Reid All About It
The non-politically correct comedy old guard is not exactly dropping like flies but it is certainly looking a tad wobbly. After the demise of Bernard Manning, Mike Reid has now gone to the Great Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club in the sky. Frank Carson and Jim Bowen must be feeling particularly nervous.
To many readers Reid will be forever known as dodgy EastEnder Frank Butcher, but he was previously a stand-up performer, a rare working class southerner among the ranks of northern comedians who graced ITV's The Comedians in the seventies. He always seemed more like a dodgy car dealer delivering market stall patter than a true gagsmith, so it was no surprise when he ended up dabbling in the Walford motor trade. Reid apparently died in Spain, which seems appropriate – he was Costa Del Sol through and through.
To me and others of my particular vintage, however, Reid made his name as the amiable if occasionally menacing host of Runaround. So what was he best at – banter merchant, kids' entertainer or soap star? What do you think? 3-2-1 R-r-r-r-r-Runaround....
First and foremost, Mike was an absolute gentleman, with impeccable manners, Mike would always stand when a lady left the table, open doors and always made you feel welcome. Mike was kind and caring, as a comedian, he was one of the greats, a fine actor and will sadly be missed by his family and friends.
Posted by: Colin Gamblin | 30/07/2007 at 10:48 AM
Tribute to Mike Reid
Mike Reid – Best of the Old School
Mike Reid
Best of the Old School,
Of stand up comedian.
The star of ‘The Comedians,’
Has gone to a far better place,
To the Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club
- Above.
I bet!
The comic giant,
With his Cockney catch phrase
'Terrific!' and 'Move Yer Arris'
Is making them laugh.
Keep them laughing
Up there,
Like you did
Down here.
Their again
Is our loss.
Khadim Hussain
Middlesbrough
Posted by: Khadim Hussain | 30/07/2007 at 09:48 PM
Poem inspired by the Children in Need appeal.
Children in Need
Snug in your
Central heated homes,
Think others living in cardboard boxes.
Turn down heating and donate money saved to
Children in Need.
What should I order an Indian, Chinese, pizza or kebab?
Some are starving –
Would be grateful for a piece of bread.
Have a sandwich and donate money saved to
Children in Need.
Wear expensive shoes
Some walk bare foot,
Designer clothing but some are in rags,
Share some and donate to
Children in Need.
For Friday night out
Are sixty or seventy pounds enough?
Have fewer drinks or miss restaurant meal,
Have a kebab and donate saved money to
Children in Need.
Stay in –
Enjoy the spectacle of Children in Need,
With Terry Wogan and the lovely Fearne Cotton.
Share a little and help smash last years total
Of £30 million
And put a smile on everyone’s face.
Posted by: Khadim Hussain | 17/11/2007 at 08:26 PM