Al Read
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Al Read (3 March 1909–9 September 1987) was a famous British radio comedian active throughout the 1950s and 60s.
He was born in Broughton, Salford, Lancashire and was a sausage maker in his father's business. He became known as a popular after dinner speaker with wry and well observed humour in clubs. In 1950 Al had his radio debut on the BBC. His comedy was based around the monologue form, but he also became known for dialogues in which he played both voices. His humour was observational and was about northern English working class people, often in a domestic situation.
The Al Read Show was one of the most popular radio comedy shows in the UK in the 1950s and 1960s. Up to 35 million people listened to it each week. His catchphrases 'Right Monkey' and 'You'll be lucky, I say you'll be lucky!' were well known. In 1963 he headed a variety format for ITV called Life and Al Read which was apparently unscripted and was broadcast live. In 1966 another ITV series called 'Al Read Says What a Life!' was broadcast. He also worked extensively on the variety stage. It was generally considered that sound radio was his best medium.
In 1954 he appeared high on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium. In 1959 he appeared with comedian Jimmy Clitheroe in the Royal Northern Variety Performance, in the presence of the Queen Mother, at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The introduction to his radio show was usually "Al Read: introducing us to ourselves"; and he himself described his work as 'pictures of life'. His monologues were certainly very perceptive about the human condition, and also very witty. Many of his monologue recordings are still available from the BBC.
[edit] The Al Read Show
Surviving editions held by BBC Sound Archives:
| First Broadcast | Repeated | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1954-11-25 | 2004.07.04 2005.03.13 2006.04.30 2007.06.24 2008.01.06 |
• Dad! Dad! Is that Al Read? He's a classic comedy act isn't he, Dad? Vintage humour from November 1954, isn't it, Dad? |
| 1955-01-25 | No repeat | |
| 1955-11-15 | 2004.07.11 2005.03.20 2006.05.07 2007.07.01 2008.01.13 |
• The sausage maker from Salford turned king of the comedy catchphrase stars in this episode from 1955. • The sausage maker from Salford turned king of the comedy catchphrase stars in this episode first broadcast in 1955. |
| 1966-02-06 | 1998.11.12 2004.07.18 2005.03.27 2006.05.14 2007.07.08 2008.01.20 |
• The sausage maker from Salford turned king of the comedy catchphrase stars in this episode, first broadcast in 1966. • Starring the sausage maker from Salford turned king of the comedy catchphrase! First broadcast in 1966. |
| 1995-10-00 | 1998.11.26 2004.07.25 2005.04.03 2006.05.21 2007.07.15 2008.01.27 |
• Al Read with all you ever needed to know about health, courting, marriage, kids and football! • Al Read with all you ever needed to know about health, courting, marriage, kids and football, from the northern comic's monologues of the 1950s. |
| 1995-10-00 | 1998.12.03 2004.08.01 2005.04.10 2006.05.28 2007.07.22 2008.02.03 |
• Ken Bruce introduces the Northern comic's monologues. Al's efforts to relax are thwarted by his wife. From October 1995. • Arriving home late, Al's efforts to relax are thwarted by his wife. |
| 1995-10-00 | 1998.12.10 2004.08.08 2005.04.17 2006.06.04 2007.07.29 2008.02.10 |
• Right Monkey! A collection of Al Read's 1950s monologues. Al lifts the lid off horse racing. Compiled in October 1995. • Ken Bruce introduces the Northern comic's monologues. Al takes a peek inside the world of horse racing. From October 1995. |
| 1995-10-00 | 1998.12.17 2004.08.15 2005.04.24 2006.06.11 2007.08.05 2008.02.17 |
• Classic comedy from Salford's favourite son. Al Read looks at the very British institutions of hospitals, the post office and noisy neighbours. • Al Read looks at the very British institutions of hospitals, the Post Office and noisy neighbours. From December 1998. |
| 1995-10-00 | 1998.12.24 2004.08.22 2005.05.01 2006.06.18 2007.08.12 2008.02.24 |
• Al Read gives his views on the fire brigade, the joys of driving and the morning after the night before. From December 1998. • Al Read casts his observant eye over the fire brigade, the joys of driving and the morning after the night before. |
[edit] References
- Papillon Graphics Encyclopaedia of Greater Manchester,2002
- BBC.co.uk Guide to Comedy
- RadioListings.co.uk episode guide
