Norman Evans

Mark Radcliffe looks back at the life and career of comic Norman Evans.

Norman was born and brought up in Rochdale - just like his more famous counterpart and mentor, Gracie Fields. Here he worked as a travelling salesman before his talent for comic speeches was spotted and he took to the stage.

His genius for observing the "humour of everyday life" led to his most famous sketch show - "Over The Garden Wall" – playing a northern housewife plagued by "women's troubles" and "him at home".

While Evans is less famous now, he helped pave the way for later comics like Les Dawson.

Series exploring some of the North of England's best loved and most influential comedians.

Producer Libby Cross

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.