Wake Up At The Back There

<p><em>‘‘ Jimmy Edwards was a Great British Entertainer ’</em>’ Ken Dodd</p><p><em>‘‘ Not merely a peculiarly British comedian but an authentic English character  ’’</em> The Times</p><p>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.</p>