Parkinson - Les Dawson - 1974.avi

Les Dawson's first appearance on Michael Parkinson's BBC chat show.

[@kevinshelbourn8928]

A brilliant comedian and a brilliant interviewer sadly now of an age that no longer exists

[@firebyrd437]

Les was a great comedian, and Parkinson really was the king of the chat shows

[@chriswinwood6501]

Les was such a bloody hero. Not a word out of place, so genuine, so roaringly funny. The man could do nothing wrong.

[@robertm7071]

My favourite Les Dawson monologue: I was sat at the bottom of the garden a week ago, smoking a reflective cheroot, thinking about this and that - mostly that - and I just happened to glance at the night sky, and I marvelled at the millions of stars glistening like little pieces of quicksilver thrown carelessly onto black velvet. In awe, I watched the waxen moon ride across the zenith of the heavens like an amber chariot towards the void of infinite space wherein the tethered bolts of Jupiter and Mars hang forever festooned in all their orbital majesty, and as I looked at all this, I thought to myself, “I must put a roof on this lavatory.”

[@Corinthian44]

A wonderful Les story Robert , but it went , ' thinking of this , that , and the other , mainly the other ' .

[@ianmartinezcassmeyer]

A lengthy loquacious fuse leading to a true comic combustion

[@Irunwithscissors63]

@@ianmartinezcassmeyer I can tell you know how to use a thesaurus. Well done.

[@trevorplunkett8572]

UV

[@nickwatkins5321]

He certainly had a way with words

[@mrsuperger5429]

Les was superb, and underneath that wonderful humour was a highly intellectual and thoughtful human being. He is terribly missed.

[@obi-potobi790]

And a terrible shame he didn't get to see his baby daughter grow up.

[@mrsuperger5429]

@@obi-potobi790 That we are still talking about the great man today is testament to his memory. RIP Les.

[@CozzaP1969]

His intelligence and use of the English language is part if what makes him so good

[@johnbateman9530]

I'm now 60 years old and I have been laughing at this man most of my life and I am still laughing now a true legend

[@39devonshire]

The greatest comedian of all time. Ground breaking. A true legend. If he was alive today he would still be the best. By a long run. RIP Les

[@nickycotton6137]

@Twilight 8368 Les was a bit more PG (rated) though!

[@carolinecoulton1238]

@Twilight 8368 I get what you’re saying - I love Bernard manning but it’s like comparing chubby brown (who I also love and have seen live a few times) to Tommy Cooper. Totally different styles. The difference is, les Dawson could pull a face and get the audience laughing without saying anything- it was family friendly stuff but if you look at when he did Cissy and Ada with Roy barraclough, there were loads of Innuendos- which were probably deemed unsuitable for the younger audience at the time. But it was hilarious

[@Jay-im3qj]

@Twilight 8368 I’ll 2nd that”

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

@@carolinecoulton1238 Bernard Manning couldn't hold a candle to Les Dawson in terms of comedy and being a decent human being. Manning relied on bigotry and racism to get laughs from idiots, Dawson was a true comedy genius

[@SWLB]

If he were alive today people would be trying to ban him.

[@davenorth3750]

I watched this and loved every bit if it. Les spoke about trying to make people laugh. You can't please everyone. I just wish that we would all learn t1o laugh at more things, not criticise everything. So just laugh it off and move on. Do this more often and the world would be a better place. So smile 😁😆😄

[@Luton-Mick]

My mum used to work at Toddington services on the M1 and Les Dawson came in one night on his way back up North, over 30 years later she still cracks up remembering that encounter as he was exactly like this off screen and comedy aside was a real gentleman. True legend and master of his craft.

