Johnnie Casson
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Johnnie Casson (born 23 April 1943 in Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England) is a genuine comedian. Best known to British Television viewers for his appearances on ITV's The Comedians and his many guest spots on Des O'Connor Tonight where he displayed to the nation his down to earth story telling of life itself.
[edit] Early Career
Every day Johnnie would catch three buses from his native Halifax to get to the Bradford school. On his way home Johhnie would often drop in on the Alhambra and other city centre theatres to catch acts like Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, and Eddie Cochran strut their stuff.It was these experiences that encouraged him to take up the drums and join a show band called The Crestas once he’d left school.
With the very popular "Cresters" John supported The Beatles on their first tour of Scotland, and worked every major cabaret venue, of which there were many in the 60's & 70's. Places such as Batley Variety Club, Wakefield Theatre Club, Ceasers Palace, The Maltings, where they backed Tammy Wynette on several TV specials. With The Cresters he appeared regularly on TV shows such as Cliff Richard & Friends and gaining an army of fans when the band were selected for a long residency on Granada TV. It was whilst working on the cabaret circuit that Johnnie found he was not only a talened drummer but also had a great skill in delivering comedy. The comedy gradually became more popular than the music and in 1984, whilst on a family holiday at Butlins Holiday Camp, his wife entered him into that weeks talent contest. Johnnie won hands down which meant a free holiday to appear in the regional finals, which he again won. The grand final was held at the famous London Palladium and John was again the judges choice. Following this, and a winning slot on Hughie Green's Opportunity Knocks, Johnnie decided it was time to break from the group set off on the road as a solo stand up comedian.
[edit] TV Highlights
1987 ITV “Summer Time Special” 1992 ITV “The New Comedians” (Featured in all five shows) ITV “Celebrity Squares”. 1993 BBC1 “Rock With Laughter” ITV “Comedians Christmas Cracker” 1995 ITV “Talking Telephone Numbers” GRANADA/LWT “Live From The Lillydrome “ SKY ONE “Stand & Deliver” 1996 BBC 1 "Gag-Tag" (at the personal request of Bob Monkhouse) SKY ONE "Stand & Deliver” ITV "Des O'Connor Tonight", “Talking Telephone Numbers” 1998 ITV “Des O’Connor Tonight”, “Bruce Forsyth's 70th Birthday Live from the London Palladium” "Des O Connor Tonight”(again) CHANNEL 5 “Jack Docherty Show” 1999 ITV “Des O’Connor Tonight” CHANNEL 5 “Big Stage” 2000 ITV “Tonight at the London Palladium” BBC 1 “Jim Davidson Presents” BBCTV “Money In The Bank” 2001 ITV “Des O’Connor Christmas Show” 2002 - 2006 ITV "Des & Mel" (6 appearance) 2007 C4 "Countdown" (Dictionary Corner"
