Wake Up At The Back There: It's Jimmy Edwards

Synopsis

'' Jimmy Edwards was a Great British Entertainer '' Ken Dodd

'' Not merely a peculiarly British comedian but an authentic English character  '' The Times

Comedians in 20th Century Britain might well be divided into two categories: those who gained international fame, particularly in the United States, and those whose comedic style was so resolutely British, so insular that recognition beyond the shores of their native land was as incomprehensible as some, or perhaps much, of their humor. In the former category are those whose fame in the United States far outreached anything that might have been accomplished in the United Kingdom -- with the obvious examples being Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel, as well, and to a lesser extent, the likes of Terry-Thomas and Norman Wisdom. The resolutely British brigade includes brilliant stand-up comedian Ken Dodd, screwed-up magician Tommy Cooper, the stars of the "Carry On" films, Bud Flanagan, Chesney Allen and the other members of the "Crazy Gang," and those who made an easy transition from British music hall, in its dying days, to radio and/or television, including Tony Hancock, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, Harry Worth, Hylda Baker, Bruce Forsyth, Ted Ray, and, of course, the "star" of this volume, Jimmy Edwards.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Jimmy Edwards
The first chapter of "Wake Up At The Back There: It's Jimmy Edwards" provides an overview of the beloved British comedian, Jimmy Edwards. It delves into his early life, his family background, and his entrance into the world of comedy.

Born in 1920, Jimmy Edwards grew up in a middle-class family in London, England. His father was a Customs and Excise officer and his mother was a homemaker. From a young age, Edwards showed a talent for acting and making people laugh. He attended various schools and studied law, but his true passion was always comedy.

Chapter 2: The War Years
In this chapter, the focus is on Edwards' experience during World War II. He served in the Royal Air Force and was stationed in North Africa and Italy. During this time, he continued to develop his comedic skills and put on shows for the troops. This chapter also explores the impact of the war on Edwards' personal life and how it shaped his future career.

For example, during his time in the war, Edwards met comedian Tony Hancock and the two became close friends. This friendship would later lead to them working together on the popular radio show "Hancock's Half Hour."

Chapter 3: Rise to Fame
After the war, Edwards returned to his love of comedy and joined the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). This opened the door for him to perform on stage and on radio programs such as "Educating Archie" and "Look Back in Laughter."

The chapter also discusses Edwards' big break when he was cast in the hit BBC radio show "Take It From Here" alongside other prominent comedians such as Jimmy Jewel and Dick Bentley. This show catapulted Edwards to fame and cemented his status as a comedic star.

Chapter 4: Television and Film Career
As television became more popular in the 1950s, Edwards made a successful transition from radio to television. He became a household name with his role as Headmaster in the sitcom "Whack-O!" and also starred in various films such as "Bottoms Up" and "Make Mine a Million."

This chapter also explores Edwards' personal life, including his marriage to Maureen Cotterill and his struggles with alcoholism. Despite these challenges, Edwards continued to excel in his career and entertain audiences with his unique brand of humor.

Chapter 5: Later Years and Legacy
The final chapter of the book focuses on Edwards' later years and his lasting impact on British comedy. It discusses his roles in stage productions such as "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and "The Mikado."

It also delves into Edwards' charity work, particularly his involvement with the British actor's charity, the Grand Order of Water Rats. The chapter ends with a reflection on Edwards' legacy and impact on comedy, with many comedians citing him as an inspiration.

Real-life Example:
One real-life example of Edwards' impact is the success of the British sitcom "Whack-O!", which ran for four series from 1956 to 1960. The show was a huge hit and drew in millions of viewers, making Edwards a household name. The show also spawned a spin-off film, further solidifying Edwards' status as a comedic star.

Another example is Edwards' impact on future generations of comedians. In a 2005 poll by the Radio Times, Edwards was voted as one of the top ten funniest comedians of all time, alongside big names such as Charlie Chaplin and John Cleese. His unique style of humor and ability to make audiences laugh has influenced countless comedians who continue to entertain audiences today.

In conclusion, "Wake Up At The Back There: It's Jimmy Edwards" provides an insightful and comprehensive look into the life of an iconic comedian. From his humble beginnings to his rise to fame and lasting legacy, this book celebrates Edwards' achievements and contributions to the world of comedy.