From Arthur Askey to Ricky Gervais, comics have refined the art of the perfect one-liner. By Piers Pottinger
The British have always loved a catchphrase, irrespective of its merit or origin. From music hall to television advertisements, a short phrase has regularly found its way into everyday parlance. Music hall comedians, with alliterative names such as Charlie Chester, Arthur Askey, and Tommy Trinder, all recognised the power of repetition in their acts. One of my favourites remains the opening line from Trinder’s act, ‘You lucky people’, delivered with just a touch of sarcasm. I still hear people today quoting Arthur Askey’s famous catchphrase, delivered somewhat nasally, ‘I thank you’. Simple but effective. Commonplace phrases were used in abundance in the 1930s. Sandy Powell delivered the phrase ‘Can you hear me, mother?’ in the 1935 film of the same name, having become hugely popular as a big star of the era. Music hall acts were starting to feature on the radio in sketch and variety shows. The biggest hit...
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