[@jamescotter3756]

I’ve never seen a Les Dawson show that I didn’t laugh at les Dawson you are sadly missed. 👍🙏

[@matimus100]

Unnecessary superstitious graffiti

[@johncheetham]

“ Flying high” Les was born in the February of 1931 And, his parents were so pleased when the day did finally come Although, it put them in a morass, a Tower of Babel yes! A real fix 9 months earlier his dad thought he’d just been laying bricks Les was brought up in Manchester’s working class towns Although, very young there were no tears from this clown From a early age he was a English literature fan Especially the writings of a chap they called Charles Lamb He made a living in a “ Maison closes” a Parisian house of the rising sun Entertaining as a pianist, playing wrong notes just for fun In 1967 opportunity came knocking From that day on he entertained for a living There was Cissie and Ada mee- mawing Copying the great Norman Evans over the garden wall There were the Roly Poly’s and Les dressed as John Bull More wrong notes on piano and writing secret novels Sez Lez, Blankety Blank and Jokers wild A final rendition of “ I got you babe” on Surprise, Surprise Whilst waiting on a check up he sadly passed away He will always be remembered for his inimitable way. Les’s wife Tracey has been known to say reincarnation has occurred twice Indeed, that is the word on the street? Firstly, when Les and Tracey’s daughter Charlotte heard the patter of tiny feet A bundle of joy named Noah was born Wrinkled, smiling like venetian blinds and looking ever so forlorn A mini-me of Les and, his character he definitely has I’m sure a future in comedy beckons and the stage again will be his? Secondly, there is a chap from Ormskirk( we won’t hold that against him) called Jonathan Peter Culshaw whom is a dead ringer for Les. His impressions are top drawer, he even speaks how “ Lez Sez” Jonathan has taken Les on tour Bringing old school comedy from within and, much more With Les being a purveyor of words and heart felt quotes Delivered curmudgeonly with warmth and glow And, how can we forget his Mother- in Law jokes? If you are a fan of true entertainment and, you could possibly laugh until you cry? Then, please attend the show of course, it’s called “ Flying high” X

[@thewomble1509]

Les was a very well read auto didact with a huge intellect. The pictures he can paint with words and the monologues are works of verbal art. Today's slew of so called funny men and women pale beside him. A craftsman with a great talent and sadly missed.

[@robertm7071]

He had to be inventive and articulate. Today, a few F’s thrown in and the moronic audience are rolling about in the aisles. Please read the monologue I have posted above. A unique use of words from a comedian, worthy of a poet - and hilarious.

[@timwilkinson2797]

3 years late that was beutilfey said

[@mireilledischer3380]

Apart from being an autodidact he was also self-taught.

[@thewomble1509]

@@mireilledischer3380 Boom, tish!😄

[@kasimsultonfan]

@@mireilledischer3380 😂👍

[@GMeilack]

Made me laugh all through the 70's 🤣

[@matthewgartell6380]

Clever man & legend. Left us far too early.

[@indifferentmonkey]

Just think this kind of humour is the best. So funny. He was one of the best.

[@Mrfairchap]

His comedy just doesn’t age, does it? The true mark of a great comedian.

[@paulsoddsends8967]

Irreplaceable. Thank you to Les Dawson for leaving us with proper comedy and showing the world how to be a true star.

[@jody1367]

Both Les and now Parky gone , but never forgotten. Is anyone else on here missing these days?

[@brusselssprouts560]

There are masters of comedy and then there a true masters of comedy like Les. Much missed and beloved from North to South.

[@nezbit8989]

What a brilliant comedian he was, for me he ticked all the boxes, visually funny, verbally funny, a great wit and impeccable timing. Everything a true comedian should be! Timeless😂

[@beachcomber4141]

Even musically funny! Yea, just learning about this guy and I am in awe of how brilliant his comedy is.

[@robertsmith3672]

Not really an interview. More a scripted performance

[@VambeefcoHorzey]

Far and away the best of the 70's batch of comedians - intelligent, verbose, capable of knowing puns peppered with bursts of surrealism.

[@davywelsh5671]

334 people disliked this? You are wrong.... legend

[@richardwalker1880]

LES DAWSON IS THEE GREATISIST COMIC GENIUS EVER A WONDERFUL MAN A GREAT PIANIST HOW MUCH WE MISS YOU ❤ LES

[@michaelfullwood1818]

There's no comedy like this anymore....RIP Comedy....

