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On The Likes Of Sykes

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Like many comics of his generation Sykes was introduced to showbusiness while in the RAF.

On demob, he tried to forge a career in comedy - but found very litttle work. Until, by luck, he met Flight Lieutenant Bill Fraser, a friend from his National Service days who was enjoying some success on the London stage.

Bill asked Eric if he would write for him, and he quickly found himself in demand behind the typewriter, producing scripts for Fraser and Frankie Howerd.

He was soon writing for hit BBC radio shows such as Educating Archie and Variety Bandbox. In 1948 he began working for TV, one of the fledgling medium's first scriptwriters.

Sykes appeared in a number of variety shows on TVs, including the 1955 spoof pantomime Pantomania, while still writing for other acts, including Peter Sellers and Stanley Unwin..

It was in these early days that Eric developed hearing problems, which would eventually make him almost totally deaf.

His fame shot up, though, in 1960, when he created, with Alf Garnett writer Johnny Speight, the first series of his sitcoms, playing a bumbling proud but character Eric who lived with his formidable 'sister' Hattie Jacques. The show would last two decades, (and two titles) except for a seven-year break from 1965, and produce 128 episodes until Hattie's death in 1980.

During the run of the sitcom, Sykes was involved in a number of other projects, including the now controversial Curry and Chips opposite a blacked-up Spike Milligan.

Most famous of these other projects was the 1967 silent The Plank, revolving entirely around the mishaps caused by a man carrying a large plank - an idea that originally germinated in an episode of Sykes.

His humour was always gentle and warm-hearted, and he had little time for later generations.

Skyes continued working, well into his eighties, starring in the acclaimed Nicole Kidman movie The Others, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire and in the West End farce Caught In The Net.

CV

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I have WALLOWED in Eric's choice for Radio 7's programmes today! Thanks Sir Eric. We share the same birth year!Brilliant harvest year for future wit!

Chris Russell Nicholls, March 2010

One of the best autobiographies I have ever read, but please, if it is reprinted, correct the spelling of The Lady Eleanor Holles School.

Rose Yvon, December 2007

I agree with all that's been so far said. It's a terrific book so funny at times that i often found myself chuckling with people wondering what's going on. I love the constant references to the "sucker punch" so damned true. Shame this sort of humour isnt put back on the screen again instead of some of the barrage of so called comedy that we have now.

Mike Howels, January 2007

I have just finished reading Eric's autobiography. I'm sorry that the book ended, I throughly enjoyed it. I laughed and I cried. Well done Eric, highly recommended

John Gridley, August 2006

To get a knighthood these days, its who you know and if your face fits, never mind the talent. When you think about how long it took Norman Wisdom to get his knighthood I am not suprised that a great comedian and scriptwriter, has not received the recognition that he deserves. Making a great number of people laugh without being coarse and having to resort to using bad language, which seems the norm in tnis day and age

G. Edwards, April 2006

I grew up watching and listening to Eric Sykes and I was glad to see him in 'The Others' on TV the other night.He is a brilliant comic genius and long may he continue,

Gab Rue, April 2006

Eric Sykes should be Sir Eric Sykes. Like millions of others,I grew up with the comedy of Eric and Hattie.I was born in Oldham too,and his book:"If I don't..." takes me back to, yes,t he good old days. Days when comedy was comedy without the smut they have today.Thank you,, Sir Eric, for the joy and laughter you have given over the years,and may you continue to do so.

Jon Walne, February 2006

I, too, have just finished Mr Sykes'autobiography. Throughout the book I heard his voice reading it to me- reminding me of the great radio programmes that were part of my chidhood and the television that followed( thanks to the ABC).I fondly recall his stage performance in our city on an Australian tour. Mr Sykes' book reminds us that comedy genius lasts a lifetime and our lives have been enriched by his talent.

Ross Challender, Tasmania, February 2006

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