ARTHUR ASKEY - PROGRAM SIGNED - HFSID 201144

ARTHUR ASKEY
Program for Cinderella, the annual London pantomime at the London Casino, signed by comedian Arthur Askey in blue ink on the cast page. Askey headlined as Big-hearted Buttons in this production.
Program signed "Arthur Askey" on the cast page in blue ink. B/w, 8 pages, 4¾x8, bound with two staples. Program for Cinderella, the annual London pantomime at the London Casino. Askey headlined as Big-hearted Buttons in this production. Words like "silly" and "anarchic" have been used to describe short stuff British comedian Askey (1900-1982). He got his start in Great Britain's music halls in 1924 and hit the big time in 1938, when he appeared in the radio show Band Waggon. Askey was originally signed on Band Waggon as a performer, but the show was cancelled after three weeks, and he and Richard Murdoch had the chance to do basically whatever they wanted in the time slot while a replacement was found. The two turned the show and its fortunes around, and it lasted until 1940. Askey had acting credits in over 20 movies and TV shows between 1937 and 1982, with starring roles in I Thank You (1941) and Make Mine a Million (1959) and a recurring role as Bill Brown in Love and Kisses (1955); he also hosted his own variety show, Before Your Very Eyes (1955-1957), named after one of his catchphrases. He was also a recording artist and performed as a pantomime dame into the 1970s, curtailing the latter only when his legs were amputated due to poor circulation. Lightly toned, soiled and creased. Adhesive residue and paper loss at right edge from seal. Rust stains from staples. Light impressions on image (not visible head-on). Otherwise in fine condition.