Before radio, before television, before movies, there was Music Hall. This was the People’s Entertainment in the golden decade before the Great War. The Fun Factory is a historical comedy about the history of comedy, in which our hero Arthur Dandoe enters the world of music hall and The Fred Karno Company. Along the way Arthur encounters intense rivalry (Charlie Chaplin), passionate romance (Tilly Beckett) and great friendship (Stan Laurel). “Richly enjoyable… packed with intriguing details about a vanished world of entertainmentâ€Â    THE GUARDIAN Written and read by Chris England. Produced by Mark Augustyn Contact: thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 52 – PAY DAYChapter 53 – SHOULDER ARMSEpilogueIn which Arthur finally confronts Charlie Chaplin with a few home truths and finds himself slightly closer to home under very different circumstances.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 50 – RUMMY BINKSChapter 51 – OLD COMRADESIn which Arthur is thrown off course by two old friends as he attempts to expose his old foe, Charlie Chaplin. Arthur also makes a very historical introduction whilst at lunch with Babe.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 48 – THE LONE STARChapter 49 – NUTS IN MAYIn which Arthur must come face to face with Charlie Chaplin once again in his attempt to expose his old foe.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 45 – JAX BANJAXEDChapter 46 – THE FOUR-MINUTE MANChapter 47 – THE ROOMIn which Arthur's movie dreams take another hit as Charlie Chaplin's spectre casts a shadow over his future.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 43 – STORM CLOUDSChapter 44 – THE OSTRICH In which Arthur finds Syd Chaplin back in his life as the authorities begin to close in on him and the events in Dodge. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 41 – AN AERIAL JOYRIDEChapter 42 – PLUMP AND RUNT In which Arthur finds himself working in the movies thanks to Babe Hardy, but not everyone is on his side.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 39 – THE TRAMPChapter 40 – BABE In which Arthur once again must don the guise of his erstwhile rival just to fed himself and meets a kindly patron in the form of Babe Hardy. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 36 – WITH HIS BOOTS ONChapter 37 – ON THE RUNChapter 38 – THE ROOM In which Arthur comes to terms with the sad news from back home and a disastrous show causes him to take flight once again. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 34 – THE FALLChapter 35 – WILD WEST BILLY In which Arthur's actions force him to leave his friends and head west, where he hopes to ply his trade and seek the excitement of his boyhood literature. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 32 – HAVE YOU GOT THE CHAPLINOIA?Chapter 33 – ALICE AND BALDY In which Arthur witnesses Charlie Chaplin's rise in popularity firsthand and finds solace in some new friends.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 30 – TORPEDOEDChapter 31 – THE HARD WAY In which Arthur reflects on his brush with death and Ed Hurley's unreasonable demands cause a divide in troupe.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 27 – A GENTLEMAN OF NERVEChapter 28 – THE KNOCKOUTChapter 29 –THE ROOM In which Arthur and Ed Hurley's professional and personal feud comes to a head in rather mucky circumstances.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 25 – THE KEYSTONE FOURChapter 26 – WAFFLES & CO In which Arthur and the troupe are asked to exploit their Chaplin connection, and Arthur has a personal decision to make.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 23 – THE EYES HAVE IT Chapter 24 – HIS NEW JOB In which Arthur and Wren find themselves in a familiar situation after accepting an invitation to the Essanay movie lot. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 21 – OVER BY CHRISTMASChapter 22 – THE DOMINOES TOPPLE In which Arthur and Stan try to quash Ed Hurley's mutiny, and they meet with Considine who presents them with some terrible news. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 18 – TWO MORE COMIQUESChapter 19 – THOSE LOVE PANGSChapter 20 – THE ROOMIn which Arthur's nagging suspicion that Tilly and Freddy have gone behind his back is confirmed.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 16 – BE IT EVER SO HUMBLEChapter 17 – PROMISES, PROMISESIn which Arthur and the gang visit Charlie Chaplin in his luxurious new home, and tensions rise after Charlie offers to help them out.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 14 – AT THE SUPERBAChapter 15 – THE FILM JOHNNIE In which Arthur has an unexpected meeting with his old adversary, Charlie Chaplin.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 12 – THE NUTTY BURGLARSChapter 13 – EDGAR ENGLISH In which Arthur starts to feel the first dark inkling of Chaplinoia, and he and Tilly receive some rather bad news from England. 15:06Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 10 – A FRESH START Chapter 11 – WON'T YOU COME MY DEARIn which Arthur tracks down Tilly, but finds persuading her to join the Nutty Burglars on the road much harder than he'd imagined.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 7 – KANCELLEDChapter 8 – THE ROOMChapter 9 – THE THREE MUSKETEERSIn which Arthur, Stan and Freddie Jr. are forced to make other plans as tensions between Karno and Considine come to a head.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 5 –THE KIDChapter 6 – A TRAGEDY OF ERRORSIn which Arthur and the troupe face a fresh challenge as Charlie Chaplin's replacement arrives in Chicago.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 3 – BAIT AND SWITCHChapter 4 – BANG TO RIGHTSIn which Arthur and the troupe find that even in his absence, Charlie Chaplin is a still a problem.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
