom Boom!” This instantly-recognizable catchphrase has been delighting kids for years, and is still as popular today as it ever was.

In the mid-1960s Basil became a supporting act for the magician David Nixon in various shows. He proved so popular he was given his own show, The Basil Brush Show which ran from 1968-1980. The popular show featured a mix of comedy sketches and special guest appearances in which he was supported by various famous human counterfoils: firstly in 1968, by the actor Rodney Bewes, known on the show as “Mr Rodney”; then from 1969 to 1973, by the actor Derek Fowlds (known as “Mr Derek”); then until 1976 by actor and singer Roy North (“Mr Roy”); then by “Mr Howard” Howard Williams; and finally by “Mr Billy” (Billy Boyle).

By the mid-1970s the show was aimed at a family audience, so was usually broadcast on BBC1 in an early evening timeslot on Saturdays. This, plus a degree of sophistication in the humour (which often included topical political jokes) helped give Basil a broad mainstream appeal.

The Basil Brush Annual

The Basil Brush was a staple of the Christmas stocking for most of the 1970s and the start of the 1980s. Published in association with the BBC it featured Basil Brush comic strips, stories, puzzles and games. These can still be found relatively cheaply. Fine to near mint examples are valued around £8-£10.

The  Basil Brush Show was cancelled in 1980 and Basil Brush. He would take to the TV again in 1982 on the show Let’s Read With Basil Brush, an infant schools programme and then co-host  on BBC’s popular children’s television series Crackerjack from 1983 to 1984. He would also take to the stage and pantomimes where he performed for many years with Howard Williams (“Mr Howard”).

The Basil Brush Hand Puppet

A number of puppets and hand puppets have been created over the years and no collection of Basil Brush memorabilia should be without one. They range from larger realistic puppets allowing full control to smaller traditional hand puppets. Basil can be seen sporting traditional tweed, tartan and red jackers.All can be picked up on ebay or at auction for between £10-£60.

Over the years, Basil Brush has been featured in books, toys, games, clothing items and much more. His merchandise remains of interest but collections can still be put together relative cheaply. If you’re looking to start collecting collectibles related to the beloved British comedy icon Basil Brush then now is definitely your chance!

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