Bob Monkhouse

Interview: Simon Cartwright

At Assembly Hall this August, a comedy drama looks at the life and laughs of much misunderstood Bob Monkhouse. We talked to the actor/impressionist Simon Cartwright, whose connection with the comedian was a close one, and who now has the task of playing The Man Called Monkhouse...

Simon Cartwright remembers Bob Monkhouse

Before his death, Bob Monkhouse said of Simon Cartwright, "You do me better than I do."

Fringe 2015 - A Man Called Monkhouse

In July 1995, alone in his cramped study, among thousands of showbusiness artefacts, film stock and memories the comic legend Bob Monkhouse realises his treasured joke books have been stolen. This is something of a disaster in the world of the obsessive performer and joke-smith. As the reality of the situation sinks in, he is forced into an uneasy introspection.

Fringe actors discuss playing dead celebrities

Bill Hicks, Harry Houdini, Nina Simone, Bob Monkhouse and Arthur Conan Doyle appear at Edinburgh Fringe.

Modern comedy's unlikely hero: Bob Monkhouse

From panel shows to stand-up, you'll find imitations of his writing style, his assured but snappy onstage technique, even his work ethic.

Radio Times review

Bob Monkhouse could easily have been the subject of a documentary about obsessive hoarders. He kept everything (scripts, tapes, videos, artwork) from everything he ever worked on (comic strips, radio shows, films, documentaries, game shows). And then there are his treasured 16 leather-bound books filled with handwritten gags. Even his seven-bedroom mansion couldn't contain it all. His daughter wails, "I loved him, but why did he never throw anything away?"

Paul O'Grady has exclusive access to the extensive archive for this affectionate tribute to a Renaissance man of light entertainment -- comic strip artist, writer, actor and producer -- which paints Monkhouse as an obsessively talented man driven to succeed.

Bob Monkhouse the Million Joke Man review: predictable

This documentary, which had access to Monkhouse's personal archive, failed to focus on the details, says Michael Hogan.

Paul O'Grady on Bob Monkhouse

In a new three-part series, Paul O'Grady pays tribute to the extraordinary career of comedian Bob Monkhouse.

Bob Monkhouse's joke book now open to the public

For the first time Bob Monkhouse's legendary joke books are being opened in public.

New Fringe play to celebrate Bob Monkhouse

Bob Monkhouse is to be the subject of a one-man Edinburgh Fringe play, directed by the star of festival hit Morecambe.