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Post by Stan Butler on Oct 24, 2006 13:55:00 GMT
 On series 6 of the T.V. series 'On The Buses', part of the extra features is highlights of a programme Reg Varney did in the early 70's 'Reg Varney'. It was hosted by Reg (a.k.a. Batlah!), and was a variety type show, with some 'comedy' sketches. Now I'm too you to have seen this originally, and the only thing I've seen of it, is the 25 minute highlight show. If that's the best thing he did on it though, I didn't miss much. Reg Varney is not very good at stand up, it must be said! Any of you 'slightly older than me' members remember anything of it? |
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Post by The Collector on Oct 24, 2006 16:48:23 GMT
I know in the Theatre in the 1950's his Straight man was none other than...  Benny Hill (I resized the pic! - Spielberg.) |
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Post by Stan Butler on Oct 25, 2006 16:50:33 GMT
 Reg Alfred Varney was born on 11th July 1916 in London's East End. He attended Star Lane Primary School in Newham.
His dad worked in a rubber factory in Silvertown. Reg had 2 sisters. Leaving school at 14 he worked as a messenger boy and a page boy at Regents Park Hotel.
He started his career as a piano player after taking lessons as a child. His first paid engagement was at Plumstead Radical Club in Woolwich for which he was paid eight shillings and sixpence.
Playing in working mens clubs at the age of 14, and later singing with Big Bands of the time. Also appearing in ABC Cinemas and Pubs he and his mum decided that a showbiz was the career for him and gave up his day jobs.
In 1988 On The Buses went onto the stage and again Reg went over to Australia playing Stan. A few years later Reg was found to have health problems and took up residence in a small village near Dartmouth. He also owns a villa in Malta He is now retired and spends his time between his home and villa. |
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Post by funkdooby on Nov 12, 2006 19:30:00 GMT
I never found Reg Varney funny, even though I quite liked Butler. It was always Jack, Blakey, Olive and [mind's gone blank, Butler's brother in law] who got the best lines.
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Post by Stan Butler on Nov 12, 2006 21:16:27 GMT
Arfur! All his best lines were insults to Olive.  Don't forget his catchphrase... "Wotta lotta rot you do talk!" |
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Post by funkdooby on Nov 13, 2006 11:50:37 GMT
Yeah, Arthur. I used to love it when he took Olive out in his sidecar and some catastrophe would always befall them  |
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