John Virgo Impersonates Ray Readon while Reardon does Virgo - Snooker Funny

[@sharonrichards3442]

Absolutely brilliant not enough of this these days everything to serious and no fun these were legends of the game and had total respect for each other and the banter just brilliant 👏 x

[@captmcneil]

Yeah, weird to think that the last time we got such a nice exhibition event is already 14 years ago - the Davis - Taylor rematch. And to think that one was totally by accident, I think because someone in the WC finished one session early.

[@johnrogers5658]

Brings back childhood memories, I won a competition to play Ray Reardon at snooker and he also gave me a copy of his book of tricks. I was 12yrs old on holiday with my family at Pontins in Brixham, Devon. 1982

[@Shelsight]

Very cool story! My grandparents lived in Brixham and we used to walk past that Pontins on the way to the beach… Great memories - and I love that you played Ray Reardon. Lovely bloke and proud Welshman…

[@keithf_]

I won a competition to be bitten on the neck by him. I'll stake my reputation on this being a true story.

[@kennethtalbott2233]

now there's a day you will never forget.....

[@jakethegsd]

Ray still lives in the area. 🙂

[@DrumsTheWord]

This is so wholesome and funny to watch. Genuine personalities with love and wit. The referee and audience were excellent as well. Hate to be that guy, but I doubt we will see such innocence and openness in Snooker again.

[@321bytor]

Cringe.

[@WaxingRadiance]

When snooker was legendary

[@CickyMainMTC9]

Wish life was still like this

[@bramjanssens9996]

Absolutely..

[@peterclarke7240]

Sadly, a complete bunch of bastards took all the fun out of life by fucking the world up and then retiring happily to their mortgage-free homes after a life-time of free university education and secure jobs, and voting Conservative just to really fuck everything up for everyone else.

[@NoosaHeads]

Long gone. At least you were around when sanity still was clinging on.

[@richardlitwin4046]

Yes indeed Ian. This clip made me sad for what was and for what is.

[@GLK-London]

I am reading your comment 3 years later and it's not any better sadly

[@brianpengelly4653]

2 of the greatest snooker entertainers. How brilliant.

[@th3st1g55]

Not only two BRILLIANT players ( in their day) but GREAT entertainment for everyone to watch with their Micky taking out of each other. & Great sportsman to the snooker world. I could stop laughing from the time that Ray Reardon walked in with that false beard to the very end ( even then it takes me quite a while to recompose myself). ABSOLUTE LEGENDS!!! the pair of them.

[@kennethtalbott2233]

it did roll off too. i can't believe i have never seen this. great fun, also the best referee Len Ganley, when you watch some of the old snooker videos of Ray Reardon, we forget just how good he was.

[@hatesitrick]

I don't understand why Ray Reardon isn't talked about much - the guy won 6 World Championships, he had charisma and made the crowd laugh. I don't understand why he's rarely mentioned!

[@TheKaluNaama]

Because he was the damn Dracula, not a real person.

[@peterclarke7240]

He was the Prince of Darkness. You don't mention his name in case he appears behind you and challenges you to a game.

[@robertomoi2044]

He's talked about plenty. The guy is regarded as a legend and rightly so. Dunno what planet you're on.

[@TheKaluNaama]

@@robertomoi2044 yea at least BBC team are constantly mentioning the old fucker

[@fatwalletboy2]

Maybe but he will never be forgotten....

[@joebyrne5277]

02:37 I couldn't contain my laughter as the referee tries to say "27" as he cries with laughter.love the way Ray stops aiming and straightens up to glare it him! Real characters you don't see anymore.

[@Paul.in.Ireland]

The late great Len Ganley... Len was actually a character himself, I worked with his sister for yrs... god bless him.

[@parksyist]

Yes you did 🤣 a joke at rays expense as he lost the semi finals 16 5

[@chrisplatt7915]

What a great man & player Ray is a true legend

[@kevinhoughton9134]

When life was fun, and you were allowed to enjoy yourself.

[@Jer0867]

We all miss those times, I'm sure. It's a very different world, today (writing on the 13th May 2024).

[@matthewmorgan748]

Lens crying here...lol. what a legend!

[@pwareham61]

Big Len Ganley, a really fine referee, who was an imposing figure, miss him.

