Mark Radcliffe looks at the comedians' comedian, Jimmy James, a teetotaller revered for his stage act of playing a drunk.
He was known as the comedians' comedian, because of huge respect from his colleagues.
Flanked by his stooges, he packed out theatres with his imaginative dialogue - the Goons of their day.
Jimmy James was revered for his performance as a drunk even though he was a teetotaller - but he did have one vice. His love of gambling led to his bankruptcy, and some believe made his wife turn to drink.
Mark Radcliffe profiles the life and career of Jimmy James.
Featuring:
Jim Casey
Eric Morecambe
John Fisher
Tommy Trinder
Roy Castle
Eli Woods
A series exploring the tradition of the northern comedian.
Producer: Bernadette McConnell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1999.
