Stan the Man

A statue of British comedy legend Stan Laurel is set to be unveiled in County Durham on August 30th, marking the comedian’s early years in Bishop Auckland with a £37,000 bronze working.

Few British acts of that era had comparable success – only Chaplin was more successful – and it certainly seems a shame that subsequent comedians and entertainers from later eras were sidelined by war or cultural differences.

For instance, what would the world of comedy be like now if Tommy Cooper had been a star in the USA?  Or if Morecambe & Wise had broken through thanks to their Ed Sullivan Show appearances?

As for Laurel and Hardy – they were the original and best cinema comedy act, and deserve far more credit than they get from contemporary performers.  Often mimicked, never bettered, there is no better performer to be honoured with a statue.

I can think of a few more who deserve one, however…