Comedian Norman Collier does his famous ‘faulty microphone’ routine, and ever popular 60s hit-parade singer Frank Ifield tops the bill in these two clips from the 11 May 1974 edition of ‘The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club’.
If ever there was a show that was ‘of the 70s’, it was this one. This UK TV comedy and variety show was an affectionate parody of the northern working men’s club scene of the 60s and 70s. Set in the fictional Wheeltappers and Shunters (Railway) Social Club, it was hosted by comedians Colin Crompton and Bernard Manning. Colin Crompton played the gormless “Mr Chairman” who called the room to order with his bell, and read out notices to club members from “the committee”. Bernard Manning was the tuxedo-suited resident MC who introduced the “turns” and sang the odd song.
There were 38 shows made between 1974-76, with one final special in 1977. It was the decade before the dreaded “political correctness” took over, and both hosts often delivered a fine line in insults to the visiting “turns”, who usually took it all in good spirit and joined in the fun. A classic time capsule! And yes, clubs like this really did exist and flourish all over the north of England and beyond.
“Give order! All round the room please”
**In tribute to Bernard Manning (1930-2007) and Colin Crompton (1933-84) - the world of comedy misses you both. RIP guys.**