Nottingham born ventriloquist and comedian Mike Dennett, whose career spanned seven decades, passed away at the age of 82. He died peacefully at his home in Blackpool on 2 December 2024 after living in the town for 41 years, surrounded by loved ones following a short illness. A celebrated figure in the world of entertainment, Dennett was known for his sharp wit, stage presence, and enduring dedication to his craft. Born with a natural talent for performance, Dennett made his stage debut at just 10 years old at the Nottingham Empire, performing at Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy’s Christmas Party on 21 December 1952. This early start paved the way for a long and successful career in entertainment. He became a familiar face on the Blackpool circuit, regularly performing at the H&A Social Club, a venue he later described as the highlight of his career.
Dennett gained national recognition, appearing on television shows such as New Faces in the 1970s and Guys and Dolls in the 1980s. He was also featured in a BBC documentary on ventriloquism, where he showcased his act alongside his ventriloquist’s dummy, Chic—pronounced “chick.” His performances took him to major venues across the UK, including Blackpool Central Pier and the Sheffield Fiesta, and he even entertained audiences abroad in Benidorm. One of his most distinguished performances was in front of Prince Edward at a special event in Scotland. His legacy has been honoured at Blackpool’s Showtown museum, where one of his show posters is displayed alongside those of other entertainment greats, including Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage. Despite stepping away from performing at 78 due to ill health, his influence on the world of comedy and ventriloquism remained strong.
Dennett was deeply committed to charity work throughout his career, using his talents to raise money for various causes. His family is planning a fundraising event in his honour, with proceeds going to Trinity Hospice, which provided care for him in his final days. He is survived by his wife, Blackpool singer Darci Silver, with whom he shared 41 years in Blackpool. He had four children from his first marriage—Michael, Russell, Hayley, and Sophie—and three sons with Darci: David, Bill, and Scott. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
His funeral took place at Carlton Crematorium in Blackpool on 20 December, followed by a celebration of his life at the H&A Club, where he was a regular and beloved performer.
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Text source: BBC’swebsite