[@MrMoggyman]

This is comedy. Not a single cheap profanity of speech to get a laugh. But rather timing, the line, facial expression.......Les Dawson had the lot. Not only a musical talent on piano, and an articulate wordsmith, but Les wrote all his own material. Parky adored him as a comedian. Notice how he simply cannot help himself from laughing. The times I have rolled around in laughter myself. Thank you Les for the happiness and joy you gave us all. How we miss you. Nobody could touch you then, and nobody can touch you today. This is a comedian that comes only once in a lifetime. So special, so talented, and such a great loss to us all. Comic legend and genius. Up there with Cooper, Eric & Ernie, Hill, Allen, Emery, the two Ronnies, and all the other comedy greats. The angels are kept laughing.

[@sgtg4600]

I love Les. Sadly missed.

[@iscagreen4279]

15.00 onwards... That piece of the interview somehow still hits a nerve in 2022. It's still sad that some newspaper critics want to cancel great comedy today.Les was ahead of his time here. A truly talented comedian taken from us too soon. Great memories.

[@7omly]

A true genius of a comedian, Lovely person too. Started like a lot of Northerners in real hardship yet despite his success he never forgot his roots. I loved him and he still brings a smile to my face when I watch him. The majority of comedians of today are mere amateurs compared to this man. Taken from us far to early. His family should be rightly proud of him as plenty of us are. Thank you Les for all the joy and happiness you gave.

[@veganvocalist4782]

yes even now he spreads goodness with his ability to make us laugh

[@MrMoggyman]

Agree 100%. There is nothing today that can even touch Les Dawsons comedy. Todays line up are strictly amateurs who could not make my dog laugh. RIP Les Dawson. We all loved you and still do.

[@leeclegg2943]

Not really any comedians can make you laugh without saying a thing anymore Les, Tommy Cooper, Norman Wisdom and Freddie Starr are a few i can thinknof

[@marktreuge222]

your right the comedians today all ways use smut he never did today there all crap.

[@mike7002]

I guess I was 15 when Les Dawson died, but I was fully ensconced into his comedy by then. I loved him and his talent was off the scale. I'm not sure why, but, 25 years later I KZbind him and he really does stand the test of time. One of the greats.

[@alanshepherd4304]

A wonderful comic and Michael Parkinson was THE best chat show host ever, he always brought out the best in his guests. Although it was called The Michael Parkinson Show, he wasn't the star turn, his guests were and he gave them free rein.😁😁🇬🇧

[@matimus100]

Nonsense comment

[@thewomble1509]

@@matimus100 Well stop posting them then............

[@cliveuckfield5139]

Forgot just how funny Les was. Such a warm talented guy. Classic British comedy, loved this.

[@georgeparker7838]

True genius. Thanks for the memory.

[@ianhowlett4682]

I miss this style of interviewing. Very simple, just let the guest talk. These days it’s all about the ego of the host, and the guest is lucky if he gets a few words in.

[@v8trauma]

Possibly because the guests aren't up to it. Listen to a radio DJ talking to a child, they have to load the conversation and keep it flowing. Lots of celebs aren't characters like Les was, they need coaxing a little, just like children. You might get the amusing anecdote or tall story, but not much more.

[@johnbaxter6584]

Completely agree. However, check out the interviews by John Bishop. He lets the guest talk.

[@anthonylancaster4008]

Spot on Brother. Like that Grade A Cunt Graham Norton.

[@nigelpowton9509]

I've met Les and he was highly intelligent and wonderfully articulate. I admired him immensely and he's highly missed.

[@lydiaanderson7471]

@Hello Nigel how are you doing

[@octaviussludberry9016]

His analysis of comedy is spot on.

[@chrisevans5259]

One of Britain's finest ever comedy performers,..a naturally born funny man, so witty and hilarious,.. a great wordsmith and an accomplished pianist,..he was a wonderful all round entertainer, so sadly lacking in modern day television,....his talents are still sadly missed to this day.....L.Dawson (rip)

[@vantheman1238]

This was Les Dawson at his best. Simply talking and telling jokes and stories. Could listen to him for hours.

[@billygnasher]

The Greatest Comedian voted by all the other Comedians that says it all.