EXPLANATORY NOTEChapter 1 – THE ROOMChapter 2 – NUMBER ONEIn which Arthur considers his competition as he and the company await Alf's announcement of the new number one.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 39 – A FILM JOHNNIEChapter 40 – HIS PARTING SHOTIn which Arthur finds out whether his plan to rid himself of Charlie Chaplin has paid off. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 37 – KEYSTONE CAPERS Chapter 38 – HE WORE A WORRIED LOOK In which Arthur has his eyes opened by a visit to the Keystone film lot and Charlie Chaplin has his opened by a trip to a fortune-teller. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 35 – CAUGHT IN A CABARETChapter 36 – THE HOO HOO HOUSEIn which Arthur is confronted by his past in more ways than one after an invitation to a cabaret. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 33 – MR CHAFFIN'S OPPORTUNITYChapter 34 – BOMBSHELLIn which Arthur joins Charlie Chaplin and Stan Jefferson on a trip to New York after Alf receives a cryptic letter, and a huge revelation tears Arthur's world apart. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 31 – QUITE CHOP-FALLENChapter 32 – MONKEY BUSINESS In which Arthur deals with the death of his friend in the arms of an old flame and Charlie Chaplin finds himself butting heads with the Marx Brothers. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 29 – A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU FANCYChapter 30 – NOOKSACKS In which Arthur's illicit romance continues and he finds himself calling upon the Nooksack Native Americans to save his friend.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 27 – K-K-K-KISS ME AGAINChapter 28 – A DISH BEST SERVED COLD In which Arthur's old rivalry with Charlie Chaplin resurfaces as he tries to smooth the tension caused by Whimsical Walker, and a request from Considine leads to a bizarre midnight expedition.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 25 – THE STOWAWAY Chapter 26 – A FELLOW OF INFINITE JEST In which Arthur's new creation causes mischief upon the SS Oceanic and getting to know a new member of the Fun Factory gang leads to a brush with romance.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 23 – AND IS THERE HONEY STILL FOR TEAChapter 24 – CHANCE MEETING In which Arthur's return to Cambridge leads to a chance meeting with an old face from the stage.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 21 – THE GUV'NOR AHOY! Chapter 22 – KARNO'S KARSINO In which Arthur finds himself rubbing shoulders with Fred Karno and the old Fun Factory gang under rather grand circumstances. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark AugustynThe Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here:https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 19 – THE RUM ‘UNS FROM ROMEChapter 20 – HARD BOILED EGGS AND NUTS In which Arthur and Stan “embark on a new and exciting passage in their careers." At least that was the plan… Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 17 – CONTINENTAL DIVIDEChapter 18 – HIS LUGGAGE LABELLED ‘ENGLAND' In which Arthur and Tilly drift further apart and he and Stan find themselves on the wrong side of the Guvnor. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Ep. 26 – The Boxcar of Fun – Chapters 15 & 16 Chapter 15 – LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART Chapter 16 – THE SIGH OF A DOVE In which Arthur unleashes his plan to get back at Charlie Chaplin. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 13 – A LITTLE OF IDEA OF MY OWNChapter 14 – HOG WILD In which Arthur gets to the bottom of Frank And Tilly's recent strange behaviour. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Ep. 24 – The Boxcar of Fun – Chapters 11 & 12 Chapter 11 – ‘E TAKES A MEAN ADVANTAGE Chapter 12 – SHADOWS ON THE BLIND In which Arthur is excluded from the company's new production. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 9 – CLAMBER CLOSER CLARAChapter 10 – OUT WHERE THE BLUE BEGINS In which Arthur has a late night meeting with an unexpected visitor. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 7 – A NIGHT IN THE SHOW Chapter 8 – AND THE NEW YEAR IN In which Arthur rubs shoulders with moving picture royalty and has a timely reunion on New Year's Eve. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 5 – THE GENTLEMAN'S GENTLEMENChapter 6 – MUMMINGBIRDS In which Arthur and the gang resurrect an old favourite to try and save their American run, while Tilly disappears with another.Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 3 - THE WOW WOWSChapter 4 - BLITHERING, BLATHERING ENGLISHMEN In which Arthur and the rest of the Wow-Wows face a somewhat indifferent American audience. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
EXPLANATORY NOTE Chapter 1 - OFF TO AMERICAChapter 2 - CITY LIGHTS In which Arthur begins a new adventure and reflects on recent events, as the gang arrive in America. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chris England talks to author Clive Nicholson about his book Flying Over An Olive Grove which centres on footballer and some time star of Karno's Football Match sketch, Fred Spiksley. Chris and Clive have a fascinating chat about Fred's football and coaching career, his time during WWI and of course his stage appearances as part of the Karno troupe.Clive's book is available here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flying-Over-Olive-Grove-Remarkable-ebook/dp/B071G4K814Hosted by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 34 – THE WOW WOWSChapter 35 – SHIP AHOYChapter 36 – ALWAYS LEAVE THEM LAUGHING In which Arthur's neatly executed plot against Charlie doesn't quite go the way he planned. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 32 – THE GREAT DETECTIVE Chapter 33 – TIED UP IN NOTTS In which Arthur‘s search for the owner of the knife ends in an ultimatum. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 30 – JIMMY THE FEARLESS Chapter 31 – I'LL GET MY OWN BACK In which Arthur's unorthodox methods of dealing with a troublesome audience member land him in a spot of bother with the guvnor. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 28 – THE SOCIALIST Chapter 29 – LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART In which Arthur returns to London for the wedding and sees Tilly on the arm of another. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 26 – DON'T DO IT AGAIN, MATILDA Chapter 27 – BREAK A LEG In which Arthur confronts Karno and receives a show-stopping injury Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn.The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chapter 24 – A WOMAN OF PARIS Chapter 25 – THE TOSS OF A COIN In which Arthur and Charlie's rivalry becomes more than just a war of words and Karno makes Arthur an indecent proposal. Written and read by Chris EnglandProduced by Mark Augustyn.The Fun Factory (and its sequels) are available here: https://amzn.to/2N0Rn86Please feel free to contact us here - thefunfactorypodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
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