[@BadgerBotherer1]

At The Crucible, Whispering Ted Described Jimmy White pot a red. And there being manly Stood big Len Ganley, Smiling, and looking well-fed.

[@dannyq29]

I can remember watching this live and switching on the VHS. Great stuff

[@doyalikethat1]

If only snooker was still like this

[@gyp3xp48]

Ray Reardon was ahead of his time. Techniques, as in all sports have evolved and are producing better players, but snooker would not be what it is today without Ray Reardon

[@carljohnson1997]

Just so great to watch j v and Ray fab

[@kingtut147]

this exhibition was played in 1985 when the governing body introduced drug testing for players for the 1st time - Virgo makes the joke that Dennis Taylor should be 'eye-tested' as he thinks Dennis may not really need his 'upside-down' glasses. Reardon, who also wore then for a short period says to Virgo "...I didn't need mine" but at 02:28 a member of the audience shouts out "...Yes you do !!"

[@wierdalien1]

And yet virgo is smoking like chimney

[@Hensh11567]

RIP the fantastic Ray Reardon

[@summer101320]

real classic very funny never laughed so much real legends every time i watch this i have tears of laughter rolling down my face like now

[@paulchisholm3305]

Great craic. Len Ganley almost wet himself laughing! Great final to follow it all too!

[@YouKevo]

Comedy gold. This was back when I first became interested in snooker. Used to watch it all the time with my dad. Miss those days.

[@postscript67]

I turned up half an hour late for an exam because of watching this when it was first shown (I still passed).

[@geoffjoffy]

The good old days. Or is that the GREAT old days.

[@ahawkins628]

Such classic days. The game was full of great characters in those days.

[@henrikhyrup3995]

That banter Reardon has with the cameraman from 3:16 - fuck I lost it totally! HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! Such characters these lads. :D

[@gordonbiggar6779]

Absolutely loved these 2

[@ShanePalmer-yo4og]

Ray was a true gent. I had the delight to have my lunch on a Tuesday every week with Ray for an entire summer season. We both happened to be at the same place (Butlins @ Minehead) on the same day and had lunch at the same time. Believe me, my Tuesday lunch was always a scream, Ray had a funny story for all occasions. Sadly now gone, but never forgotten.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Fond memories of Ray Reardon, what a character he was. Virgo was a laugh too. Legends of the game simply having a bit if fun. Remember that? Fun, a rare thing in this sad 21st century.

[@Galerak1]

Was waiting for Ray Reardon to start shouting "Where's the cueball goin'? Where's the cueball goin'"

[@ferguskenny4578]

Best comment!!! There are 6 pockets on the table... lol

[@johndillon6859]

And these days we have Judd Trump and Mark Selby 🙄🙄🙄

[@waynewalker8227]

Both legends, long may they shine❤

[@stevewhitaker1705]

Two great players and true gentleman

[@MOGGS1942]

These guys had personalities. Sadly today's players don't .

[@ChrizRockster]

That's because Snooker was re-built on the personalities that you can remember, like characters in a sitcom or soap. Each player was very unique and had something about their appearance or manner that set them apart. Today the players don't have the struggle of getting snooker to be popular so you don't see the humour as much anymore. However I do find the odd humorous moments from Selby, O'Sullivan and Fu that make you remember that this is a traditional game to be having with a glass of your favourite beverage, to be savoured and enjoyed. For example, O'Sullivan entertaining the intruding spectator recently, or the Robertson and Selby "Crazy Golf" snooker challenge.

[@dhammarosi]

Liang Wengbo.........

[@martm216]

Yes, sadly this is true. I don't quite know what is the explanation. I can only guess that in those days the players were men who had perhaps done other things than play snooker all the time. They seemed more mature than today's players. Even some of today's players who have been around a long time don't seem to have developed any personality. And it these personalities from the 1970's through to the mid or late 1980's who laid the foundation for the game's popularity today. Players like Ray Reardon, John Virgo, Fred Davis, Dennis Taylor, David Taylor, Alex Higgins, Cliff Thorburn, Willie Thorn, Bill Werbeniuk, Eddie Charlton, Doug Mountjoy and others.

[@Bloxdio_God]

Mark Allen has the personality of my loft ladder.

[@peterclarke7240]

Christ... Not even the nostalgia's what it was, is it? 😂

[@parksyist]

Reardon makes a 141 break with that beard on lol

[@Bloxdio_God]

He did in the next frame.

