1980s Lenny Henry

lenny henry in 1980s

in 1980, henry performed in summer season in blackpool cannon , ball. has since said summer season first time [he] felt [his] act had received proper response audience . around same time, co-hosted children s programme tiswas 1978 until 1981, , subsequently performed , wrote show 3 of kind.

also in 1980, teamed comic strip met wife, comedian dawn french. encouraged him move on fledgling alternative comedy scene, established career stand-up comedy performer , character comedian.

he introduced characters both mocked , celebrated black british culture, such theophilus p. wildebeeste (an homage teddy pendergrass using tp initials), brixton pirate radio disc jockey dj delbert wilkins , trevor macdoughnut (a parody of trevor mcdonald). stand-up material, sold on lp, owed writing abilities of kim fuller. during time spent 3 years dj on bbc radio 1, playing soul , electro tracks , introducing of characters later popularise on television. made guest appearance in final episode of young ones postman, in 1984.

the first series of lenny henry show appeared on bbc in 1984. show featured stand up, spoofs send of michael jackson s thriller video, , many of characters had developed during summer season, including theophilus p. wildebeeste , delbert wilkins. principal scriptwriter television , stage shows during 1990s jon canter. lenny henry show ran periodically further 19 years in various incarnations. performed impressions such tina turner, prince, michael jackson, stevie wonder, run dmc, among others.

prior 1987 general election, henry lent support red wedge participating in comedy tour organised campaign.

in 1987, appeared in tv film coast coast. comedy thriller john shea 2 djs shared passion motown music being chased across britain. film has strong following, contractual problems have prevented being distributed on video or dvd.