mostly david ephgrave

The past few days have been sad ones for the comedy industry, what with the loss of two old-time comic greats, Ken Dodd and Jim Bowen. I never got to see one of Dodd’s infamously epic shows in person, which was a shame, as it would have been fascinating to see a performer of almost unparalleled experience at work. I actually tried to book him twice for Mostly Comedy, which didn’t work out, which was a pity, as it would have been a real coup for the club and a solid learning experience. Hearing Ted Robbins eulogise Ken Dodd on BBC Breakfast on Monday served to reiterate just how distinctive his comic voice was; Robbins inevitably slipped a couple of his gags into conversation, and not only were they perfect, you could also hear Dodd’s delivery in the air (as opposed to in his hair, which was another trademark). There aren’t many comedians who can be present in their own jokes while also not being there. As for Jim Bowen, I was lucky enough t...

Jim Bowen was only forty-four when he started presenting Bullseye. Bowen, Series One. Yes, you heard me right: forty-four. That’s just ten years older than me. While I’m a fan of Bowen and see him as an institution, that doesn’t mean I’d want to look like him a decade from now. If I do, my degradation rate will be similar to Walter Donovan's after drinking from the wrong grail at the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. (Classic reference.) Jim, Circa 1981 To hammer the point home, I’ve compiled a list of famous people who are the same age now as Jim Bowen was then . It’s right at the time of going to press and is pretty comprehensive. Strap in… David Tennant, Matt Damon, Ewan McGregor, Gary Barlow, Susanna Reid, Lisa Snowdon, Tamzin Outhwaite, David Walliams, Pete Sampras, Ethan Hawke, Jamie Theakston, Tess Daly, David Coulthard, Melinda Messenger, Mary J Bl...