Book description
Ronnie Barker was one of our most respected and best-loved comedy
actors and here, in this fascinating biography, Richard Webber delves
deep in to the heart of Barker's life and career, peppering his
narrative with original and incisive memories from some of Barker's
closest contemporaries, including Ronnie Corbett, Michael Palin and
Barry Cryer.
Star of the much-adored comedy classics Porridge, The Two
Ronnies - one of the most successful and long-running television
comedy shows ever on British television - and Open All Hours,
Ronnie Barker was universally admired by the public and industry
insiders alike. From his early days writing for and performing skits
on The Frost Report right up to his retirement in 1988, he lit
up television screens across the country with his wonderful gift for
comedy and his remarkable skill for character acting.
Beyond his performances on the stage and screen, Barker was also an
accomplished comedy writer, providing many of the sketches and songs
for The Two Ronnies and contributing material to a number of
other television and radio shows. And despite his retirement he
retained pole position in the public's affection, returning to the
screen in 1999 to team up with his erstwhile comedy partner and great
friend Ronnie Corbett for a Two Ronnies night on BBC1, followed
by a BAFTA tribute in 2004 and a final appearance on television in
2005 on The Two Ronnies Christmas Sketchbook.
Effortlessly funny, universally adored and an actor and writer
responsible for some of Britain's best-loved and most-respected
comedy, Ronnie Barker was a true comedy legend. Here he's brought to
the page in winning style as he's remembered by those who best loved
and knew him.
Richard Webber is the author of many TV-related books including
Fifty Years of Carry On
,
Fifty Years Of Hancock's Half Hour
and a number of authorised Dad's Army titles, including the hugely
successful Dad's Army scripts, as well as books about
Only Fools and Horses
,
Porridge
,
Rising Damp
,
Some Mothers Do 'ave 'em
and
The Good Life
.