[@matthewsykes4814]

Absolutely a masterclass. Never beaten and he'd give anyone a run for their money today. He's brilliant.... and has everyone howling without a single swearword uttered.... oh gods, I have not laughed so hard in a long time....priceless

This guy is not only a comedy genius but also an extremely clever and insightful man.

[@stephenmcgowan354]

15 minutes hits hard. In this day and age Comedy is desperately needed even more so. Unbelievable how he could make you laugh with not one swear word Absolutely love Les❤️🥃

[@WinChun78]

So sad that no comedians were ever able to fill the boots of the likes of Les Dawson. We didn't realise just how lucky we were in those days to have such talent.

[@stofferrussell]

In Barnsley they don’t clap if they’ve enjoyed your show... they let you live! Brilliant Les. Two pros in their respective fields.

[@lydiaanderson7471]

@Hello Christopher how are you doing

[@OJB42]

OMG, I remember Les from back in the day. Such dry humour and brilliant delivery. What a legend!

[@brianjones4026]

One of the Greatest and Funniest of All Comics to Grace a Stage ! God Bless you Les for the Joy and Laughs you brought to my whole family when i was a kid ! Tears in our eyes we were !

[@brianpendergest5159]

Worked as a stage hand in Blackpool 1977 Les Dawson was the main act ,very funny and a nice man r.i.p Les xx

[@1960dave1960]

I loved his ‘Mother in law’ jokes.....although as I understand he absolutely adored her....💝

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Les Dawson (February 2, 1931 - June 10, 1993), aged 62 And RIP Sir Michael Parkinson (March 28, 1935 - August 16, 2023), aged 88 You both will be remembered as legends.

[@charlesmckinley8747]

Les was fantastic on parkinson .very funny.Also great on Blankety blank .

[@MrMiamijohn]

people like Les Dawson shouldn't be allowed to die. a true genius, sadly missed.

[@manu-tonyo9654]

Les Dawson, an absolute comedy legend. So many great memories(including this one) :)

[@chrissandi9613]

the greatest british telly comedian? yes. no further questions, m'lud.

[@ustrak792]

he never felt like a rehearsed comedian, just a naturally warm hearted man who found his niche with his wry observations. He was extremely intelligent & talented on the piano too. Great to watch this again

[@mooremarriott2841]

Les was a prophet, 40 years ago he could see how greedy materialism and individualism was destroying communities. The guy was a legend

[@rhonda2555]

Our wonderful Les. Comic genius and the honesty. Nobody like him.

[@scottb4697]

Parkinson might be an old man now. But this is a reminder why he was one of the greatest interviewers ever. He listened to his guests, didn't talk over them or try to be the star.

[@dad675]

What a treasure. In 2022 we need more like these guys. And Michael.....

[@deborahwatson5159]

Brilliant and Thank You Michael Parkinson for your Hilarious Chat with the True Icon Les Dawson, May He Rest in Peace and You and Your Family Stay Safe and Well, in These Extraordinary Times We are All going Through Right Now, and Stay Safe and Well Everyone, XX

[@Biigfish559]

I loved the line he came out with at the start of one of his wonderful tales : "It was the hottest night in Batley since the chip shop caught fire" , still cry with laughter now :D

[@markwilson2323]

Parky God rest is soul knew he was in the presence of a comic genius. No comic today can lift a candle to Les Dawson!!

[@mikebulpitt9860]

A legend..wish there was more like Les.

[@innovativeinnovation6629]

At the end, just look at the way he looked at Michael for 2 seconds and then tap his leg, showing his respect.... What a true Gentleman Les was!

[@mikefellows3901]

This guy was a comedy genious , verbally and visually .The real deal :o)

[@gorse9030]

This man is a comic genius, made us laugh out loud, and yet there are 366 dislikes. Be indifferent but to dislike is totally beyond me. Perhaps this is the modern age of humourless pc. being reflected.

[@denniswright4807]

One of the funniest men ever to grace stage and screen and a brilliant interviewer in Parkinson , Miss Les and his fast wit and funny faces .

[@lydiaanderson7471]

@Hello Dennis how are you doing

[@denniswright4807]

Hello Lydia how are you doing ?

