Bill Pertwee (1926–2013)

A book which anybody with an interest in the flowering of British comedy in the post war years needs to read. This is a wonderful examination of the stars who came through ENSA,CSE, etc. but, this is more: it tells of less famous names too. It is a history of men and women, many already passed on, and the rest nearly so, who took entertainment to some pretty hairy places during WW II.

I have often pondered the reasons behind the amazing number, and quality, of comedians coming from this period and Bill Pertwee gives the best answer that I have, so far, come across. Bill points out that war consists of periods of intense action lost in great oceans of boredom. The powers that be were aware of this and encouraged the setting up of concert parties, etc. to entertain the troops and prevent disaffection.

This book is filled with potted biographies of the famous (Spike Milligan, Ian Carmichael, Janet Brown, Jimmy Perry - to name but a few) and also the stars who have been forgotten and the behind the scenes men, without whom these shows could not function. Over the years, a fallacy has grown up as to the easy time that these skivers had: not so. These parties were often sent close to the front and took tremendous risks.

Bill Pertwee's timing was excellent: many of these chaps were still alive and willing to talk to a fellow pro. This book could not be written now - and thank goodness that Bill did so and at the right time!… (mais)

As a follow up to 'The Triumph of Pierrot' , I am sure that, were I to know him, even Bill Pertwee would admit to a reduced intellectual level. The book does, however, take the story a little further as far as Britain is concerned. I live on the coast very close to Great Yarmouth and the British seaside resort seems to have stopped progressing in 1960. The story of beach entertainment recalls the halcyon days for these towns and the links to the Commedia dell'Arte are there for all to see.
The style of Pertwee's book is much less professorial and more based upon loving reminiscences. It is no less valuable as a source document for that and the lavish use of black and white photographs - all relevant - means that a mere 96 pages make this invaluable.… (mais)