TEST - A Space Idiocy & Piddler On The Roof

Count Arthur Strong's radio show episode follows the show business legend Count Arthur Strong as he attempts to navigate the complexities of modern technology and professional engagements. Summary: The episode begins with Count Arthur Strong seeking to purchase a new mobile phone, believing it will help him secure more work by ensuring people can reach him at all times, unlike his rival Edward Woodworm. He desires a "little one" like his friend Wilf Taylor's, which Wilf claims "does everything but make tea." Arthur struggles immediately with the new device, taking a photograph of his ear when trying to answer a call and later attempting to photograph Wilf holding a black pudding for a competition, which also goes awry. His call to customer service is fruitless, as the representative, Miranza, cannot help with his lost picture, and Arthur mistakenly believes she called him. The mobile phone continues to cause him trouble, repeatedly taking pictures of the back of his head without his permission. He likens it to the sentient computer "Hal" from "2001: A Space Oddity," feeling it has a mind of its own. When he tries to turn it off, the phone, seemingly speaking as "Hal," refuses and even makes him feel like he's "turning into a baby." At the hospital radio station, Arthur prepares for his show, expressing disdain for the small studio and his guest, Dr. Henry Kowalsski, a visiting surgeon from the United States. During the broadcast, he misreads dedications and music titles. When Dr. Kowalsski arrives and asks to be called "Hal," Arthur becomes enraged, convinced the phone is tormenting him again. He threatens to quit the show and return the phone, exclaiming that Edward Woodworm can have all his jobs. • Miranza: A customer service representative who tries to assist Arthur with his mobile phone issues. • Roger David: A representative from GI Hospital Radio who offers Arthur a presenting slot. • Sally: An individual whom Arthur considers for a "Girl Friday" position. • Dr. Henry Kowalsski (referred to as Hal by himself): The visiting surgeon from the United States who is a guest on Arthur's hospital radio show. • Edward Woodward ((also referred to as Edward Woodworm Edward Woodedge and Edward Woodbine by Arthur): Arthur's professional rival for show business jobs. The episode begins with Count Arthur's visit to a doctor's office. He initially mistakes the receptionist for a patient, commenting on her "clogging up the doctor's waiting room" and suggesting she should wear a white coat. He then attempts to have a poster for his show, "Piddler on the Roof," displayed on the notice board. He explains that "Piddler" is a printer's error, for which he is furious, as the show, "The songs from Fiddler on the Roof," is opening tonight. He has to manually correct three hundred posters with a felt-tip pen. He dismisses the receptionist's concerns about the notice board, stating he will "hand it direct to the organ grinder" and not leave it with a "monkey" like her. While waiting, he leafs through magazines and asks for Dr. Baker, only to be informed that Dr. Baker died about three years ago. Count Arthur then enters an office, where he mistakes a patient, who is complaining of a sharp pain up one leg, for a doctor. He offers his own medical advice, suggesting it might be a cycling clip or socks that are too tight, or even a heart attack. The actual doctor arrives, clearly confused by the situation, and clarifies that Count Arthur is not a doctor. It is revealed that the patient in the office, not Count Arthur, is Mr. Seden. Count Arthur then visits wilf's establishment, where he tries to put up another poster for "Dr. Dittle on the Roof" (another variation of his show's title). He insists it be placed in a prominent position, not obscured by "hanging carcasses." While trying to retrieve cellotape from the floor, Sally opens a door, hitting Count Arthur on the head. He becomes disoriented, rambling incoherently and asking for brandy, which wilf provides. A doctor is called, who recognizes Count Arthur from the morning. The doctor examines him, noting his head is sore, and prescribes painkillers, recommending an X-ray. He explicitly advises Count Arthur not to drink alcohol and not to exceed the stated dose. Characters and Actors: • Count Arthur Strong (Character, played by Steve Delaney as the writer) • Receptionist (Character) • Doctor (Character) • Mr. Seden (Character, patient in the doctor's office) • Jeffrey (Character, involved with music for the show) • wilf (Character, owner of the establishment where Count Arthur has his accident) • Sally (Character, causes Count Arthur's accident, brings prescription) • Johnny (Character in Count Arthur's story) • Sue Perkins (Actor appearing with Count Arthur Strong) • Alistair Kerr (Actor appearing with Count Arthur Strong) • Dave Mounfield (Actor appearing with Count Arthur Strong)