Tom Baker or Normal

A Game of Trust

Look Who's Playing

Throughout the world, celebrities are excitedly joining in with Tom Baker or Normal. Some brave souls have even had a go at Tom Baker, Steptoe, Blakey or Normal. Even the man himself has had a go (see The TBoN Conundrum). Have a look for yourself through the gallery. Should you spot any else out there then feel free to pass on any photos for inclusion. I have given marks out of ten for each attempt, but who am I to judge? Should you feel that I am guilty of a gross miscarriage of justice then please send in your own marks and comments. I look forward to hearing from you all.

Also, we occasionally get submissions that don't quite cut the mustard. Crockford "Jim" Harris has sent in submissions of this type on more than one occasion so to honour such perseverance we have set up an all new gallery, The Crockford Files.

 

Celebrity 1: Jon Pertwee

Proof positive that Jon Pertwee was known to indulge in game of Tom Baker, Steptoe, Blakey or Normal from time to time. What's more, he's bloody good at it as well. (8/10)

 

Celebrity 2: Marty Feldman

Here we see a classic pose from the one and only Marty Feldman. A noble attempt though I can't help but feel that Marty isn't really putting his heart into the game. I guess his natural shyness is standing in the way of truely memorable performance (a couple more shandys would have sorted him out no doubt). (6/10) 

Celebrity 3: Ben Turpin

Here's silent movie star Ben Turpin. A good attempt from Ben but it's fair to say that he would be out of his depth in 'Tom Baker, Steptoe, Blakey or Normal'. Clearly a newcomer to the game, but you have to start somewhere. Keep practising Ben and maybe we'll see you again someday. (5/10)

 

Celebrity 4: HAL 9000

I think HAL 9000 has really captured Tom's wide eyed stare with this attempt. A real contender. (7.5/10).

 

Celebrity 5: Ken Dodd

It seems to me that Ken is trying a little too hard. There's way too much activity in his face (especially around the mouth). Ken does show great promise though ... if only he could curb that enthusiasm a little. 6.5 /10 

Celebrities 6 & 7: Sulley and Mike

Well, you've seen it here first ... TBoN Doubles. You'll notice that both Sulley and Mike have concentrated their efferts on the brow (excellent delivery from the pair of them). However, whereby Sulley has managed to maintain an overall good standard, Mike on the other hand has let himself down a little with his ill-considered choice of mouth expression. This shouldn't be held against them though. This was a mighty fine atttempt from the new kids on the block and bodes well for the future. (7/10) 

Celebrity 8: Marvin the Paranoid Robot

Clearly Marvin is not enjoying himself ... and it shows in his performance. It's not that it's a bad attempt, but as they say, "when you tired of Tom Baker or Normal you're tired of life." It's a bit early to say but it's not looking good for him. (6/10)

 

 

Celebrity 9: Cerne Abbas Giant

Simply ahead of his time. An excellent display that somehow manages to suggest two impressions for the price of one. (8/10)

 

Celebrity 10: Ronnie Barker

Ooooh Ronnie! A giant amongst his peers in the business of light entertainment but still showing the raw edges of a novice in the world of TBoN. The eyes do show promise but like so many other celebrity gamers, the mouth needs serious attention. (6/10)

Celebrity 11: Sarah Jessica Parker

Oh dear Sarah, you really haven't got the hang of this have you? A poor attempt but at least she had a go. (3/10)

 

Celebrity 12: Frankie Howerd

Good solid attempt from Frankie. You can see that a lot of effort has gone into the shape of his face. A good outside bet for honours. (7/10)

Celebrity 13: Medusa

Here Medusa walks a fine between acute concentration and a vacant, almost puzzled look. It could so easily have spelt disaster for the old dear but she's used all her experience to keep the right balance and in the process has delivered a quite stunning performance. (8.5/10)

 

Celebrity 14: Barry Hercules

Barry has a real go here but his large chin is holding him back somewhat. Despite this, you can't help but admire the Star Fleet man's willingness to have a go. (6/10)

  

Celebrity 15: Sam the Space Monkey

What can you say? I think Sam has pushed the standard into dizzy heights with this superb double entry. You can't help but wonder what his Steptoe is like if he can deliver such excellent Tom Baker and Blakey impressions. (9.5/10)

Celebrity 16: Gromit

Facially, this is a decent attempt from Gromit. However, his ears seem to have a life of their own and clearly wish to join in the fun as they echo the brow. In the context of the game, Gromit will always be second best as his choice will be there for all to see. If only he could sort those ears out ... (5.5/10)  

