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'TURNS'

Page updated 4/12/08

Welcome to this page of memories, which highlights just a few of the many entertainers I worked with through the 1970s when launching my solo career in London and overseas.  Known as 'turns' up North and I have kept in touch with a few of them over the years although a few of these very talented people are sadly no longer with us.  We are still like 'ships in the night' and often pass each other on the road or find ourselves on the same show which is really great, although the golden days of clubland have been dying off over the last few years but there is a growing return to variety in recent years.  Sadly, many of the 'new' entertainers have not had the opportunity to learn their craft by 'treading the boards' of the legendary Northern clubs which were often a challenge!  Noisy audiences, busy bars plus distractions of the 'concert secretary' who would often cut into the entertainer's act with announcements for 'bingo, hot pies' and many more daft interruptions!  They were quite a training ground for any artiste and comedy based acts had the toughest job, but those of us lucky enough to be able to sing had some chance of scraping through the night!

There was a camaraderie in those days - a legacy from the previous days of variety (American Vaudeville) when artistes would travel all over the UK and appear at various theatres.  Many of them would work a full week at the same venue on a bill full of different acts, often twice nightly and only doing a few minutes onstage. They had loads of spare time during the day so usually mixed with fellow acts to kill some time in the 'digs' (theatrical B&B) unless they had to be out of the place during the day!  Many of them took up golf to pass more time or just spent more time in pubs and cafes chatting to fellow 'pros' and swapping stories, gossip and generally  networking.  They mostly travelled by train in those days, unlike the later years in which entertainers criss-crossed the country by car and van etc, using better roads and vehicles, so often meeting up at motorway service stations or greasy spoon cafes!

I hope you will enjoy these shared memories and I will update this page as and when I discover any more information.  Who knows - you may even find yourself on this page or maybe have some connection and I would welcome any input you wish to share.  Just e-mail me in the first instance and then I might be able to amend any of these entries accordingly.  I have lost track of a few of these fellow 'turns' and it would be good to learn of their whereabouts.  Some of these photos have not scanned too well and I also have a few more pictures to add in the future but I guess that this page will attract some input when people discover it by surfing - this has happened on my other webpages based on the Southampton music scene.  I will update this page from time to time so please pass by again as it (hopefully) grows into an insight link to the 1970s showbusiness scene.

Back in August 63, I bought a great record called 'That's What I Want' (Decca) by the Marauders from the Stoke on Trent area although it only reached no. 43 in the UK charts! In 1974, whilst in Corfu on my summer season I was pleased to meet up with an original member of that group who was now well into his own solo comedy career, as well as singing plus great guitar work.  Les Bryan, who had also just appeared on television's smash hit series of The Comedians, which launched many careers of top club comics and he was kept busy all over the place as well as working overseas.

This promotional photograph (early 70s) shows more of the musical side of his profile:

Les Bryan

This next photograph shows the comedy side and I think it's one of the best examples of a very funny man - it still makes me smile to this day!

I have kept in touch with Les over the years and he has spent most of the last few years on the cruise ships, travelling all over the world accompanied by wife Sandra who also works onboard with arts and crafts lectures etc.   We met up some 3,000 miles away back in 1998 when ending up on the same ship on a Caribbean cruise job and had some great laughs and reminisces.  His act is a great mix of very funny droll comedy delivered in a laid back manner plus some terrific guitar work which provides a real variety act that appeals to all ages.

Another very funny man came to Corfu in the shape of Irish comedian Pat Mooney and this photo shows his well known green suit!

Pat Mooney

Pat also starred in 'The Comedians' and has been working solid ever since, the last few years on the cruising circuit with great success.   One of his opening lines is about the green suit when he mentions "I was bending over to tie up my shoelaces and some chap started playing golf on my back!"   I recall that he nearly collapsed with laughter when I met him for the first time and explained that his surname was also a very disgusting Greek swearword which caused more laughs amongst the locals when I told them about it.  His act is good solid standup gags, delivered with great Irish charm mixed with blarney as well as a very friendly guy to work with.  He is the same on and offstage, unlike some artistes I have appeared with over the years and is a shining example of what mainstream comedy is all about.

21st November 2008

I had an e-mail from Jon Anton - another well established 'turn' who has worked with many of the acts featured on this page and he found it whilst surfing on hearing the sad news that Pat Mooney has just passed away.  Here is an article from the Irish Times:

Another star of 'The Comedians' came out to entertain the (mostly) British holidaymakers - Dave Butler from the Bristol area and another great guy to work with.   His act was delivered in that lovely West Country burr with good gags plus tales of country yokels and much more.  Sadly, he passed away a few years ago, but his memory lives on and can be seen on rare recordings of the television show that made him famous.

Dave Butler

When I first moved up to London in 1972, and started to get paying gigs, I often appeared at Top Rank Bingo Clubs.  Many of them were converted cinemas and theatres, so it was good experience to appear in such large venues although most of the audience were only there for the bingo and often resented any entertainers who dared interrupt their evening flutter!  I was managed by Garry Brown of Cheam - one of the most respected agent/managers in the business as well as one of the main bookers for the Cunard Shipping Line and much more.  Garry was assisted by Eric Galloway and this agency later arranged my auditions for Butlins and then my overseas work with Thomson Holidays.  I recall working at the Top Rank Kilburn and appearing with one of the most unusual speciality acts, who topped many a major bill throughout the Forties and Fifties as well as being a big radio star.

Leslie Welch - the Memory Man!

This genial Cockney had the most amazing memory and specialised in sporting trivia whereby he could reel off thousands of statistics about football, cricket, horseracing and much more.   He just stood onstage and talked about various aspects before accepting 'challenges' from the audience who would shout out all kinds of questions to which Leslie would normally answer immediately plus adding even more facts and figures for good measure!

1975 was a great year for Welsh singer Tammy Jones who appeared on television's top rated talent show- Opportunity Knocks and winning six weeks in a row! She also notched up the highest viewers' voting figures ever and her cover version of the Frank Sinatra hit "Let Me Try Again" reached number 5 in the UK charts. 

Tammy came out to Tunisia and topped the bill at the Sahara Beach hotel, with a great act of popular songs and tinged with a C&W feel which she later developed.   As with all visiting artistes, I used to help with the musical side of the show and rehearsing the acts with the resident band of Italian musicians.  I had to rewrite some of the arrangements as European musicians use the tonic sol fa notation as opposed to our chords such as 'A,B,C' etc but we generally managed to get through most of the music side of it all.  I acted as M.D. standing by the keyboard player and making sure that the other musicians followed the main score, often by following my cues and shouted instructions (in French and Italian!)

Unfortunately, when it came to Tammy's big finale - the much anticipated hit song of 'Let Me Try Again' it was a case of 'trying again' after a bad start! For some reason the band had somehow lapsed into a different tempo, despite my count-in of this fairly straightforward 4/4 timing song.   I stopped the band, then brought them back into play and Tammy, bless her, just grinned and carried on to tumultuous applause as she sang her heart on that terrific ballad.  The audience had realised the problem, but like a true pro Tammy just got on with it and left the stage to a standing ovation then back for an encore.  In fact, she was quite upset over this unexpected hiccup but it never showed onstage and everybody admired her for this.

If you want to learn more about this talented lady, then click on the photo below where you will find that she has never stopped working and now resides in New Zealand

Tammy Jones 

Click on image above for her own website

Corfu 1974.   Like many countries back in the Seventies, they were not used to seeing variety entertainers and the locals were often bemused by some of the more unusual artistes who appeared at the hotels and clubs in the area.   One of my fondest memories was when the most amazing hypnotist was flown out to work his skills on a room full of holidaymakers.

Edwin Heath promo card - try it!

We held this show in the main restaurant of the Roda Beach Hotel Corfu and the general manager was a terrific Greek chap- Aris Voutsinas (known as 'Mr Harry') and he and his staff had never seen a hypnotist in action before, so I kept quiet about what was to happen!

Edwin Heath was one of the finest exponents of stage hypnotism although he did have a serious hypnotherapy practice in Northern Ireland where he was based.  After my own 'warm-up' comedy vocal spot, we then arranged a row of chairs along the front of the stage area before I introduced Edwin who walked up to the microphone to give a short talk about the subject of this mysterious craft, the name derived from the ancient Greek word of 'hypnos' (sleep)  He then went into the mass induction trial in which members of the audience were asked to lock hands and listen to his softly spoken suggestions that resulted in many guests being unable to unlock their fingers that were firmly 'stuck' together!  The Greeks couldn't work out what was going on by this time as they watched the audience and those that were 'under the influence'  The waiters and kitchen staff just stood open-mouthed at what was going on as they tried to work it all out.

Edwin then invited a few people up onto the stage, then sat them down before a rapid hypnosis induction upon them all and sending them fast asleep in their chairs. At this stage, I was standing by the Greek band who were also confused by what was going on and I was ready to give them various cues for music that accompanied each part of the act.  I suddenly felt a presence by my side in the shape of 'Mr Harry' whose eyes were popping out of his head in amazement.  He said "David - what's up with these people?" I tried to usher him away and whispered "They're asleep.." to which he replied "What's up - don't they like the show??"

I collapsed with laughter and tried to regain my composure and get on with the show which was now reaching the part where otherwise 'normal' people would be dancing round like ballerinas, playing instruments, getting hot, cold and fruity with each other!  The Greeks were now in a major state of confusion but loving every minute of this act - some of them were crossing themselves, convinced that they were witnessing some form of 'black magic' as Edwin steered his 'subjects' through a rollercoaster ride of different emotions and antics.  When they were brought round from their hypnosis, they had no idea of what they had been up to and it was left to their friends and family to tell them along with any photographs taken!  Edwin also helped a few people give up smoking although it normally needs a few intensive sessions of this unusual therapy to have a long lasting effect but it can work wonders with some people.

Another 'spesh' act arrived in Corfu and later in Tunisia in the form of a lovely entertainer by the name of Trevor Little - his stage name jokingly contradicting his large frame!

Trevor Little

Trevor was another very experienced entertainer who had worked the variety circuit- known as 'T.V.s Comedy Balloonist' and appearing on many top shows.  He was a great comedian as well as being able to manipulate balloons into all manner of strange shapes, so appealed to all ages.  I kept in touch with him for some years after, and visited him and wife Joan in Barnet where they lived for many years.  We swapped loads of gags and laughs for ages and I found him to be one of the nicest people you could meet as well as recommending me to a few London based agents when I was living there.  Trevor sadly died a few years ago and I have fond memories of his very funny act, including the line when he got stopped by the police on routine breathalyser patrol and was asked to 'blow in the bag'  Trevor replied "Sure- what do you want -  a dog, a snake a giraffe.....?"  He was also in demand on the after dinner speaking circuit as a great storyteller apart from his gift in balloon modelling.

Although he mainly worked a family act, Trevor could also crank it up and often appeared on 'Gentlemens Evenings' where they expect stronger material and he went down very well on these shows too.  I recall asking if he used any of his balloon moulding act on these nights and he replied "Yes - but I use condoms instead!!"  He also mentioned never having done his act on radio -funny man and much missed.

EDDIE BUCHANAN

A very versatile entertainer who had learnt his trade in his native North East with a great voice mixed with very funny stand-up comedy.  Again, bringing real variety to any stage and he enjoyed his visit to Corfu, which made quite a change to the Newcastle club circuit.  Once again, another entertainer who is no longer with us as I understand he passed away a few years ago and at a fairly young age.  Like many artistes, one who could have made it big but never had the lucky break that might have seen him become more well known - but that's showbusiness!   

No - not Charlie Chaplin!!

Ronnie Collis

Ronnie was another versatile act and covered comedy as well as a nice little routine with  a tribute to one of the greatest clowns of all time as above.  With a flickering strobe effect, he captured the visual aspect of Charlie Chaplin with a mix of the funny walk and little slapstick routine that was also enjoyed by the Greeks in the audience!  A universal appeal and another nice chap to have known.

Like Pat Mooney, we also had some laughs with Ronnie as (yet again) his surname is very close to another Greek swearword and I'll leave it to you to find out!

Michael Bailey

Another terrific act that appealed to foreign audiences as well - Michael Bailey, one of the UKs top magicians who has appeared all over the world and on many top television shows.  Slick magic tricks and illusions mixed with very funny patter went down very well on his show as well as entertaining a few hotel staff with close-up magic throughout the daytime.  They were gobsmacked and amazed at these card tricks, disappearing objects and much more.  You could see many of them cross themselves, thinking that these 'powers' came from a heathen source!  Michael has also been president of the Magic Circle of Great Britain and one of the most respected entertainers in this field as well as being a much sought after adviser for film and television companies amongst many more spheres of entertainment.

Wout Steenhuis

Wout Steenhuis - one of the finest multi-instrumentalists in the world!   This friendly Dutch entertainer was well known throughout the Sixties all over Europe and was a firm favourite with UK audiences too.  He played a variety of instruments but mainly guitars and was a joy to work with as well as impressing the resident musicians who backed our shows overseas.

He also taught me a few more Dutch phrases, which I have never forgot and still trot them out when the situation arises!

Charlie Williams

One of the funniest entertainers and star of 'The Comedians' who sadly died recently and is much missed by many fans.  Black comedian with the broadest Barnsley accent and cheeky grin as he knocked out loads of gags - many of which would have the modern day PC brigade in fits of revolution, unlike Charlie's audiences who were always in fits of laughter!  He was a joy to meet and to to work with, as well as spending time in chatting to so many holidaymakers through the whole week.

His show packed the main showlounge and I still recall his opening line "Eeeh - I like it over - it's full of darkies!!"  Funny funny man and the perfect example of defusing any racial differences by making fun of it all - isn't it strange how tastes have changed thanks to the political agendas and media manipulation that has helped divide people.  Charlie was a great ambassador and did much more for our diverse culture than any of the trendy lefties who keep spouting on about this brand of comedy.  I recall having a good chat with him about this very subject and he just laughed it off in his customary fashion and straight talking no nonsense Northern way.

Another very funny black comedian, from the same TV show paid a visit and loved every bit of it.

Sammy Thomas

Trademark cigar and a great Northern accent in a similar style to Charlie Williams but with a different cheeky personality that had people in stitches.

The DeMilles

A real 'spesh' comedy double act featuring 'Reuben the Strong Man' assisted by wife Beryl.   Another superb act from the days of variety and very funny to see how this muscleman was upstaged by his sidekick as she was the one that tore up telephone books and bent iron bars!   Reuben is sadly no longer with us and I still laugh to think of watching them in action as well as meeting up a few years after working with them overseas.

Barry Craine

Barry Craine - a very versatile all rounder with comedy, songs and much more.  Also a recognisable face on many TV adverts over the years - I'm sure he looks familiar to you!

Betty Smith

Betty Smith - a real trouper who had played saxophone with many top bands as well as carving out a solo career.  Lovely lady with a great personality and played some great music in between some funny patter as well - you rarely see such variety acts these days. She was a great musician and funny with it - very well known respected artiste who worked with many of the top stars throughout the 60s/70s and beyond.

Ivor Owen

Ivor Owen - a very funny comedian of the 'old school' variety era from Essex.  Good stand-up comedy plus the ukelele kept audiences laughing over the years and his son Danny Owen has had a very good career although I haven't heard much about him of late (think he had a name change)   Ivor also recommended that I join Equity back in 1975 and acted as a reference too!

John Morgan- talented keyboard/vocals from the West Country.

If you can't read his autograph - a lovely quote:

"May the goats never propagate on the tombs of thy ancestors"

Johnny More - One of the top impressionists from TVs

"Who Do You Do"  Very slick act and worked all over the world

Johnny 'Legs' Burton

A very funny comedian from the North East with a great mobile face that had them laughing as soon he walked onstage!   Very infectious comedy style and a really nice chap too.  I was working in Minehead back in 2005 and discovered that the venue was managed by Johnny's daughter!  She gave me his phone number and Johnny was gobsmacked to hear from me after so many years.  He is also well chuffed to know that he joins this list of artistes with whom I worked back in the Seventies.

