3rd May, 1991

Dave Allen

Strand Theatre, London

When I’m pressed on who my favourite ever comedian is I say Dave Allen.

People forget now that he was original, subversive and sublimely clever. His (sit-down) stand-up uniquely formed a bond between his tone of voice and his props (his glass, his chair, the lint on his clothes). His stand-up and sketches criticising and lampooning the Catholic Church got him banned in some countries, and he got in enormous trouble for being the first to use the ‘F’ word on television in his famous clock routine.

This is the one and only time I got to see Dave Allen live as he sadly passed away in 2005. It’s such a long time ago now but I remember him sat upon his tall chair on stage; I remember Trudie Goodwin (June Ackland in The Bill) was a few rows ahead of me in the audience; Mostly I remember coming away with a feeling of absolute contentment.

Goodnight, and may your God go with you.