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ALL POSTAL ENQUIRIES TO –
Susan Craig
19 October 2014
Back in May 2012, I attended the University of
Salford for the launch of the Mike Craig Comedy Archive. As Mike would no doubt have loved,
his entire archive has been digitalised and catalogued and is now available to students,
academics and the public via the University's online archive. I was delighted to donate Mike's
work and I am very grateful to the BBC for waiving their copyright.
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It is now almost four years since Mike passed away and I continue to be touched by the
number of people who write to me, expressing their joy at Mike’s work. It is so lovely that people take the time to
let me know that his books, CDs and DVDs are still making people laugh and that
he continues to bring such happiness, which was all he ever wanted to do.
I promised to update you when I finally finished going through Mike's treasures and I can confirm that I have
completed the task. After almost 30 years in our family home - the home that Mike adored - it was time to move on.
Needless to say that I remain surrounded by Mike's memory in the form of his theatre bills, books, awards etc..
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Mike's books, CDs and DVDs
are still available, so please keep laughing at the memories Mike evoked. As always, love and
laughter, Susan Craig ********************************** Messages and Tributes left in Mike's memory. Ian Reed I had the great
pleasure of working with Mike on many Outside Broadcast shows mixed by Tony
Worthington , at various venues including the City Varieties Leeds. Mike was a truly great
professional, second best would never do, and his many excellent programmes
testify to that. It was interesting
that in all the times we worked together, nobody including very well known
names in entertainment, ever questioned his judgment when it came to comedy
timing, or material, such was his pedigree. I spoke recently to a
friend who is a Cruise Manager on P and O—he remembered Mike from the many
shows he did on their cruises, going back as far as Canberra, and indeed
many passengers had cause the thank Mike for providing some of the best
laughs on board—apparently his “Comedy Cruises” are still a legend. Farewell Mike—we will
miss you greatly. Ian C Reed M.I.E.T. -- Louis Barfe I never knew Mike
Craig, but I knew his work as a comedy writer, radio producer and an
historian. In all fields, he excelled. My thoughts are with his family. -- Caroline & Barney Dear Susan, our
thoughts are with you at this sad time, Eva called to tell me. -- Sue Woolley Lots of very fond and
funny memories from my Manchester days with the NRO and all the things that
went with that and the Playhouse theatre. God Bless. -- Ian Morrison Mike was the funniest
man I ever heard and not a swear word or a bit of smut in sight. -- Lawrence & Joyce
Bellhouse. Susan, a giant among
men, a true gentleman of Mirth. He was always so kind and spoke so often at
Hoyle Court and the best ambassador Nash's ever had, we shall all miss you
Mike. Susan our love and condolances to you and your Family. -- Rodney Collins I remember Mike at
Radio 2 in my days there. This is very sad news. -- laura harrison We are so sorry to
hear of Mikes death,i have just come on to the website for the first time.
We were in Scotland 2 weeks ago and a driver named Dougie who works for
Highland Heritage played us a tape of Mikes and we all fell about
laughing,as we are from Barnsley you can imagine the uproar on the bus, we
enjoyed it so much we would like to say a huge thank you for making our
holiday really special,thank you again.We are ordering some of Mikes c.d;s
and can;t wait to thear him again.Kind reagards to all his family and
friends. -- David Shute We shared jolly times
on the high seas as lecturers. -- Rob & Moya Welding God Bless you Mike you
kept us laughing with your wonderful jokes and brilliant comic timing ~ a
true comic genius ~ keep 'em laughing in heaven Mike. -- Tina from all the staff and
service users at Brookside -- BARRY FITZGERALD -- Jeremy smith (Jem Frazer) Mike as you know you gave me my
first job as Baby Jesus in the nativity play at St Thomas's church in Batley!
and you never paid me! -- Dennis Smith 49 years of sincere friendship -- Kathryn Lambourne What great panto's Mike produced for
us. Laughter in abundance! We all thoroughly enjoyed being a part of them.
