If there is anyone that can lift the doom and gloom of the crisis it is the comedy legend, Frank Carson, who come rain or shine, can always raise a giggle or two.

It was quite surreal sitting on the sofa and sipping tea with such an illustrious figure from the British comedy circuit, who despite having just got off a plane, was on fine form. Frank Carson touched down in Alicante for a "One night only" appearance at The Lounge Bar, Torrevieja, which was dubbed to be his "last time on Spanish shores". Zest caught up with him at the home of his wonderful hosts and owners of The Lounge, Tom and Anne Riley, and immediately became the focus of his cheeky humour. "I remember you", he said to me, "We met last year at the Miss World competition. To be sure you were robbed." That was just the warm-up, as the gags just kept on rolling from there on in, and despite being the Interviewer I could barely get a word in edgewise. At 83 years, Frank had as much energy and charisma as a man of half his age, and it was only the endless stream of funny material and easy delivery that pointed to the fact that he had many years in the business.

It is in fact 50 years since Frank commenced his career on the Northern Club scene, where he was spotted by BBC television Producer, Barney Colehan, who liked his quirky style and signed him to appear on the top show of the time ‘The Good Old Days'. His tremendous popularity resulted in five further bookings, whilst his record as three times outright winner on Hughie Green's ‘Opportunity Knocks', was further evidence that he had what it takes to raise a smile. His break came shortly after this when was signed by the then Head of Granada Television Light Entertainment, Johnny Hamp, to appear on the ‘The Comedians'. The show commenced during the 1970's and ran for over a decade, providing a stage and important opening to many nightclub and working men's club comedians of the era, including Spike Milligan, Bernard Manning, Roy Walker and Tom O'Connor. Frank was an instant hit and rocketed into the exclusive "Star" bracket, appearing throughout the subsequent series and the tour of the specially staged theatre show which was organized to run alongside. The stage version was simply unstoppable, breaking box offices records at each of the theatres where it was reproduced.

Frank has gone on to tour the world, taking his onslaught of timeless classics as far as Australia, Canada, Europe and the Middle and Far East. He is easily identified by his unique catchphrases such as which have received frequent repetition in films and by fellow comics to impersonate their hero. I asked him how he felt about being mimicked and he said that "It is great. Very flattering," adding that "It's The Way I Tell ‘Em is a fact not a catchphrase. It is all about the delivery, that's what makes the joke". This led him into an anecdote about the late Ronnie Barker, who once wrote that "of all the comedians I have ever listened to, the only man that is word perfect in every detail and has the greatest sense of timing that I have ever come across is Frank Carson." Frank said that to receive such praise from a great artist like him was incredibly touching and humbling. I asked him in-turn who his icons were, past and present, and he reeled off a list of names, including the late Edward Woodward, Ken Goodwin and Norman Wisdom, the latter he has known for over 40 years. "Norman is a true legend. It is such a shame that he is not heard of more today" he said. Present day comedians that gained his seal of approval included Bobby Davro and Lee Evans, both of whom he said made him laugh time and again.

Frank's second famous phrase, "It's a Cracker", came after he appeared in a television commercial for ‘Jacob's Crème Crackers'. Frank revealed that it was his Mum who inspired him to appear in the commercial, as she had worked in the Jacob's factory. "She was a wonderful woman, and always enjoyed a laugh herself, right up until she died at the age of 91!" said Frank. It seems that longevity is in his genes, as he also had an Aunt who lived until she was 101. "I have already booked the Paladium for my 100^th birthday and will have Bruce Forsyth there as host" he said. On a personal level, he also made frequent reference to his three adored grandchildren, Hannah (10), Tara (8) and Frankie (6), who accompanied him to present gifts to the Queen and Prince Phillip during his latest performance at the Opera House in Blackpool, and his Wife, Ruth, with whom he has recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. "Sixty years and it seems just like yesterday....And what a fricken awful day yesterday was...." he chuckled.

Frank's dedication to charity was recognized by the Catholic Church in 1987, when his Holiness the Pope knighted him into the order of St. Gregory before a private audience in Rome. He is indeed one of the most televised and well documented comedians of all time, and was even given the honour of receiving the big red book, as the stunned subject of ‘This Is Your Life'. Another great opportunity was sent his way in 1992, when he appeared at the Royal Variety performance, and can now rightfully name the Royal Family among his greatest fans. He spoke particularly highly of the Duke of Edinburgh, recalling a performance at the Variety Club alongside of Jimmy Tarbuck, when the Duke walked onto the stage and the audience applauded, to which he responded "I don't know why you are applauding me, I'd go anywhere for Frank!" He said it was an amazing honour and to this day he exchanges sideward's glances with him during his shows, as if sharing a "private" joke.

As he prepared himself for that evening's show at The Lounge Bar he said that "I am thrilled to be back in Torrevieja as we always get a great crowd here". He commented that although he had vowed not to do anymore dates overseas "I will make an exception for my friends here. Anne and Tom always take great care of me". He also said that Anne had promised to make his favourite sandwich for after the show- Corned beef, tomato, onion and mayonnaise. I asked him if he still gets excited before a show, to which he replied "Of course. I get the same buzz out of going out there in front of all of those people as I ever did. Appearing at a small venue such as this where everyone there is ready for a laugh, that's the most important thing."

And up for a laugh they certainly were as Frank raised the roof, leaving the entire audience in hysterics throughout the show. Frank finally hinted that he will be returning to The Lounge Bar sometime in February (you heard it here first), so be sure to get down there and catch the legend in action!

Photos: Ken Taylor