Harry Worth - The Man In The Window

Comedy historian Glenn Mitchell profiles Harry Worth, whose comedy performances as a genial, bumbling middle-class man in series such as Here's Harry are still revered today.

This year sees the 20th anniversary of Worth's passing at the age of 71. Two years earlier, he'd recorded a lengthy interview with Glenn talking about his career, influences and hopes for the future. This interview forms the centre of this tribute and includes contributions from producers William G Stewart, John Ammonds and actor Jonathan Cecil, as well as classic comedy moments from the Harry Worth archive.

Originally a miner, Yorkshire-born Harry Illingsworth - latterly "Worth" to fit on theatre billings - sought escape by moonlighting as a ventriloquist in amateur dramatic societies and concert parties. During the Second World War he served in the RAF as a fitter, eventually joining a gang show in India. On his demob, Harry preferred to remain a ventriloquist rather than return to the pits or continue as a fitter, and auditioned successfully for the Windmill Theatre. Work in variety, summer season and pantomime included two years on tour with Laurel And Hardy.

The programme charts Worth's early career; his latter success on television and radio success in series such as Here's Harry, My Name Is Harry Worth and Oh Happy Band; and examines the origin and impact of his famous window-reflection routine.