Love to all the family at this time. -- peter bellhouse Mike thank you for all you did for
our family.The salt was good, the viniger was good. You were Great. -- Noreen Kershaw aka.........A Woman Alone I've never laughed so much when I
was supposed to be working......as when I worked with Mike on "Jimmy's
Cricket Team " -- Nicky&EdwinaMartyn When I did my first cruise with
P&O 1980mI had no experienc of what material to write and use on stage
Mike became a good friend and urged me to do something different to what the
other cruise-ship comics were doing, I created all kinds of new ideas and ran
them past Mike for his approval, He always found time for me and watched all
of my shows. When I started to write more comedy songs against the advice of
others ,once again Mike told me to carry on producing new ideas, Don't stand
still he always said. I owe him thanks for making sure I kept on coming-up
with new routines just for cruisers. People have often asked me in the last
few years "What has happened to Mike",I always say "He's still
out there, producung new stuff,and making people laugh. I'll miss him -- PHIL COLLINGE Made In Manchester
Productions A few years back, Mike was kind
enough to speak about his memories of the great Les Dawson for a Radio 2
documentary I was working on. Sadly I was unavailable that day and had to
send a colleague to record Mike’s contribution. The opportunity to meet him
never occurred again, but somehow I always felt like I knew him, so great was
his presence in the world of those who love their comedy. I’ve been lucky enough to write and
produce a lot of programmes about great comedians who are no longer with us,
and Mike’s presence was always (and will always) be felt when such
documentaries are being produced. From the interviews he gave us about people
like Les, to the research goldmines that are his books on comedy, to the
wonderful legacy of programming he has left at the BBC. Only this year for
instance, when making a tribute to Bob Monkhouse, I stumbled across a
wonderfully warm interview between Mike and Bob from the 1970s which proved
invaluable. Perhaps the most important legacy he
will leave to programme makers though, is his approach. In an age when too
may programmes look back at the comedy greats with cynicism, Mike’s books,
programmes, and the interviews he gave, show us that the best way to remember
the greats is with genuine affection and love. Something tells me that’s how
Mike will be remembered too. -- DJ David Masters He was a committed, inspirational
professional who will be deeply missed by all. I was honoured to work with
Mike on Canberra in the 80's and learned so much about the early years of
radio comedy from him. -- Julie Brinnand I met Mike at the fabulous monthly
Lunch and Laughter Club and he was very kind in supporting my later role as a
charity fundraiser with the Children's Adventure Farm. He gave his time to a
Golf Day I organnised in a pro-celeb Golf Day in 2002 at Tytherington. He
made the other 3 players in his team laugh all around the course and later,
when our MC, Jo Blakeway, was delayed, Mike thought nothing of standing in.
What a performance! And many thanks. -- Leslie Davies Dear Susan and family, -- Pete Le Gros He will have them laughing in
heaven! a great man who gave me and many many others many hours of great
comedy. R.I.P. Mike -- Colin Bourdiec (George Formby
Impersonator and ex P&O Cruise Director) I had the pleasure of working with
Mike on board P&O Cruises. This is a loss of a very good friend and great
exponent of the variety arts. Keep em laughing. Hup xxx -- Doug Naylor One of my favorite Mike stories was
when he introduced me and Rob to Bob Hoskins. It was a lunch time and as
usual we'd popped into the BBC Club for a quick drink or three. Rob noticed
him first, 'Look' he whispered, 'there's Bob Hoskins sitting in the corner.'
Rob and I were huge Bob Hoskins fans, we even used to watch Bob's Adult
Literacy series 'On the Move' and vowed one day we'd work with him. Mike
pipped up, 'Bob Hoskins, have you never met him? Would you like to meet him,
lads? ' That'd be amazing,' I said. Mike seemed to know everyone. We walked
over to Bob, star of the 'Long Good Friday' and the biggest British movie
star of the time. 'Bob, Mike Craig, how are you, mate? Bob stood up and shook
Mike's hand. 'How are you, Mike?' Mike ushered us forward, 'Bob, can I
introduce you to the two best young comedy writers in the country today.'
Mike always introduced us to people like this. I really, really miss it!
Especially the young bit. Bob shook both our hands while Mike said, 'Lads,
grab a seat and I'll get the drinks. What you drinking, Bob?' Bob told him
and Mike went off to get the round in. We sat down and started chatting to
Bob. The bar was pretty busy that day so Mike was away for about five
minutes. We talked about Bob's new movie and what we were writing at the time
and finally when there was a small lull in the conversation I said, 'So Bob
how long have you known, Mike, then?' Bob said, 'Just now, this is the first
time I've met him.' Rob and I sat there absolutely thunder-struck. That was
just so typical of Mike. We wanted to meet Bob Hoskins so he fixed it for us.
The fact, he didn't actually know him, didn't concern him in the slightest.
He also got us commissioned for radio series after radio series and taught us
so much about both comedy and the technical aspects of producing and working
with actors. He was like a second father to us as well as being a great
friend. It was an absolute privilege and joy to spend those years with him
before we moved down to London. I've never laughed more than my time working
with Mike. You're a total one off Mike and you'll be hugely missed. xx -- ted &graham haley we are both very sorry to here about
mike but we will still be able to laugh along with him through listening to
his recordings which we always enjoy.our thoughts are with you all. -- Kevin Askew - Radio Nene Valley I have been a fan of Mike's work for
many years and have been fortunate to have spoken to Mike on the phone a few times.
