Kenneth Grahame, author of "The Wind in the Willows", also worked as a secretary at the Bank of England.
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The United Kingdom has given us some of the world's greatest comedy acts from the heroes of the silent black and white movies such as Laurel and Hardy up to the colourful dress (and language) of Billy Connelly the UK has had a clown for every generation.
The English sense of humour is world renowned and it is said that it is their ability to laugh at themselves that makes them so funny. During the dark days of World Wars I & II it was often humour that kept the troops going, with visits from such people as Bob Hope. Back home in London England comedy was used to make light of the situation and to keep the civilian spirits up.
Flanagan and Allen were a popular music and comedy double act of wartime music halls. (Bud) Flanagan and (Chesney) Allen sang songs of humour about everyday life and everyday folk with one of their most popular and well known songs being "Underneath the Arches" (which was later recorded by the Andrews Sisters). During the war many civilians took shelter in London's underground stations where locals entertained themselves while the bombs fell above. Later WWII was the subject of a famous John Cleese sketch in his television series "Faulty Towers" which focused upon Basil's repetition of "Don't mention the war" during a visit by some German Tourists to his hotel.
Cities across the UK have brought forth numerous comedy acts such as Morecambe and Wise who started their careers in the music halls, progressed to radio and then television. The duo were popular during the 1960's and reached their peak in the 1970's with their final show in christmas 1983. Liverpool is also widely known for having a sense of humour, the Beatles often joked during interviews and, during the 1960's comedians such as Ken Dodd and Jimmy Tarbuck brought the house down.
Nearly every city in the United Kingdom has a selection of extremely popular comedy venues which are well attended and offer a massive selection of acts. The annual Edinburgh Fringe festival is one of the most important comedy events of the year. Each year the number of comedy shows increase and it now offers well in excess of 700 shows with a great many more acts to be seen performing on the street. Virtually everyone involved in the U. K.'s humour industry has, at some time, been involved in the Fringe.
Another popular comedy event is the annual Comedy Awards at The London Studios on London's South Bank. Each year a number of comedy awards are given to various acts in a number of categories such as Best new TV comedy and Top TV newcomer and Top radio comedy. Although it is mainly British acts that are awarded there are, sometimes, international categories such as the International Lifetime Achievement Award and the award for the best international show.
Today London is the place to enjoy humour with numerous venues and excellent clubs such as The Comedy Store in Soho. The Comedy Store is styled after the those found in the USA and was an extremely popular venue during the 1980's with many of the greatest "alternative comedians" such as Ben Elton and Alexei Sayle appearing regularly during their early careers.
Other popular London comedy venues include the Laughing Horse, The Brixton Comedy Club (January 2008), The Pear Shaped Comedy Club, The Corner Store and more.
London Humour Links:
The Comedy Store
Official site for London's Comedy Store, with full listings for both the London and Manchester clubs.
Other Humour Links:
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