Basil Brush

Basil Brush is a fictional anthropomorphic fox character best known for appearances on British children's television, later also appearing on adult television. He is usually presented as a glove puppet, and also appears in animated shorts and comic strips. The character has been active on television from the 1960s to the present day.

Character and persona

Basil Brush is a mischievous figure who speaks in a posh accent and refers to himself as a “fella”. He is known for the catchphrase “Ha Ha Ha, Boom! Boom!”, which he uses after something he finds funny. The character says that he dislikes puppets and describes his most prized possession as his “brush”, the traditional name for a fox’s tail.

Creation and television history

Basil Brush is created in 1963 by Peter Firmin for The Three Scampies. He gains his widest popularity through appearances on The Nixon Line with magician David Nixon and then The Basil Brush Show, which premieres on BBC television in 1968. For many years, the character is operated and voiced by Ivan Owen.

During the 12-year run of The Basil Brush Show, Basil is always accompanied by an actor playing the straight man to his quips. The role is first taken by Rodney Bewes, known as Mr Rodney and also as one half of The Likely Lads. He is replaced by Derek Fowlds as Mr Derek, who later appears in Yes Minister and Heartbeat, and serves in the role between 1969 and 1973. Later presenters are Roy North as Mr Roy from 1973 to 1977, Howard Williams as Mr Howard from 1977 to 1979, and Billy Boyle as Mr Billy from 1979 to 1980.

Most of the scripts for this period, including the songs and the weekly stories, are written by George Martin, who is also known as The Casual Comedian.

Later appearances and recordings

After the television series ends, Howard Williams returns to tour with Basil in his stage act. Basil also appears in Let's Read... With Basil Brush on ITV from 1982 to 1983, on Crackerjack on BBC television, and in Basil's Joke Machine on ITV in 1986.

Basil records two albums, both titled Boom! Boom! It's Basil Brush, released in 1970 and 1977. The character's adventures also appear in TV Comic.

Recognition

In April 2009, Basil receives an ACE Award for Admirable Contribution to Entertainment in recognition of more than 40 years of service to entertainment.