[@Bloxdio_God]

Against a young Tony Drago.

[@Bikerboythousand]

Smoking in a public place. How times change!

[@carld9154]

Fantastic entertainment from a time when the game was at the height of its power & popularity, Great, great days.

[@stevemanuell8610]

Fantastic two of the very best

[@thestig8133]

Ray was not only a great player as a snooker professional but, like others had his his own sense of humour. Along with J.V these two couldn't be seperated as players or as jokers. They both as seen loved taken the micky out of each other Shame we don't see this sort of fun & games anymore in snooker. It not only passes the time away for the crowd (audience at the venue) & people watching on tv at home. But, it's overal entertainment even the ref can't control himself. The late Big Len Ganley ( excuse if i spelt his name wrong). Crying with laughter. 😁😁😁😁😁😁👍😆😄😉

[@Mitjitsu]

Whenever he and Alex Higgins played in exhibitions it would always be a big draw.

[@kingtut147]

ha ha! I've watched this a thousand times and never before have I seen 'Reardon's Brother' at 0:37 ... brilliant ... well spotted :)

[@jonnamechange6854]

0:37

[@BackToTheBlues]

I taped this when it was first on TV , one of those lucky moments. Not so lucky when I accidentally taped over some of it a few years later. I've hoped for years someone would put it on youtube, so thank you so much! Any chance of the full thing - John Virgo does some lovely Ray Reardon style moves at the start, and also reckons he's found a switch which widens the pockets. Even if you haven't got it though it's great to see this!

[@egorgeg2]

I did the same thing,classic snooker with two great entertainers.

[@egorgeg2]

Type in funniest snooker match ever!

[@graemeglasgow4596]

I grew up watching these guys, brilliant :-)

[@Jer0867]

Len's controlling the players....but who's controlling Len??! Absolutely brilliant clip, from a wonderful snooker era...with 2 of the game's great characters! The banter and mutual respect is magical, and something you see very little of these days (writing this on 13th May 2024).

[@mr.t30]

Never to be replicated, pure genius of snooker...

[@MPsNewswatch]

True gents of Snooker.

[@JohnKane-bq9bt]

RIP Ray

[@TheStig-ko7ik]

This is GREAT!!! to see & hear two very good friends entertaining the audience as well as each other. 👏👏👏👏👏😁😁👍😄😄😄 I don't think this goes on anymore.BLOODY SPOIL SPORTS ( another words MISERY GITS). 👎😡

[@garybridge-ku7bf]

Brilliant 😊 when snooker had characters.

[@robleary3353]

Two real gents and champions of the game!. Nuff said. 🙂

[@Marky.H]

Ray Reardon. My heroe

[@summer101320]

i watched this this morning and i ended up crying with laughter as it was so funny and i ended up peeing my pants i did oooppppppssssss keep them coming ok

[@damiankimmins3880]

Golden age of snooker for me this!

[@RoniAlush]

5:35 where's the cueball going?

[@ronaldtallett1781]

When snooker was fun with real characters

[@Paul.in.Ireland]

Ronald Tallett Agreed... I can’t watch it anymore... nowadays just expressionless clones walking around the table like robots.

[@eddiepower3876]

@@Paul.in.Ireland this is only an exhibition match!!!!!!!! The real snooker games were tense

[@julian1471]

the dogs danglies mate.

[@thunder2077]

you be haveing a beard test next in a bit lmao

[@camrs125]

A time when snooker had real characters…the golden age…

[@CorrinneFarmer]

My Dad Edward Farmer played Ray Reardon and Steve Davis at snooker, happy memories for him

[@benrichards399]

I tried putting a slice of cheese in mine. I thought it was working at first, but realised it was just the reflection from the sun!

[@johnmackenzie3773]

Rest In Peace Ray Reardon

[@breeze1472]

I so miss these occasions wheres the fun gone?

[@Davewise1965]

I remember watching this, it was so funny.

[@MrFoxboy7]

that,s what made snooker as big as it was MASTERS

[@johnmusk7007]

Brilliant stuff

[@peterbadman6668]

It’s a travesty that he isn’t mentioned or remembered as a truely great snooker legend I for one was truly dazed by his genius skills. To myself he was the best.

