Details

In July 1995, alone in his cramped study, among thousands of showbusiness artefacts, film stock and memories the comic legend Bob Monkhouse realises his treasured joke books have been stolen. This is something of a disaster in the world of the obsessive performer and joke-smith. As the reality of the situation sinks in, he is forced into an uneasy introspection. The Man Called Monkhouse traces his life through a difficult childhood, via the vertiginous heights of television superstardom, the dent in his status during the ?new wave' comedy of the late ?80s and finishes with a re-born Bob, back on TV and finally feted as the comic genius he undoubtedly was. Regarded as a man with a ?Teflon' showbiz veneer, at the height of his fame Bob Monkhouse divided the viewing public. Among many accolades that were bestowed upon him, he was simultaneously voted Most Loved and Most Hated Entertainer in a 1978 TV poll. The Man Called Monkhouse is an affectionate, funny and moving exploration of the life and personality of one of this country's best loved and possibly most misunderstood comedians. World Premiere (Shrewsbury)

Cast/Performers

Simon Cartwright (Bob Monkhouse)

Creatives/Company

Author: Alex Lowe
Producer: Denise Silvey
Company: Cahoots Theatre Company (in association with Gary Morecambe and Bob Golding)
Director: Bob Golding