I was in my early teens the first time I stayed up late enough to watch a British television show that was being re-broadcast in the States on an obscure independent station. A roguish Irishman sat alone on a bar stool in an empty studio, smoking a cigarette, holding a drink and serving up hilarious helpings of sacred cowburger. He particularly liked to take the Michael out of the Catholic Church, but everything was fair game for Dave Allen, especially authority figures.
The show was Dave Allen at Large, and I am happy to see that BBC have produced Dave Allen, God’s Own Comedian (rave review by Martin Chilton here). Definitely one to watch for his many fans.
Not all of Allen’s comedic material holds up today, but his charm and stage presence certainly do: