Wake Up At The Back There

‘‘âJimmy Edwards was a Great British Entertainerâ’’ Ken Dodd

‘‘âNot merely a peculiarly British comedian but an authentic English characterââ’’ The Times

Comedians in 20th Century Britain might well be divided into two categories: those who gained international fame, particularly in the United States, and those whose comedic style was so resolutely British, so insular that recognition beyond the shores of their native land was as incomprehensible as some, or perhaps much, of their humor. In the former category are those whose fame in the United States far outreached anything that might have been accomplished in the United Kingdom — with the obvious examples being Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel, as well, and to a lesser extent, the likes of Terry-Thomas and Norman Wisdom. The resolutely British brigade includes brilliant stand-up comedian Ken Dodd, screwed-up magician Tommy Cooper, the stars of the “Carry On” films, Bud Flanagan, Chesney Allen and the other members of the “Crazy Gang,” and those who made an easy transition from British music hall, in its dying days, to radio and/or television, including Tony Hancock, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, Harry Worth, Hylda Baker, Bruce Forsyth, Ted Ray, and, of course, the “star” of this volume, Jimmy Edwards.