 

Celebrity 17: Charles Hawtrey

This attempt from Charles is not too bad at all and shows some promise. However, there is a suspicion that he is cleverley using the frames of his glasses to accentuate his eyes. It's a neat tactic but there needs to be more about his game to seriously challenge for the title. (6.5/10)

   

Celebrity 18: Nemo

This is a great performance from the youngster. A class act. Nemo is going to be a major player in the years to come. What am I saying, he's a major player already! (8/10)

Celebrity 19: Laika

Clearly Laika is trying to steal Sam the Space Monkey's thunder with an appearence on the 'Look Who's Playing' gallery. Laika simply can't match the dizzy heights set by Sam. She has her place in history as the first living creature in space, but she will never be known for her TBoN. (2/10)

 

Celebrity 20: Kenneth Williams

Excellent performance from Kenneth. Notice how he has managed to keep his nostrils in check. They could so easily have dominated proceedings. A much more accomplished performance than his Carry On colleague Charles Hawtrey. (8/10)

Celebrity 21 & 22: Carole Hersee & Friend

Well, I'm bowing to the incessant whining of Crockford Harris on e-mail and the guestbook to include Carole. Truth be known this is a weak attempt from Carole though it must be difficult to play two games at once. Saying that, her 'friend' is at least having a go. (2/10)

 

Celebrity 23: Una Stubbs

Marvelous performance from Una. She's even employed a tactic in which she throws in the Kirkbride Neck Flare to throw her opponent into confusion. Great stuff. She should give Jon Pertwee a bell and team up to make one of the most formidable doubles teams in the history of TBoN. (8/10)

 

Celebrity 24: Nicole Kidman

It's good to see that her spilt from Tom Cruise has not had an adverse effect on her TBoN. This is a good attempt by Nicole but she does need to work on her stare a little. (6.5/10)

  

Celebrity 25: Julius Caesar

Julius really demonstrates his professional approach to TBoN with his latest foray. Note his composed, almost statuesque stance. (7.5/10)

 

Celebrity 26: Mars

What a marvelous offering from Mars. This is a tranquil and haunting interpretation from our celestial neighbour (8.5/10)

Celebrity 27: The Scream

Enthusiastic attempt from The Scream though he lets himself down a little by using his hands to frame his face (6/10)

Celebrities 28, 29, 30 and 31: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln

Excellent display of syncronised TBoN from the presidential quartet. However, it does mask schoolboy errors at an individual level. Rock solid team work though (6/10) 

Celebrity 32 & 33: Hattie Jaques & Charles Hawtrey

Charles returns in an absolutely splendid doubles performance with Carry On co-star Hattie. It seems Charles gains valuable confidence from his partner as the doubles competition brings out an altogether better performance from him. (9/10)

 

  

Celebrity 34: Klaus Nomi

Punk rocker Klaus may have once claimed that he "came from outer space to save the human race", but while he was here he took time out to record a hit single version of and aria (The Cold Song) and also indulge in the odd game of TBoN. Great stare but the mouth needs serious attention. (6.5/10)

 

Celebrity 35: Colin Baker

Clearly in awe of his namesake, Colin has felt the need to join in. A spirited display but it was always going to be a tough act to follow. For the record, Colin was hunted down especially for this contribution. Watch out Peter and Sylvestor - we coming for you guys next. (6.5/10)

Celebrity 36: Keyop

Keyop needs to put in a lot of work to get his his TBoN up to scratch.  Maybe he should stick to battling against Zoltar with his G Force friends. (4/10)

The Leader Board

 

 

 Sam the Space Monkey

9.5

Hatties Jaques & Charles Hawtrey

9

Mars

8.5

 Medusa

8.5 

 Cerne Abbas Giant

 Jon Pertwee

Kenneth Williams

8

Nemo

8

Una Stubbs

8

 Hal 9000

7.5 

Julius Caesar

7.5

Frankie Howerd

7

 Sulley & Mike

 Charles Hawtrey

6.5 

Colin Baker

6.5

 Ken Dodd

6.5 

Klaus Nomi

6.5

Nicole Kidman

6.5

 Barry Hercules

 Marty Feldman

Marvin the Paranoid Android 

Mount Rushmore

6

 Ronnie Barker

The Scream

6

Gromit 

5.5 

 Ben Turpin

Keyop

4

 Sarah Jessica Parker

3

Carole Hersee & Friend

2

Laika

2