Dainty plaque to honour star
A blue plaque to honour Black Country comedy legend Billy Dainty will finally be put up in Dudley, bringing to an end more than a year of campaigning.
And another plaque, for renowned local pantomime dame Clarkson Rose, will also be unveiled before a night of traditional entertainment at Dudley Concert Hall next year.
Wall Heath councillor, Dave Tyler, has been spearheading the campaign for the plaques and said he was delighted. "I'm absolutely chuffed to be honest," he said. "I think it's great that local people are actually being recognised, because both of these individuals certainly deserve it.
Councillor Tyler said the plaques would not be put up near the birthplace of the two Dudley-born entertainers as neither of their homes still remained. "They will go up in the foyer area at the hall," he said.
A ceremony to unveil the two plaques will take place at Dudley Concert Hall, in St James's Road, on January 21, before a host of the some of the best-known entertainers take to the stage for a night of music, magic and laughter.
The show is being organised by Barry Balmayne and entertainer Ray Hingley, with proceeds to be split between cancer charities and the Grand Order of the Water Rats, which Clarkson Rose was a member of.
Mr Hingley said: "It should be a great night and a good celebration of traditional Black Country entertainment. We're very grateful to everyone who's performing on the night, because they are all giving their time for free."
Performers at the event will include Jimmy Cricket, Duchess of Dudley, Lizzie Wiggins, Joe Regan, Joan Hind, Paul Squire, Johnny More, king of the one-liners Joe Goodwin, Ed Doolan, impressionist Johnny Maynard, magician Guy Higgs and the Betty Fox dancing troupe.
Mr Hingley said although most Black Country people were familiar with funnyman Billy Dainty, few were as knowledgeable about Clarkson Rose. Born in Dudley in 1890 as Arthur C Rose, he had the honour of making the final curtain speech at London's famous Lyceum on the night it closed.
He always said his favourite role was Widow Twankey in Aladdin and after a final pantomime at Leicester in 1967, he died on April 23 1968.
Mr Hingley said there had already been huge interest in the event next January, but that people could enquire about tickets by calling the box office on 01384 812812.
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