He was very helpful in my search for Tom Mennards Local Tales. My deepest
sympathy to Susan and the family. -- Tony Butler Loved his humour in Bridlington. -- Jean Fitzgerald I'm so very sad to hear the news of
Mike's passing. I will remember him with much affection, he was always full
of laughter and fun, such a generous and humorous man. He was so supportive
and sincere when Brian died, they had been friends and worked together for
many years at the BBC Manchester. God Bless You Mike My love and thoughts are
with Susan and the family. -- Neil Porter I worked on the cruise ships with
Mike and he was a true gentleman and, of course, very funny. RIP -- Julie Corcoran Mike was a super lovely generous man
and I know he will be keeping everyone laughing up in heaven.Love and prayers
to all the family at this very sad time. -- Doreen and Eric B. My goodness, you were so admired and
loved. Such Talent, Such Fun. You entered our lives all those years ago, and
we'll never forget you. Bye, Bye, sleep tight. -- Mrs Pauline Bell -- Chris Burke -- Tony James -- Jeff Staveley -- Eddie & Gillian Akka -- Gilbert Rowell -- Jane ‘J-Lo’ Lomas -- Jim Arnold -- Irvine Brookes -- Ron Southern -- Sue & Mike Brown -- Stephen Windle -- Dan Heap -- Michael (Percy) & Monika Plant -- So sorry Susan to hear of Mikes
passing I heard from John Hoyle. The Shelley Mafia. Ray Spencer. -- Gerry Mawdsley (President George
Formby Society) -- Robin Taylor -- Rob Grant -- Bill Redfern -- Philip and Gillian Webb -- Ken Broadbent -- Alan Southworth -- Roger Green -- Johnnie Casson -- Ruth Madoc and John (mate) Jackson A big thank you mike for everything
you gave. Love always. -- Jim Bradford I’m gutted at Mikes passing, came
into contact with him and his work at a low time in life, he buklifted my
spirits, even today you just listen to his tapes, he gives you a buzz. Bless
Mike, leave them laughing, -- Paul Smith I had the pleasure of working with
Mike as a "soundman" during his time at the BBC in Manchester as
both a writer and producer. I have only good memories of the many hours I
spent in his company recording, editing and "sweetening" his
programme output for the Beeb. I think I can speak for the whole audio
fraternity in saying he's sadly missed. -- Canon Desmond Probets During my time as Vicar of Timperley
I conducted many weddings, and the Marriage of Mike and Sue will always be
special in my memory. I was unusually nervous, expecting at any moment that
Mike's wonderful sense of humour and fun would get the better of him, and the
ceremony would collapse in laughter. No, all was well until the producing of
the rings. At that moment, the best man produced a handful of washers! I
looked at Mike who just smiled, but I got the twinkle in his eyes.
Fortunately the appropriate rings appeared and the ceremony continued! It was
a joy and privilege to pronounce Mike and Sue, husband and wife. In a very
busy life in the world of entertainment, Mike found time to support the
Parish, and through his amazing fun, he was instrumental in raising thousands
of pounds towards re-roofing the Parish Church. I shall always be grateful
for the friendship, kindnesses and support that Mike gave to me and to the
Parish. I know for sure that there is laughter in heaven, and Mike will
be quite at home. In a sky full of stars, there are always some that shine
brighter. Our love to Sue and Family; you are in our prayers. -- Pauline Geeves I received the triple CD this
afternoon and was very sad to read the message that came with them. As I
explained in my letter Rod and I have only recently come to know of Mike but
nevertheless feel for your loss in particular and also for his family and
many friends and fans. Our thoughts are with you and we will be making a
donation to the Alzheimer's Society in his memory. Love and laughter. -- Carl (Wilf 'Gasmask' Grimshaw)
Sutcliffe I love him dearly, he made it easy. -- Christine Prentice Working with Mike at Radio
Manchester on his Saturday morning programme was always a joy, laughter was never
far away! Mike would arrive in the studio with a pile of cassettes and
later, minidiscs, full of priceless recordings of comedy shows he had
collected over the years. Although too young to remember a lot of the
original broadcasts, I was in awe of his knowledge and fabulous memory so the
illness he suffered was particularly cruel. My thoughts and sympathy are
now with Susan and all the family. -- Guy Cliff Judith W`s Bro How very sad to hear that Mike died
last week . In 1951 to 1956 i shared an office with him at W h Shaws C A
s We used to say " this silly lad , he will never make anything of
himself and just act the fool " How wrong we were and how I have enjoyed
laughing in his limelight and rejoicing in his success. And he never forgot
" Old Friends " -- Barry Balmayne I am absolutely devastated to hear
the very sad news. Mike was a very dear friend for over 20 years and I was so
