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Hello
Playmates
Arthur
Askey (6/61900 - 16/11/1982) was born in Liverpool. A comedian with a
big personality to make up for his small stature, he was only 5 feet 2
inches tall.
He
served in the forces during World War I, performing for the troops in army
entertainments. Working in the music halls after the war he rose to
stardom with his role in the first radio sitcom 'Band Wagon' in 1938.
His
catchphrases included "Hello playmates", "I thank you"
("Ay-Thang-Yew") and "Before your very eyes".
In the early
1930's he even appeared on an early form of BBC TV, using a spinning disc
invented by John Logie Baird. A system of only 30 lines. When it
became electronic with 405 horizontal lines Askey was a regular performer.
During World
War II he starred in several Gainsborough Pictures comedy films and in 1952
he starred in his own TV series, 'Before your very eyes'.
Askey was also
a renowned Pantomime Dame. Performing up to the late 1970's he had to
retire when he developed circulatory problems that led to the amputation of
both his legs.
This replica of
a Volkswagen Transporter by Oxford Die cast is model VW020 and is a limited
edition of 2000 models.
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