Radio duo Big Al and The Doc to return for Mountbatten fundraiser

For 17 years, homes and offices tuned in to hear the dynamic duo winding up the Island population with their mischievous, outrageous and sometimes downright stupid (in their words!) shenanigans.

Memorable subjects ranged from banning all drivers over the age of 55 from Island roads (Big Al and The Doc are now in their 60s…) to moving the Isle of Wight Festival to Southsea and welcoming grey squirrels to the Isle of Wight. No wonder callers were furious!

Branded as the ‘social media of its day,’ the regular guest callers became recognised Island characters, including English Pete, Pat the Builder, Lorraine Queen of Pan, DJ Geoff Peters, Andrew Voiceover, Ron Shepard Britain’s most married man, Keith the Trucker, Meridian Dave and Lora with the Tiara (now Isle of Wight Council leader) to name but a few.

The duo are set to recreate their radio hijinks for one night only with all proceeds going to Mountbatten.

They’ll be taking over Medina Theatre on Saturday, March 11, to play newly discovered clips and videos with some of the most memorable guests and callers joining them live on stage.

DJ Alex Dyke, AKA Big Al, said: “I’m really excited for this one-off special and let’s make no bones about it, we’re proud to say this is a cash grab for Mountbatten.

"Not only to help the people in the 16 beds but also the 2,000 Islanders who benefit from at-home care along with the Wellow Unit at St Mary’s.

"We are delighted to invite you to look back at some of the on-air pranks and tomfoolery which entertained and exasperated Islanders in equal measure, all in aid of this wonderful charity.”

David Holmes, AKA The Doc said: “To this day, strangers still tell me how much they miss the old phone-in. Incredibly they’ll recall certain ones in forensic detail. Big Al and I really miss those belly laughs and look forward to a night of giggles and mischief."

Tickets are from Medina Theatre box office