Biographies

Dudley Moore

Dudley Moore

Dudley Moore

Dudley Moore was an exceptional entertainer who had the ability to act, sing, play the piano, compose his own music and - most importantly, make people laugh. A leading figure in the satire boom that swept Britain in the 1960s, his all-round body of work left behind a lasting legacy.

Morecambe and Wise

Morecambe and Wise

Morecambe and Wise

Eric and Ernie spent over thirty years together perfecting their act, and their act was as near perfect as any comedian or double act has ever achieved. In the BBC's 1996 anniversary poll, viewers voted Morecambe and Wise as 'The Best Light Entertainment Performers of All Time'.

Peggy Mount

Peggy Mount

Peggy Mount

To many people, the name Peggy Mount will immediately conjure up an image of the ultimate battleaxe; a loud booming voice, a more than ample figure, a caricature in the best seaside postcard tradition. Yet behind this public image lay a very private person.

Sydney Newman

Sydney Newman

Sydney Newman

When Sydney Newman came to England from his native Canada in 1958, no one could have predicted that he would become one of the most influential programme makers of the 1960's

Dandy Nichols

Dandy Nichols

Dandy Nichols

'One of the best and most subtle scene stealers in the business. She could fascinate just by making the most fleeting adjustment to her spectacles or the most furtive sideways glance.'

Des O'Connor

Des O'Connor

Des O'Connor

There are very few stars from television’s golden age who instantly put a smile on your face. As talented as the likes of Bob Monkhouse and Bruce Forsyth were, one person probably eclipsed them...

Geoffrey Palmer actor

Geoffrey Palmer

Geoffrey Palmer actor

Geoffrey Palmer perfected the art of keeping a sullen look and yet maximising laughter in gentle comedies like Butterflies and As Time Goes By, in the chaos of Fawlty Towers or in joining a new breed of comedians in a cameo on Blackadder Goes Forth

Val Parnell

Val Parnell

Val Parnell

By the late 1940s Val Parnell had established himself as one of Britain's foremost theatre managers and impresarios. Through his association with Lew Grade he was also instrumental in the popularisation of television following the launch of ITV in 1955.

Nicholas Parsons

Nicholas Parsons

Nicholas Parsons

In a remarkably long career, Nicholas Parsons was also one half of a hugely successful comedy double act, held down an extended run in West End theatre, and was a successful host on both radio and television.