The Kipper Family
The Kipper Family was a two-man parody folk group played by Chris Sugden (as Sid Kipper) and Dick Nudds (as his father Henry).
History
The group performed as the Kipper Family throughout the 1980s and released several cult albums. Partly parodying the Copper Family*, they performed their variations of traditional folk songs, with lyrics very cleverly twisted to take in themes including cross-dressing, under-age sex, homosexuality at sea and the dissection of human cadavers. Although frequently macabre in theme, the Kipper Family were widely respected as accomplished folk artists and are remembered fondly. The fictional village of St. Just-near-Trunch is known as the home of the Kipper Family.
The duo would put on Norfolk accents and delivered Norfolk inspired humour. Their appearance was just like any other folk singers. Sid with slicked back hair, a smart suit and a kipper tie; very much the spiv. And Henry (Nudds made to look like an old man) with a threadbare cardigan and string to hold up his trousers in place of a belt.
Often, as with all great comedy doubles, they would swap being one down or one up with their replies: Henry: If you are trying to be clever with me, you're wastin' your time. Sid: That's true yes.
In the early days the Kipper Family would perform to crowds expecting an ordinary folk act, firmly staying in character during the whole period in the public eye, and it would be several songs into the set before the penny dropped. Later classics include "We're Norfolk and Good", "Arrest These Merry Gentlemen" and "Bored of the Dance" and also a folk opera The Crab Wars. In addition to the released LPs there is also in existence a recording of Christmas with the Kippers, a Christmas special the Kippers recorded for BBC Radio Two.
They were seen once on British television. The children's programme 'Get Fresh' featured a spaceship that would port into a different location each Saturday morning. One Saturday the destination was Trunch, and who should be there but Sid and Henry. The female presenter of the show was clearly mystified by the Kipper's patter as she interviewed them.
The duo split at the end of 1991; Henry Kipper was pronounced dead, and Sid went solo. Sugden had to kill off the character as people kept asking when Henry would return.
In 2006, Sugden presented a series of podcasts for Channel 4 radio called "The Kipper Country Code", as Sid Kipper.
- There was never any parody of the Copper Family intended (or inferred), in fact this was cleared with Bob Copper at the time. The name Kipper was just too good a fit (i.e. Norfolk, red herring), it was only the similarity to Copper that caused any hesitation. I know because I suggested writing the letter.
Albums
Sid Kipper
- Like A Rhinestone Ploughboy (1994)
- Spineless (1997)
- Boiled in the Bag (1997)
- East Side Story (2000)
- Cod Pieces (2002)
- Chained Melody (2003)
- In Season (2007)
- Gutless (2011)
The Kipper Family
- Since Time Immoral (1984)
- The Ever Decreasing Circle (1985)
- The Crab Wars (1986)
- Fresh Yesterday (1988)
- Arrest These Merry Gentlemen (1989)
- In the Family Way (1991)
- Two-Faced (2011)
