You Weren't Laughing Much

The whole question of why people laugh, or don’t, has vexed much greater minds than mine. I’d agree, though, that a night of fun-filled relaxation is, despite modern alternatives, still one of the best therapies around.

One thing I’ll always remember is times spent in discussion with the late comedy genius, Hartlepool’s own Frankie Baggs. Frank could analyse with the best of them, but had to admit that sometimes a line was just very funny, and nobody knew why.

Like Mr Baggs, I could understand the addiction which is based on getting an audience to laugh. You have to have been there to know that there is no feeling like it.

You’ll know the name of Tim Healy, now well established as a very successful TV actor, after his rise to fame through series like Auf Wiedersehen Pet.

What you might not know is that Tim started his career as a stand-up comedian in North East clubs, including many appearances in Hartlepool and district.

One of Tim’s best stories is of the Sunday lunchtime when he was appearing before a packed house at a Workingmen’s Club. He knew it was going a storm, and the place was ringing with laughter.

In the jargon of the business, he was knocking them over.

The only fly in the ointment was the man he could see sitting near the front of the stage. He didn’t even smile for the whole performance, and, worryingly, he was the Concert Secretary who had booked him.

Mr Healy went off to a standing ovation and met his paymaster backstage to pick up his fee.

Tim had to enquire. “I thought I went down very well Mr Secretary, but you didn’t seem too impressed.”

Came the reply: “It was OK son – if you like laughing.”

Times change, but laughter is a great unexplained, but vital, human need.

The final word should probably go to a real comedy hero of mine – the great American, Jack Benny.

Waiting in the wings of a theatre in Palm Springs, California, Jack was sipping a large whisky in preparation for topping the bill.

A young comedian was about to go on stage as the warm-up man, so the star offered him a dram.

“Oh no, Mr Benny” said the newcomer, “I never drink before I go on stage.”

“What?” said Jack, “you go out there alone!”