proud to be his Brother Water Rat for the past 14 years. To be in his company
at any time was an immeasurable pleasure and his timely and unique wit and
his incomparable knowledge of Music Hall and Variety will be so very sadly
missed by us all. Thanks Mike for coming to my aid when I first became the
editor of The British Music Hall Society's journal 'The Callboy', and thanks
too Mike for so kindly stepping down to give me the chance to become
Scribe Rat. But then, that's the kind of nice guy you always have been. Rest
in peace my dear fraternal friend. -- Fred Cable Thanks to Mike and Susan for the
wonderful pantomimes at Christchurch. We all enjoyed the fun -- Jimmy Cricket Some of the happiest times in my
showbusiness life were spent doing the Radio series " Jimmy's Cricket
team" At the time Mike was the top Radio
comedy producer and i was so blessed to have him at the helm. After the last
show of each series, Mike would invite us to his home where Susan had a
buffet prepared. Her lemon cheese cake was a dream and I always finished up
taking an extra slice home. Mike’s passing heralds the end of a Golden comedy
era and he will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.....Jimmy
Cricket -- Carole & Robert Birch Thank you for all the laughter you
have given us through the books and especially the tapes and cd's and of
course the 'Pantos' With love 'Fairynuff'
We had some great times, and lots of fun making the recordings. It didn’t
end there however, because Susan would invite all the performers and
engineers back to their home for a
simply superb “after show” buffet, and of course more laughs !
Caroline (London)
Sue xx
Hugs and kisses to you Susan.
With love
David
My earliest memory of Mike was as a young lad when my dad (Brian
Fitzgerald)used to sneak me and my brother into the playhouse in Hulme for
the various shows that they worked on together. One moment that sticks in
my mind was when Les Dawson, after three or four retakes on a sketch
(mainly due the others on stage unable to get their words out because they
were laughing too much)threw the script on the floor and went off on a
tangent. Mother in Law jokes, his childhood days,jokes about the
musiciansetc had the whole theatre in uproar and I remember Mike coming out
of the sound control room and going up on stage,picking up the script and
putting his arm around Les in an attempt to get the show back on track.
Priceless-did they keep out takes in those days, my Dad nearly fell of the
piano stool! Years later I saw Mike regularly at the Lunch and Laughter
club and Hale Wine Bar (GCHQ)and he was a rock at my Fathers funeral. One
of the nicest, sincere, gifted,professional people I have ever met.Mike,
say hello to my Dad and Les Dawson and I hope there's a Playhouse in
Heaven!
I remember the big photo of Laurel and Hardy on your wall in the house on
Ebury street.
You certainly inspired me as i have made my living performing as them.
Thanks for some wonderful times God bless love Jem and mum oh crikey Enid
xxxx
49 years of a good mate,
Possibly 25 of those performing.............poor golf!
A million thanks for thousand's of great memories!
Love BIG Den xx
God be with you.
Rest in peace
And when I was on that boat.....or is it a ship ? I went to everyone of
Mike's comedy lectures. They were fantastic.
The voices , the jokes, the stories, the comic timing and his love of the
audience and his comic material.
I'm so lucky to have worked with such a talented , funny man.
Thank you Mike
And lots of love to Susan and all the family
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I never had the good luck to hear Mike speak, but his books are and will
remain an inspiration to me and anyone else who wishes to tell the present
generation what comedy can be like when comedians are actually (thank you,
Mike!) funny, and indeed really (thank you again!) funny.
May he rest in peace and keep the angels laughing
Hi Sue
So sorry to hear the news - I'll always remember the happy years working with
Mike in Manchester on all the great Radio shows he produced
Just heard from Fred and Andrew Van Buren of your sad news Susan.
We had good food and much fun at the Laughter Club and meeting up with old
friends in the business.
The laughter will roll on.
When I worked in the local Ironmongers in Batley,Mike called in regularly,he
was always the funny man,he was great and will be sadly missed.
Deepest regret and sorrow in losing such a wonderfull human being who had
want nothing more that to please and make people laugh. He will be missed
greatly and his work will live for many years. With Fondest love and sincere
best wishes to Susa and family, from Eddie, Gillian and the boys
I first heard Mike on Canberra and he left a lasting impression on me. So
much so, I remembered his name and some of his hilarious routines even from
that time and again on other later cruises.