[@dartskipper3170]

Len Ganley joining the fun. Probably the best referee of his time.

[@Hondadctrider]

Can you imagine any of todays players or referees doing this? Never in a million years.

[@wierdalien1]

Yeah I can

[@matthewmorgan748]

Mark williams would

[@dusl0509]

Ben Williams is a referee who has some Len Ganley vibes these days. He's pretty funny too

[@peterclarke7240]

What utter bollocks.

[@softladkirk]

fantastic!!!!

[@BarmyTwubble]

I met and played one frame of snooker with Ray Reardon many years ago as Pontins, he was a nice bloke actually. It was either pontins or butlins I cant remember which one now as It was a good 20 + years ago Needless to say I lost the frame but I gave it a good try lol

[@graemehodges4367]

+BarmyTwubble Pontins probably - I saw him do an exhibition at one of their resorts in 1981. Great character.

[@Knightlore10]

Won the junior knock out and lost to Reardon at Butlins. Can't remember which one but definitely Butlins. He probably done stints at both.

[@parksyist]

Brilliant times

[@CasperLD]

snooker had so many characters back then

[@parksyist]

Can you imagine asking Mark Selby to fill the time to do an exhibition lol

[@gordonbiggar6779]

Love a great laugh and this was it

[@Fogon59]

Gan on Rearzza bonny lad!

[@TheStig-ko7ik]

I bet the ref was trying to keep a straight face NOT!!! with these two it be impossible.

[@bobwallacejnr6852]

Theres no more characters left in snooker

[@Bloxdio_God]

Ray cleared up with a century here.

[@gamingtherapy7587]

Ah the good old days of snooker.

[@michaelmuldowney8]

I often wonder does the Crucible refund the tickets to those holding them for a session that doesn’t take place.

[@LatinPercussion]

so this was just hours before 'The Final' between Davis and Taylor, I understand? Great upload - Thanks!

[@OtakuLogan2017]

Worth more than the ticket price

[@trevorkeyes6067]

todays snooker is too serious. this was when it was fun.

[@Gary0557]

When snooker had characters and was entertaining. Not like the robots we have now.

[@herzwatithink9289]

What a great channel!

[@mstevens113]

All so serious these days, nobody would fill an empty session like this anymore.

[@davidshannon2860]

Great days

[@dannypriestley1978]

Quiet please😂

[@lemonladyYT]

Searched this out specifically to watch on this sad day of Ray's passing age 91. 😒 Such a pity though that you didn't include the "Careful Ray" moment when the referee nearly wet himself behind the camera.

[@killianbarrans8188]

A great pair of sportsmen

[@einarvindenes9509]

Alot fun to watch. Bring in the fun in all matches please. Its to dull as it is

[@peterbattey8263]

That was the time snooker was a joy to watch. Today as with any 'sport' there is to much at stake and you may distract the players. You have to keep your gob shut whilst players are playing.

[@stevesheppardmusic]

Ray was also a nice guy, had a drink with him and his wife once in Devon, in the days when he advertised Carlsberg Spécial Brew, and in the days it wasn't an alcoholics beverage of choice lol

[@Robh1966]

Those were the days. Unlike today snooker players & referees. I just loved the way Len Ganley was trying to do the scoring, but crying his eyes out with laughter.

[@richardhinchliffe1678]

Absolutely brilliant you can’t see the players nowadays been like this all too serious miserable sods

[@RezaReza-y5g]

Snooker was so good in the late 80s (probably all of 80s)up to mid to late 90s. Even though the game is faster now, it is not as enjoyable. The game lacks characters like those back in the day. It did help that there were only 4 channels and the game was household viewing. It’s true we tend to look back at our youth with fondness (maybe the desire to be young again) but I don’t think anyone would doubt snooker’s heyday were them days.

[@johnsrabe]

I would love it if somebody would make a transcription of this video. I can’t understand most of what they’re saying, but it seems pretty damn funny.

[@graememcfee23]

virgo was a better impersonator than player😂

[@summer101320]

was this game full of laughs and jokes was it then i would love to see the full match i would

[@jamesc7720]

As a child of the 80’s I missed reardon. He won the same number of world championships as Davis but never seems to be mentioned as up there with Davis, Hendry and O’Sullivan. How would he have compared?

[@quazoid]

RIP RAY..91. Not bad at all sir.