North
Manchester was a hotbed of talent during the 1940s to 1960s. When Pubs and Clubs
were the venues for local artistes, some of which had exceptional talent. One
of the best and cleanest comedians was Danny Moorhouse, another was Les Duckworth,
many deserved to progress beyond the local scene, indeed some of them did just
that. The names of Les Dawson, Bernard Manning and Lee Lawrence immediately
spring to mind. They became household names as entertainers.
Many local artistes became well known, but in my opinion Renee
Rhythm was the “Red hot mamma”. She was a Salford lass but our playground
was hers too. Renee shared the bill with a bevy of good acts including Tommy
Warren, Joe Saxon, Pat O’Hare, Tony Scott, Jimmy Gordon, Agnes Parker,
and The Cheetham Brothers with pianist Ken Rooney, Jean Parker, Alex Sinacola
and Vic Richardson.
At the Salvage in Collyhurst Street the resident compere was
Eric Charnock, but the prince of comperes in my opinion was Tony Hulme. Other
venues gave us six nights of entertainment each week, the Milan and Balmoral
on Rochdale Road, the Royal Oak on Oldham Road and the George IV in Swan Street.
Some venues were called the “Hard Gigs”; the Royal
Oak didn’t always have a microphone, six nights there was like a week’s
hod carrying!
We also had the finest Pianists like Fabulous Bernard Collins,
Agnes Farrer, local legend Alf Stirrup, Rudi Mancini, Madge Appleford, “Big
Beattie” Watson.
Other local artistes included Johnny Winters, Noel McHarry, Hal Garner, Jimmy
Ryan, Jack Grice and Colin Crompton. (Wheeltappers). These acts competed for
cash prizes at “Frascati’s” on Oxford Road.
Those making the Big time included Tony Cawley and Mike Harding.
A top venue was Wilson’s Brewery Social Club in Newton Heath. The excellent
pianist Newman Smith accom-panied artistes. It wasn’t unusual then, for
as many as ten turns to do their stuff on a bill that was for a worthwhile cause;
their services were freely given. I sigh for the old days. Alas they will never
return.
Compiling this article has been difficult for a 79-year-old
man yet my memories are Crystal clear. I even remember the faces. I hope to
be able to remember for a lot longer, but if I have had a slight memory lapse
and left anyone out then I apologise profusely. The songs may have ended but
the melodies linger on.
Gerry Shields
