HE has been one of the most distinctive voices on radio for 40 years and now Henry Blofeld is going back out on the road including an appearance at Bolton’s Albert Halls next Friday night.

Blowers will be joined by long-time Test Match Special producer Peter Baxter for a special show which has brought the house down all over the country.

“Peter and I have 75 years of broadcasting between us,” said Henry. “So we’ve got plenty of anecdotes to share. We just tell and few stories and share a few laughs.”

But Henry is very quick to stress it’s not a cricket show.

“We’re not talking about cricket per se,” he said, “it’s more about amusing incidents from the commentary box, all the behind the scene stuff. It’s a very lady-friendly show.”

The idea from the show evolved from Henry and Peter working together for TMS.

“We have spent so much time in each other’s company on long journeys and on aeroplanes and Peter is a wonderfully funny chap,” said Henry. “There are so many stories which haven’t been told. Even now Peter will say something like ‘that reminds me’ and introduce a frightfully funny anecdote which I’ve never heard before.

“No two shows are the same although we do try to keep some kind of structure. We do take written questions from the audience which is always interesting.

“But we’ve got lots of silly jokes too, when you’ve worked with the great Brian Johnston that does rub off on you.

“We really just have fun on stage.”

With Peter Baxter behind the scenes, Henry has helped make Test Match Special essential listening - even for people who don’t like cricket.

“Radio allows you to paint a picture,” said Henry. “Television doesn’t allow such a luxury, it’s far more immediate.”

From describing buses and seagulls to the various cakes and treats delivered to the commentary box, Henry has become one of the country’s most loved boradcasters renowned for phrases such as “my dear old thing”.

“The commentary box is a very special place and I think all of us working on TMS appreciate that we are part of something special. It’s never work, it’s just fun.”

  • Blofeld and Baxter, Albert Halls, Bolton, Friday, September 21. Details from 01204 334400.