May he rest in peace and keep the angels laughing.
I really loved driving Mike’s programme on BBC Radio Manchester. It was
always a laugh a minute in the studio, whether on air or off – in fact it was
sometimes difficult to tell which was which! He introduced me to recordings
of so many great comedians of the past (many I’d never heard of!) …and an
enduring love of Jake Thackray. I will miss Mike – I am so glad to have
worked with him, laughed with him and known him as a friend.
I've just heard the sad news of Mike's passing. I worked as a lowly
receptionist at B.H. in London in the 1990s. He showed me great
kindness. A good man with a good heart who always proved that talent
outlasts trends. Rest in peace Mister C.
Audio, Manchester.
Like Paul Smith earlier, we have such wonderful happy memories. All the
laughter, (all played in from 1/4" tape of course)- I jest.
I first met Mike in London when we were both working on LE TV shows for
Stewart Morris in the late 1960's.
Later, in Manchester, that hot-bed of Northern Humour, our paths crossed
again. I was very lucky.
A nice man. I will miss him a lot.
We were very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I worked in Manchester's sound
department for 9 years, and remember Mike coming to join Jim Casey's comedy
team in the mid 1970's. We worked regularly together for several years and
spent many a day in "N6" at BBC Oxford Rd, editing comedy shows,
and later recording some of the Grumbleweeds and other shows at the
Playhouse. My wife Ann went to some of these, and she remembers Mike buying
the round after the recordings. He was always full of enthusiasm and fun, and
good at giving praise to staff. We had loads of fun recording location sound
effects together for a sitcom called "WALLY WHO", visiting bowling
alleys and junkyards, and breaking windows with bricks. I met him in Leeds
from time to time in the 1990s, and he gave my son a CD of his stories
"You can tell a Yorkshireman But Can't Tell Him Much", which he
remembers and enjoyed. I knew he had been ill for some time, but was very
sorry to hear he has passed on. A professional, and a friend. Bye Mike.
We will always remember such happy times with Mike in our Church pantomimes,
and all the fun and laughter we shared. Our love to Susan & family.
God bless you Mike. Thankyou for making me laugh, your books and tapes will
always be among my treaured possesions. I only ever met you once, but it is a
meeting I shall never forget. Loving thoughts to all you family.
I will always be grateful to Mike for being a spotty kid in dress up, but
respected by him as a valued actor... and it was only a church panto! Look
back at that time with great pride and fondness. I will never forget
standing around the piano in your lounge learning the tricky songs!
Rest in Peace Mike.
You will be much missed by so many people for your wit and warmth. Monika and
I have so many happy memories of our times together with you, Susan, your
family and friends. Don't know where you are now Mike, but hopefully it is a
Palace of Laughter! If it wasn't before, it soon will be! TTFN
Its so sad to hear the news of Mikes Passing He was a great entertainer
especially on the cruises and Radio. We remember fondly his visits to our
conventions in Blackpool he was a great friend to the GFS God
Bless.
Thanks for all the fun and laughter at the Luncheon And Laughter Club. You
made my 40th Birthday a day to remember. It was always "your bat and
ball"
You were a wonderful friend and the world's greatest mentor to Doug and
me. You'll always be in our memories. You'll always be a part of our work.
The best part.
You gave so many people, so much laughter. Mike will be sadly missed, but his
love of fun will always be with us all.
An unforgettable character whose humour was such you could hear him over and
over again.He enriched our lives and those of millions.
Fond memories of Mike with the many Radio Programmes he produced and also
Happy Days of Mike at The Manchester Music Hall
Thanks for the pleasure of your company at the Sale George Formby Society,
and for your support with gifts for the raffle. Most of all, thanks for
the legacy of videos, CDs and tapes which will always remind us of your
brilliant Yorkshire wit.
God bless you Mike.
I first met Mike in Hale Wine Bar. Not long after that, he founded the Lunch
& Laughter Club....a wonderful monthly meeting of like minded people
(drink, food & comedy!) The events were always attended by some very well
known people (you know who you are!) and that was a testament to the
popularity of someone I can only describe as a true gentleman.
I once attempted to write a childrens book - when Mike found out, he and
Norman Rossington spent hours recording the first chapter to try to help me
get it published...all for a bottle of wine! It is an honour to have known
you mike....Keep smiling as I know you will!
Wonderful, brilliant man. Think of Craigy and I smile. He asked King Rat if
he could pin on my emblem when I joined the GOWR. What an honour for me.
Sleep well, Mike
Barry.