User Reviews

How do you follow up a success like 'On The Buses'? Reg Varney, in 1973, tried to do just that with this short-lived series for A. T. V. He was keen to prove he could do more than drive buses and chat up clippies, so the new show had him playing the piano, singing songs and doing sketches. Despite the presence of guest-stars such as Henry McGee, it did not duplicate the success of 'Buses' and was swiftly axed. A recurring character was 'The Monologue Man, a hatted figure who looked like Oscar Wilde and spoke in rhyme. Perhaps Benny Bill ( Reg's former comedy partner ) could have made something of the character. Reg could not. Stanley Baxter did a hilarious, accurate take-off of the show entitled 'Thumpalong With Reg Varnish' which was superior to the real thing. Reg would next be seen in the dismal 'Down The Gate', in which he played Billingsgate fish porter 'Reg Furnell'. After that, he faded from the airwaves forever.