About this time every year, when I was a kid I had one mission in life to see Dave Allen's new years eve show on BBC 2.
Dave Allen came into the world as David Tynan O'Mahony, his father was managing editor of The peerless Irish times.
He tried to break into journalism but the doors of Fleet Street were closed to him so he worked his early passage as a Butlin's redcoat and then began the long apprenticeship of British workmen's clubs & variety halls - an arduous experience for many.
He worked for Aussie TV in the 60's and returned to the UK with a reputation, he soon broke into the big-time and some years later had his own TV show on the beeb where his shaggy dog' stories were to make him legendary.
He'd sit on a stool, a glass of whiskey in one hand, a cigarette in the other and regale us with his observations on life & all its foibles not to mention his yarns interspersed with sketches which to this day are hilarious & relevant.
I loved him for his irreverence and indeed for his profound logic & wit...he loved to attack the stupidity & hypocrisy he saw in everyday life, the Catholic Church in particular he was scathing about...those of us who grew up in Ireland during the 60's & 70's found him a breath of fresh air.
Have a look at some of the sketches below brought to you by fellow fans & the good people at YouTube.
As Dave would say..."Good night & may your God go with you!".
(The vagaries of the English language)
(Funeral Sketch)
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