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Askey, Arthur Bowden, 1900 - 1982

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 6 June 1900 - 16 November 1982

Biography

Arthur Bowden Askey, CBE was an English comedian and actor.

Arthur was born on 6 June 1900 at Dingle, Liverpool and attended St. Michael's Council School and the Liverpool Institute for Boys until 1916, when he was called up to serve in the armed forces during the First World War. During his war service Arthur, who had a natural sense of humour and an uncanny ability to improvise started to take part in army entertainments.

Upon his release from service, Arthur worked as a clerk for Liverpool Corporation's Education Department while he was also performing on music halls. In 1938 he became widely known in England through his BBC Radio show Band Waggon where Arthur paired up with Richard ‘Stinker’ Murdoch to provide the comedy sketches, which soon became the dominant feature of the show.

Although Arthur had started his acting career in 1937 it was his appearance in Band Wagon that really launched him into the film and television limelight. During the Second World War Arthur starred in several comedy films and BBC Radio programmes.

Arthur enjoyed a long career in film, television, radio and the variety and music hall scene expanding until his death on 16 November 1982.

Arthur was awarded an O.B.E in 1969 and a C.B.E in 1981 for his services to entertainment.

Found in 7 Collections and/or Records:

Charles Taylor Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0069
Scope and Contents

The Charles Taylor collection is a fine example of Taylor’s of Wombwell printers’ posters, which highlight changes in printing techniques, fashion and taste within the popular entertainment industry. Included are examples of posters for pantomimes, fairs and circuses. The collection also contains handbills and other advertising material.

Dates: c1937 - 1989

Pavillion Theatre Bournemouth Poster, 10 April 1979

 Item
Reference code: 178R11.182
Scope and Contents

Arthur Askey Show. Red and purple type on yellow background.

Dates: 10 April 1979

Posters, c1937 - 1989

 Series
Reference code: 178R11
Scope and Contents

A collection of posters printed by Taylor's of Wombwell for music hall and variety, circus, pantomime and fairgrounds.

Dates: c1937 - 1989

Spring Show '78 Poster, Week commencing 10 April 1978

 Item
Reference code: 178R11.606
Scope and Contents

Theatre Royal, Nottingham. Arthur Askey, Peter Cavanagh, Van Buren and Company, Reed and Delroy, Adelaide Hall, Wally Dunn, Bob and Alf Pearson. Red and blue type on white background and illustration.

Dates: Week commencing 10 April 1978

Theatre Royal Nottingham Poster, 8 May 1978

 Item
Reference code: 178R11.197
Scope and Contents

Big Hearted Arthur Askey in ‘Those Golden Years of Music Hall’. Red, blue and black with curtains.

Dates: 8 May 1978

Those Golden Years of Music Poster, Week commencing 8 May 1978

 Item
Reference code: 178R11.605
Scope and Contents

Theatre Royal, Nottingham. Arthur Askey, Peter Cavanagh, Van Buren and Company, Reed and Delroy, Adelaide Hall, Wally Dunn, Bob and Alf Pearson. Red and blue type on white background and illustration.

Dates: Week commencing 8 May 1978

Variety and Music Hall Poster Printed by Taylor's of Wombwell, c1950 - 1989

 Sub-Series
Reference code: 178R11.150-214, 178R11.250
Scope and Contents

Variety and Music Hall poster printed by Taylor's of Wombwell, including pantomimes and wrestling shows in theatre venues.

Dates: c1950 - 1989

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 6
Collection 1
 
Subject
Acrobats 2
Aerialists 2
Amusement rides 2
Animal trainers 2
Animals 2