Thursday 25 February 2010

STAN AND OLLY

In 1952, during the week commencing Monday 21st July, the Queens Theatre in West Parade, Rhyl, presented the last really big names to play that venue. Stan Laurel (1890-1965) and Oliver Hardy (1892-1957) were the world’s best known comedy double act and had been making films together for three decades.

At the time of their Queens appearance they were past the peak of their careers but still masters of simple comedy. Illustrated above is the front cover of the souvenir programme, a cherished possession of George Owen.

Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy topped the bill in what would have been a routine variety show of the era. The audience had to sit through singing sisters (twice), a singing cartoonist then an aerial act, ventriliquist, 'oriental’ magician, animal mimic and then a pair of accordion players before the famous duo took the stage.

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