The Stanley Baxter Playhouse - Series 4 - Episode 3

Stanley Baxter, inspired in his own stellar career by the man's outstanding impersonations, stunning pantomime dame performances and brilliant comic timing; pays tribute to Tommy Lorne, one of Scotland's greatest early twentieth century comedians Stanley says "In the long and distinguished history of great Scottish comedians there is one name that stands out particularly in my mind, that of Tommy Lorne. His star burned brightly, but briefly, in the early years of the 20th century. My parents loved him, as did many Glaswegians, and in 1934 as an eight year old boy I was taken to the Theatre Royal to see him as Dame in Babes in the Wood. Although he died only a year later and I was to see him no more, his hilarious and extraordinary stage persona is still etched in my memory. He was, rightly, a huge star in Scotland, and although he may be long gone I'd hate for him to be forgotten. So this is my tribute to the great Tommy Lorne entitled, in the words of his own, famous catch phrase: 'In the Name of the Wee Man.'" The play follows Tommy's own life story from 1890 to 1935, of how he became a star in Scotland, touring sometimes to twelve venues a week, and becoming the most popular pantomime dame of the era; but he pushed himself too hard, and in 1935 the pressure of work was too much and Tommy collapsed at the Kings Theatre Edinburgh before a show. At his funeral three thousand people turned out to say farewell- the biggest audience he'd ever played. Cast: Tommy Lorne ..... Stanley Baxter Willie Barbour ..... John Sessions Harry McKelvie ..... John Ramage Mary ..... Gabriel Quigley Danny ..... Davild Holt Written by David Holt Producer: Marilyn Imrie A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4.