With Tommy Cooper

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 Plan, 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 continues working, even though he is over 80, 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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Dear Eric Sykes always comes across to me as a gentle, kind and lovable man. His wit belongs to the old school of masters and, with The Plank there for posterity, Eric's warm brand of humour is surely guaranteed a long shelf-life.

[Anon], July 2004

Eric Sykes is a comic genius and one of, if not THE, best comedians this country has seen. It's time for his work, in script writing, films and television to be recognised in the Honours List.

S Gill, June 2004

I just want to say that the black-and-white version of The Plank has given many of my students in Burma over the last seven years a taste of real comedy.

Ian Carter, January 2004

Why isn't he Sir Eric? He is the best of British comedy and at last people seem to be appreciating this. Long may he reign

Anne M, January 2004

Something of the qualities that Eric Sykes brings to comedy, is evident in his understanding of the genius or otherwise of fellow comedians. Read his observations of the real class of Cooper, Howerd, Askey, Ray, Edwards, Jacques et al. The depth of the observation reveals the depth of the man. A remarkable comic talent bound in a wonderful Englishman.

Steffan Hughes, December 2003

One of the best, a delightful person with a wonderful observer's view of life.

Brian Miller, November 2003

Eric Sykes is one of this countries living legends. His creativity in entertainment is fantastic - his style of comedy is sadly missed on television today.

Mark, August 2003

I would rate Eric Sykes as my all-time favourite British comedian, just edging out Tony Hancock. I was fortunate to see him live with Jimmy Edwards in Big Bad Mouse, as well as owning all three versions of The Plank and Mr H Is Late, which has a coffin instead of Plank. Eric Sykes style of comedy is funny, what more can I say, he creates situations and involves his whole body as well as facial expressions. Modern comedians couldn't do silent comedy like the Plank. I enjoy listening to Educating Archie, The Goons and other shows he was involved in. I hope more of his TV series and other shows are released.

Ian Grieve, July 2003

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