Arthur Askey CBE
(1900-1982)

Died aged 82

Arthur Bowden Askey, CBE (6 June 1900 – 16 November 1982) was an English comedian and actor. Askey was known for his short stature (5' 2", 1.58 m) and distinctive horn-rimmed glasses, and his playful humour incorporating improvisation and catchphrases including "Hello playmates!", "I thank you" (pronounced "Ay-thang-yaw") and "Before your very eyes". Askey achieved prominence in the 1930s in the BBC's first radio comedy series Band Waggon and subsequently starred in several Gainsborough Pictures comedy films during the Second World War including Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt (1940) and The Ghost Train (1941). His novelty recordings for His Master's Voice include "The Bee Song" (1938), a lasting part of his act. From the 1950s, Askey was a prominent television presence and made regular appearances on the BBC's long-running music hall programme The Good Old Days. Askey was made an OBE in 1969 and a CBE in 1981; he continued to appear frequently on television, radio and the stage until his death in 1982.

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Commemorated on 2 plaques

Arthur Askey CBE 1900-1982 ???

Arthur Askey CBE 1900-1982 ??? [full inscription unknown]

BBC Radio Theatre Broadcasting House, London, United Kingdom where they was

In this building opened in 1910 as the Headgate Electric Theatre Arthur Askey CBE Comedian made his first professional appearance 31st March 1924

Former Cameo Cinema, St John's Street, Colchester, United Kingdom where they first appeared on the stage (1924)