Open University Autumn Talks Series: 2
Events List
Thursday 14th November | 6pm
Open University Autumn Talks Series: 1
Jimmy Learmouth: inimitable comedian
A talk by Simon Hampton
This talk will examine and interpret collected information relating to the early life and career of the Gateshead comedian, James Learmouth (1888-1921).
Simon Hampton will assess and analyse his professional work on stage, in sketches, revues and personal appearances at charity events during the second decade of the twentieth century. This will involve using evidence from newspaper reviews of the time which recorded his stage performances: his comedic persona and his ability to improvise, which together created a brilliant, remarkable connection with his audience.
Our speaker will also be using the opinions of his fellow comedians who knew him and saw him perform. He will use the above information as reliable criteria to inform and support a judgment which places him within the top bracket of comedians of his time. Finally, Simon Hampton will ask the question why subsequent writing about the history of music hall has effectively ignored him and his work, presenting plausible reasons for this serious omission.
A LIVE Lit & Phil Event | FREE
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