THE UK CABARET CLUBLAND PAGE
Back in the day Clubland was a launch pad to success for some. Pub gigs led to working men’s club gigs, which led to variety club gigs and summer seasons. Telly or radio were then firmly within striking distance, for those who sought fame and fortune. Mark Ritchie remembers some of the greats from yesteryear who make their names in the then burgeoning club scene, before climbing a career ladder which now sadly does not seem to exist.
Jane McDonald started her career in the clubs. In fact, I was responsible for securing Jane her first agent. This artiste remains the only act in recent years to find stardom by taking this route.
Dukes and Lee were a family act, where even the mother-in-law of Ronnie Dukes featured on-stage as a sort of piano playing comedy stooge. Ronnie Dukes and his wife Rikki Lee found fame later on in life, after filling any club in the country, anytime and for a long time!
Harry Parker was a complete all-round entertainer, who was thought to be heading for stardom, after becoming probably the number one singer and comedian in the north of England.
Stan Richards found fame later on in life as an actor, playing a role in the TV soap Emmerdale. On-stage in the clubs, Stan gave comedy at the piano a whole new meaning, influencingmany who followed in his footsteps.
Marti Caine was a funny lady, with funny bones. She could sing too and Marti looked great on telly. I saw her just once on a Clubland stage and she just glittered!
Bernard Manning was a businessman, a philanthropist and a club owner. He was alsojust about the best joke-teller ever to come out of the clubs.
Roy Chubby Brown remains a controversial figure in comedy, but Chubby never means to offend. Telly would never touch him with a bargepole, but his fans adore him to this day!
Lorraine Crosby began in a Clubland band, before finding fame due to her work with rock superstar Meatloaf. We hear Lorraine now spends much of her working life entertaining on cruise ship stages.
Mike Read was working the clubs in London and the South east of England, before landing a break on the hit ITV show, The Comedians. Later Mike became a soap star in Eastenders and a film actor.
Charlie Williams was in the same class at school as my own late father. I was in the same class as his daughter Beverley. I knew Charlie, not well but I knew him. Comedian, TV game show host professional footballer, miner and perhaps the first funny black performer who emerged from the clubs where he began as a singer, using the name Mel Williams. A trailblazer for comedians such as Lenny Henry, who followed him, Charlie was much-loved.
We are always on the lookout for Clubland people who would like to write something of their own experiences for this page. If you have a Clubland story to tell, or if you would care to contribute a little more regularly, we want to Hear from you. Please e-mail the editor at mark.ritchie@ukcabaret.com
