Reappraise The Goodies as a catalyst for social change, says Samira Ahmed

Graeme Garden, one of the three Goodies, talks to Samira Ahmed at the Slapstick festival. Photograph: Francesca Jones/The Guardian

They may be best remembered for wacky props such as their oversized flat caps and a bicycle made for three as well as their banging theme tune “Goodies, goody goody yum yum”.

But it may be time to reassess the surreal 1970s and early 80s sketch show The Goodies and regard it not just as silly fun but as a catalyst for social change.