Described by Radio Instances as ‘a brilliant observer of the domestic scene, a get better at reporter of life as we realize it’, Al Read’s weekly display drew audiences of 35 million during the 1950s and 60s.Blessed in Salford in 1909, Al started life as a sausage manufacturer, having inherited the family’s meat-processing factory. His comedy developed from his product sales patter and after-dinner speeches, and he referred to his humour as ‘pictures of lifestyle’. He drew on his working-class origins to create catchphrases such as ‘Best Monkey’ and ‘You’ll become lucky, I’ll state, you’ll be lucky’. The rich North humour stands the test of period, as this collection of four displays from your 50s hilariously demonstrates.

©2007 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2007 BBC Audiobooks Ltd