On February 2nd, Geoff Twentyman gave us a talk on “Funny Old Lives “.

Geoff gave a very amusing talk about live variety shows from the 1950s onwards, highlighting the way of life of performers who presented live shows in theatres all over the country. They often had 20-minute segments in an extended programme that played to working class audience most nights of the week.

Geoff highlighted the boarding houses that performers stayed in, with their often-dominating owners, basic facilities and house rules that focused on chamber pots and baths. Geoff read from biographies of performers including Brian Rix, Roy Castle, Jimmy James, etc., and presented audio clips of their sketches that brought happy memories back to club members.