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Photo by Jim Roese. From Left to Right: Colin McPhillamy as Wallace Greenslade, David Beach as Spike Milligan, Ed Jewett as Harry Secombe, Steven Beckingham as Peter Sellers

The first thing to know about Ying Tong: A Walk with the Goons is that it’s a play written about a British radio show for British audiences. I’m not saying this to scare you off, but to warn you that the show assumes its viewers know certain things. For example, when Peter Sellers says, “I know all about despair. My dad’s a Yorkshireman,” the idea of humor is there, but the joke doesn’t really hit right with an American audience.

That said, Ying Tong: A Walk with the Goons is still a delight. The show revolves around the mental breakdown of Goon Show writer and performer Spike Milligan. As he’s being treated, Milligan experiences a series of hilarious flashbacks and hallucinations that highlight how performing The Goon Show and fighting in World War II influenced his breakdown “” and how working through his issues with the war led to his recovery.

Even if you’ve never heard The Goon Show, Ying Tong is a fun play. There’s enough utter ridiculousness, one-liners, and excellent acting (including Steven Beckingham’s spot-on Dr. Strangelove impression) to make it a fun show for almost anyone. And if you do want to check out the original radio show before seeing the play, visit The Goon Show website, where you can download a couple of episodes for free.

Ying Tong: A Walk with the Goons runs through March 16. Tickets are available at www.wilmatheater.org

The Wilma Theater
Broad & Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-STAGE
www.wilmatheater.org