Incredible pictures of when a Beatle met a Goon on QE2

Peter Sellers, arguably one of the greatest British comedians and creator of the legendary radio programme, The Goon Show, was pictured with Ringo Starr, The Beatles’ drummer.

Both Peter and Ringo, together with members of their families and friends, were crossing to the US to complete a film called, The Magic Christian.

They appeared together out on the deck of the then-new QE2, where they put on an impromptu act for the Echo photographer.

Peter Sellers was travelling with his then four-year-old daughter, Victoria together with her nanny and accompanied by Amanda Quarry, stepdaughter of Cunard’s deputy chairman, Lorn Mancroft.

“It is nice to have the time to take a little rest on board ship,’’ said Peter.

“You get a little tired jetting everywhere.’’ Were the BBC going to revive The Goon Show, a reporter asked.

“It is unlikely and it’s not the money,’’ said Peter. “We work for nothing at the BBC. They only pay sixpence ha’penny (2p) anyway – the BBC pay sixpence ha’penny for everything and three pence for repeats.”

Peter, who was born in Southsea, died of a heart attack in July 1980 but not before creating a legacy of classic characters notable Inspector Clouseau and Chancy Gardner. In December, John Lennon was shot to death outside his home in New York.

It was Ringo’s first sea voyage since the days before worldwide stardom when he served in the Merchant Navy.

In 1957 he worked as a waiter on a pleasure steamer which ran from Liverpool to North Wales. He said then: “I earned £3 10s (£3.50) a week then and usually made more in tips than in wages,’’ Ringo, who was with his wife, Maureen and children, told the Daily Echo at the time.

“I’m going by sea this time because it is such a nice way to travel. This ship is rather like a splendid hotel – better than you get in Scunthorpe!’’

Meanwhile, a Rolls Royce was parked in Basingstoke. Inside was another Beatle, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono.

They were waiting to hear if the US was going to grant them an entry visa.

Neither John nor Yoko were able to join Ringo on the QE2 as America refused them permission to land in New York due to recent convictions for drug offences.