Tales from Test Match Special (From Swindon Advertiser)

Tales from Test Match Special

4:42pm Thursday 31st May 2012 in News By Sam Morshead

FOR many cricket fanatics, Test Match Special is an institution of the airwaves.

The BBC Radio Four coverage of England matches the world over has entertained and enthralled generations for more than 80 years.

For the past 40, however, one voice on the show has become synonymous with glorious hyperbole, inimitable eloquence and detailed descriptions of cake.

Henry Blofeld, the former first class cricketer who has become something of a cult hero in cricketing circles thanks to his non-stop production line of unforgettable soundbites, has experienced just about everything the sport has to offer.

Cut down in his playing prime as a teenager when he was hit by a bus, Blofeld made a handful of appearances for Cambridge University following his recovery from his injuries and found himself on standby for England’s second test against India in Bombay in 1964.

But soon he turned his hand to journalism and the rest is history.

Now Blofeld is coming to Swindon, alongside his former producer at TMS, Peter Baxter, to give the local public an insight into the crazy and utterly compelling lives they have led.

The stage show – Blofeld & Baxter: Memories of Test Match Special – was due to come to the Wyvern Theatre tomorrow, but has now been postponed to July 25.

The show gives the pair an opportunity to share their assorted experiences with cricket lovers. And Blofeld can’t wait to start.

He said: “Test Match Special is as much fun to be part of in the commentary box as most people seem to think it is to listen to.

“But in the box itself there are two different perspectives and, with Blowers and Backers on stage, they will both come together with, we hope, gales of laughter.

“Backers (Baxter) produced the show for 34 years, for all of which he was my boss. He brings the behind-the-scenes adventures he had in the production process to join my in-front-of-the-microphone stories and high jinks.

“Our blend of stories about TMS at home and abroad will be hilarious and Backers had better watch it as now, at long last, he is no longer my boss.”

Tickets for the show are from £19.50 from www.wyverntheatre.org.uk or by calling 01793 524481.