Alvis & O'Dell

Tunisia 1975 - Can you imagine what a stir this great double drag act caused when they arrived!  The locals had seen nothing like it, although the country has always been a fairly relaxed place in stark contrast to many Arab states!  This hilarious London duo had the audiences in stitches and they really had to water down their usual material as used on the drag scene around the capital.  Likewise - they were followed by another couple of funny drag guys know as:

The Dumbelles

These two caused a riot around the hotel and local Arab markets, cracking gags and camping it up to the limit!  It was also a new experience for many holidaymakers of all nationalities who were not used to drag acts at that time back in the Seventies but were soon won round by these funny guys and larger than life personalities

Bob Monkhouse

People often ask me "Who is your favourite comedian?"  Tough question as I like different types of comedy but the much missed Bob Monkhouse reigns supreme for me and many other entertainers.  I was lucky enough to have worked as a support act when he appeared at Butlins Pwllhelli during my summer season in 1974 and met him a few years later when I appeared as a winning contestant on "Wipeout" which he hosted.  Great guy - very friendly and helpful.

Roy Castle

Again - another billtopper throughout the 1974 Butlins season and one of the nicest people in the business.  Great all rounder with gags, trumpet, drums and much more.  I did a few early cabaret spots in the main show lounge on several big show nights apart from my own lounge gig at the Coronation Bar (see other pages) and Roy often popped in for a quiet drink before his late show.  He was very complimentary as regards my solo vocal comedy act which covered the whole evening and we managed a few chats in between.  Roy was a victim of passive smoking in the old smoky clubs of yesteryear, not helped by his musical act which needed massive intakes of breath to blow the trumpet and other instruments.   He died from lung cancer as a direct result, and I've often thought myself lucky not to have had the same problems after a lifetime in the business, although we have just seen a total ban on smoking in public places. Sadly too late for the dear Roy Castle.......

Ken Dodd

The most amazing act in the business and still at it after so many years with legendary shows all over the UK.  His stage act often lasts for two to three hours of nonstop comedy and songs etc.  Quite an eccentric character on and offstage but one of the funniest acts you could wish for.

photograph courtesy Thames Television

Ken Rose-Opportunity Knocks 1975

I first met Liverpool comedian Ken Rose back in 1981/82 as he was one of the regular visiting cabaret acts at the Royal Lido Ballroom in Prestatyn North Wales where I was the resident comedian/compere.  Very funny guy and known as 'The Man in the Suitcase' which has also been mirrored in my own act as I carry a load of props and gimmicks that keep the audience guessing at what might come next!

Great stand-up patter man and very visual act which then launched into his well known 'German' routine as seen above.  Thanks to the emergence of PC (yawn) this type of act would be difficult in these modern times as it might 'offend' certain people!  Many will recall how Freddie Starr's hilarious routine as a phoney Hitler had everybody laughing in the aisles just a few years ago and was only an act - part of the inter-racial banter that has gone on for centuries. Ironically, very few people seem to forget that Basil Fawlty's 'German' episode was, and still is one of the funniest acceptable clips some 30 odd years later!  There is also a widespread knowledge that Freddie 'borrowed' Ken Rose's routine from the Sixties although several acts have featured similar ideas - not forgetting fellow Scouser Stan Boardman who also established himself with his cheeky Scouse humour plus having a go at 'dem Geeermans'  Back in the 80s, I also included a Freddie Starr 'Adolf' routine and never had any problems with it - even from the odd German in the audience! 

The photo shows Ken on Opportunity Knocks - sneaking up on Hughie Green!  Shame he was wearing all black against the dark background

  Paper Lace (light suits) with Carlo Santana in black         Next to Ken on the right is 'poet' Pam Ayres and singer Tony Monopoly

Ken Rose 'retired' from the comedy game a few years ago but now runs a very successful entertainments agency in the North West so bringing years of experience into play as he knows exactly what the client wants.  He is currently  having a new website under construction but can be contacted on:

0151 648 3332

His son Bernard is a well established professional commercial photographer and has a superb website with loads of terrific Liverpool photos and much more:

http://www.bernardrosephotography.co.uk/home.php

That's it for the moment - I hope you have enjoyed more of my many memories over the years  and I look forward to hearing from you with anything you might have read on this or other webpages. 

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©David St John 2007