After Dinner Speakers - Mike Craig
Since 1964 Mike Craig has been responsible for writing or producing over one thousand comedy shows for Television and Radio. In the sixties and early seventies he wrote for Harry Worth, Ken Dodd, Roy Castle, Selwyn Frogitt, Jimmy Tarbuck, Des O'Connor and Morecambe and Wise, including the classic 1976 "Eric and Ernie Christmas Show, when Angela Rippon bared her legs!
In 1977 Mike became a BBC Comedy Producer and has a string of successes to his credit, in particular his Award winning 'Grumbleweeds' Radio Show. Richard Stilgoe's - 'Stilgoe's Around', 'Ken Dodd's Radio Shows' and the memorable Al Read programmes - 'Such is Life'.
He is recognised as an authority on the 'Golden Age of Comedy'. Due to this he is one of the most sought after, After Dinner Speakers in the country and his one man show being acclaimed by thousands of people in theatres all over the country and the for many years on board the P and O Ships such as the 'Sea Princess, the 'Canberra', the Cunard's QE2, the Black Prince, to mention but a few.
Mike's two books "Look Back With Laughter" (Volumes 1 and 2) are a cornucopia of 2Oth Century Comedy and highly acclaimed. Bob Monkhouse says in his foreword - "How we've begged for, patiently awaited and gleefully anticipated these books. Nostalgia is better, funnier ever when Mike Craig's about".
Mike's hobby is 'Comedy' and the 'Variety Theatre' and he has contributed greatly to the BBC's Archives with dozens of recorded anecdotes from some of the country's funniest and best loved performers, all taken from his popular Radio 2 interview programme - 'It's A Funny Business'.
His first play "The Day War Broke Out" the story of Robb Wilton had its world premiere in Mike's home town in March 1998.
He is a Lord's Taverner and the only BBC Producer who is a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats an honour of which he is very proud. In March 1988 Mike was given a tribute lunch by the Variety Club of Great Britain to mark his twenty-five years contribution to comedy.
"To say the evening was a success would be an understatement. One of our members ricked his neck from laughing so much. (John Tengwall, Decorative Lightng Assn)
"We have had nothing but compliments from our 200 guests" (John Jack, IBM)
"May I convey to you my sincere gratitude for an outstanding performance and be assured of my heartiest recommendation" (Bryan Marriott, Boots The Chemist)
"Thank you for your tremendous contribution to my Kick-Off Meeting at Stringfellows. Everybody though you were wonderful" (Andrew Garbutt, Prudential Corporatio Plc)