[@bentuber1]

A true legend of comedy. A highly intelligent insightful man. Brilliant. Much missed.

[@hoviswilliams1548]

A great entertainer. His comedy and facial expressions were far better than the comedians of today. R.I.P. Les. 🍞

[@Lytton333]

What was special about Les is that his comic persona drew you in.. That kind of persona was always there in the Northern cities during the 60/70s.. perhaps the funny uncle of a working-class family, or a character down the social-club on a Saturday night ..

[@aidankearney493]

Comedy gold. Brings me back to a family favourite. Watched him on TV for years with my Dad and brother RIP. Parkinson cracking up interviewing him. Always brings a smile to my face when Les is mentioned.

[@Pookleberry]

A great comedian and human being. A man of high, high intelligence and intellect, fabulous musician, writer, poet. A great loss, when he prematurely died, aged 1993, aged only 62.

[@martinplatt5928]

100% agreed.

[@barryrigby2722]

Game on Lez Dawson still laffin

[@6581punk]

He was 59, not 62. I thought he died much sooner than that.

[@frankleemydeah7537]

He certainly didn’t die aged 1993. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@geoffreyjonathanwilson5826]

Agreed

[@MsBigJohnny]

I think I may have commented before, but I'm not ashamed to say again that this great Man is and was my comedy hero, such a talent, so unique, so damn funny, I'm so glad to be of the vintage where this comedy legend graced our TV screens, there will never be another Les xx

[@pshearduk]

What a lovely funny and intelligent man Les was. His observations at the end still draw many parallels with society today. RIP Les Dawson.

[@NPA1001]

A Great comedian and an incredibly intelligent person. His writing was absolutely superb and not much recognised until after death. We miss talent like this being around today.

[@philipalderson7015]

Went to see this brilliant comedian at Wakefield theatre club years ago best night i ever had there, wonderful comic

[@meirwise1107]

The Pride of Collyhurst ( Manchester) . Gone too soon. RIP Les. Still making us laugh after all these years.

[@gillyjames9609]

Oh Les your'e flippen' hilarious! 😂 We need you NOW mate to help us through this covid 19 pandemic! What a natural comic you were, but also very talented and articulate. I would have loved to have met you 😁 but I'd be laughing non-stop! xxx

[@HSMiyamoto]

Thanks to BBC Radio being on the internet, even Americans have heard of "Listen to Les." He was a great humorist and he made you listen closely because you never knew when he would say a one liner.

[@AquaFonic]

How anyone could ATTACK HIS DAUGHTER AND call her HORRIFIC NAMES is beyond me this guy was amazing his daughter was a baby when he died tragically haters are disgusting RIP LES X

[@dolly2106]

Totally agree leave his daughter alone. All begruggers. Leave her. Alone. Young girl trying to rear her two babies 😢😢

[@anthonysmith8800]

one of the few comedians who makes me laugh without saying a word. Old school and one of the best IMO.

[@lydiaanderson7471]

@Hello Anthony how are you doing

[@curlyjim2550]

What I loved about this guy is that he could get an audience in stitches with just a facial expression, bit like Tommy Cooper. He didn't need to use expletives, pseudo racism, sexism, or anything that makes todays handwringers throw their hands up in mock horror and complain to the BBC. His observational wit, humour and warmth has never been matched. A lovely man and a classic comedy talent.

[@RodKirkbride]

Exactly!!!

[@chrisbennett606]

curlyjim2550 great point

[@Dazzletoad]

Racism in any form, seriously get over yourself. You imply that comedy is somehow purer without your little list. Nonsense. Racism doesnt exist. It has no place in biology, no basis, and the closest you can get as I have said a hundred times before, is ethnic groups with tribalist mentality. If youre fat, black, ginger, gay, of any sort of retarded religious group, disabled or anything else, you are subject to comedy. Comedy isn't malicious, it's a good laugh at misfortune, circumstance, or just because we are big, fat, black, ginger, jewish, and disabled because there are things to find humour in. Even disabled people make disabled jokes, the problem is people have lost their humour. Like Les says, no comic can please everyone, so the 'pseudo racist, sexist' jokes that you refer to is just a politically correct stab at harmless banter. Two examples which I find funny: 'The wife died and I didnt realise until a week later. The sex was the same but the dishes piled up.' 'What do you throw an indian whose drowning? His wife and kids.' No one really really thinks the comedian is a necrophile or someone who would drown indians, it's humour. And I'm a Brit but it doesn't stop with the English, when I worked in Thailand I heard a Thai joke that almost made me soil myself with laughter. 'If you see an indian and a snake together - kill the indian first.' It's comedy, get over it.

