Al Read b-3 March 1909 d-9 September 1987 a British wireless comedian active throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Read was born in Broughton, Salford, Lancashire UK and was a sausage maker and salesman in his father's business. He became known as a popular after-dinner speaker with wry and well-observed humour in clubs. In 1950 at the age of 40 Al Read made his radio début on the BBC His comedy was based around the monologue form, but he also became known for dialogues in which he played both voices. His humour was observational and was about the northern working class people of England, often in a domestic situation.
The Al Read Show was one of the most popular radio comedy shows in the UK in the 1950s and 1960s. Up to 35 million people listened to it each week. His catchphrases "Right Monkey" and "You'll be lucky, I say you'll be lucky!" were well known. He also worked extensively on the variety stage. It was generally considered that sound radio was his best medium.
In 1954 he appeared high on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance at the London Paladium. In 1959 he appeared with comedian Jimmy Clithero in the Royal Northern Variety Performance, in the presence of the Queen Mother.
The introduction to his radio show was usually "Al Read: introducing us to ourselves"; and he himself described his work as "pictures of life". His monologues were perceptive about the human condition, and many monologue recordings are still available from the BBC.
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You can find a number of pieces/show HERE
Paul