Arthur Askey, CBE OBE, was one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, actors, and musicians, known for his quick wit, infectious energy, and enduring catchphrases. Askey was born at 29 Moses Street, Dingle, Liverpool, the eldest child and only son of Betsy (née Bowden), originally from Knutsford, Cheshire, and Samuel Askey, company secretary of Sugar Products of Liverpool. Six months after his birth, the family moved to 90 Rosslyn Street, Liverpool.
His connection to Blackpool ran deep, and in July 1955, he made a special appearance at the annual garden party at St Annes College for Girls. Askey not only performed the grand opening but also mingled with attendees, chatting and joining in on the festivities. Today, it may be hard to imagine a major celebrity attending a small community event like a garden party, but during the golden age of variety entertainment, such appearances were common—especially for stars spending the summer in Blackpool’s renowned theatre scene. Arthur Askey’s association with Blackpool began in 1939, when he made his debut at the iconic Blackpool Tower. Over the years, he became a regular fixture in the town’s theatres, playing summer seasons at The Grand Theatre, Opera House, and Palace Theatre. His performances extended beyond traditional venues, with appearances at The Tower Ballroom and ABC Theatre, cementing his place as a staple of Blackpool’s entertainment scene.
A master of multiple formats, Askey’s career spanned radio, variety shows, pantomime, and even comedy musicals. At the time of his 1955 garden party appearance, he was enjoying huge success with his live television programme, Before Your Very Eyes, named after one of his famous catchphrases. That same year, he had also performed in Blackpool at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance at the Opera House, reinforcing his status as one of the nation’s most celebrated entertainers. Despite his Liverpool roots, Askey considered Blackpool his second home, describing visits to the Fylde coast as a kind of homecoming. A passionate sports fan, he was an avid cricketer and golfer, with St Annes Old Links among his favourite courses. He was a proud supporter of Blackpool and its entertainment industry, returning to the town time and time again throughout his nearly 60-year career.
His final Blackpool summer season came in 1969 when he appeared as a guest star in a Val Doonican show at the Opera House. It was during this season that he received news of his OBE, a fitting tribute to a career that had brought joy to millions. Even as his health declined in later years, Askey continued to work, embodying the spirit of British variety entertainment until his passing in November 1982. A true comedy legend, Arthur Askey’s legacy lives on, not just in the history of British entertainment but in the fond memories of Blackpool audiences who saw him perform.
Additional Images © Grand Theatre
Background Image © Deeper Blue Marketing & Design Ltd
Text source: Blackpool Gazette’swebsite