[@martinplatt5928]

Outstanding comment. Beautifully worded.

[@itsmephil2255]

Swearing has no place in comedy

[@patriciabracken7546]

Les Dawson. Never forgotten. Thanks for the laughs Les. R.I.P.

[@NPA1001]

Easily in the top ten of the greatest British Comedy performers of all time

[@teamradfordtv]

Had the pleasure and privelege to work with Les Dawson in Lytham in the 90s. He came up on stage and said "Bye Bye Blackbird in F'.... Good job I knew it!! What a stellar guy. Rest his soul xx

[@grav20]

Intelligent, insightful, witty, and all round good egg, that was the genius that was Les Dawson. My favourite comedian of all time.

[@vicsaul5459]

Dear Les, unique talent, a gentleman scholar and a good judge of bad beer 🍺❤

[@colinellicott9737]

A pure slice of comedy gold. Thx Les.

[@darrenwalshe8513]

What les said at the end is so relevant today

[@andrewlloyd4702]

A comedy legend, sadly gone far too early.

[@johnt7324]

His comments at the end of this brilliant clip, about people being less community spirited ring eerily true.

[@philgrossman660]

I have always admired Les Dawson and was lucky enough to meet him at my school. True story, he turned up at Kirkham Grammar School in 1983/4 (I can't remember exactly) at sports day he appeared for the princely sum of a bottle of whiskey. Genuinely lovely and incredibly funny grounded man. He signed an autograph for me, the poor chap before me gave him a tiny scrap of paper to sign "have you got anything smaller?" he quipped. Not nasty or anything, just a lovely bloke. He lived in Lytham St.Annes, my dad was at the time at the same golf club as him, he told me it was both a pleasure and a pain to be behind Les on the golf course as he'd make so many jokes between shots it'd hold everyone up, but, to be honest, it was a pleasure. Still missed 28 years after his passing.

[@MsBigJohnny]

I watch this great man regularly, and still makes me cry laughing, sign of a genius

[@esseker6320]

Brilliant, doesn't need to swear to get a laugh just a naturally funny man, R.I.P Les.

[@johntaylor6345]

He was a brilliant wordsmith. Fantastic comic. Very clever. Very funny.

[@trustnuffin9121]

One of the Greatest Comedians Ever.....had a real warmth about him that hit home every time ! He absolutely transformed " Blankety Blank ".....it's such a shame that real loose cannon's like Les aren't on TV anymore. I remember watching him on the "Comedians" too........really sad that those times are gone !!

[@matimus100]

Says the troll

[@tcharles2466]

He was one of the greatest! Apart from his brilliantly unique humour, he was a very wise and thoughtful man too! We miss you Les!!

[@jammasterj13]

Legend in my Dad's house...My mother was always laughing when Les was on the telly, proper telly!!!! Lol

[@glengraham7080]

You find yourself smiling even before he spoke a word. Now that is rare quality.

[@jamesmoon8947]

One of the very best. Fond memories

[@emjackson2289]

People like Les Dawson and Eric Morcambe would be genuinely interesting people to listen to talking about their art forms.

[@thewomble1509]

That is the difference between them and a lot (not all) of todays bunch. They took their craft seriously and invested all their time and talent into it. They also learned the hard way, playing in working men's clubs and hard boozers. No dvd and sell out arena tours after six months in the business. They WORKED.

[@tonytthornsby430]

Excellent video of a lost generation

[@lukedavis3703]

Hard to believe this was nearly 50 years ago

[@stephenord3403]

Les was so intelligent. RIP great man