Reflecting on a life of comedy and tragedy

Sid died in 1976 but he remains as popular as ever with those who enjoyed his work, from Hancock's Half Hour to Bless This House.

A darker side of the man has emerged in the past couple of weeks.

A Channel 4 documentary suggested the loveable rogue seen on screen was not so pleasant in real life.

Indeed, viewers were left with a picture of a drunk, wife beating, gambling loser.

Is this really the same cheeky, saucy Cockney who appeared in the films?

With the man's reputation somewhat tarnished, David Porter explained why the festival was devoting part of its autumn programme to the life and times of Sid James.

He said: "As far as I am concerned, Sid James is as worthy a subject as any for a production. He is a modern icon and a person who causes, and has caused, judging by the bookings for the show, a great deal of interest."

Mr Porter hoped the Sid production could help blow away any lingering stereotypes attached to Ilkley and its literature festival.

"Some people think of Ilkley as a retirement home, lots of middle class people, tea rooms, the moor and make judgements. I can't stand that. Our aim is to have as wide an appeal as possible, from the classics to contemporary writing," he said.

The Ilkley-based Charivari Theatre Company will present 'Sid' at the Crescent Hotel, Brook Street, on Friday September 25 and Saturday September 26.

Mr Porter commissioned the Group to come up with an idea for the festival. He was delighted when the idea for Sid was put forward.

"I like the classic 'man behind the face' idea," he said.

The production is being directed by Jim Woodland. He said if the Ilkley public came along expecting a Carry On film, they would be disappointed.

"The Ilkley Literature Festival has broadened its base, expanding to take in more than just the written form," he said.

"This is an opportunity to examine a man who has an important place in the history of British culture," said Mr Woodland.

Mr Woodland said the public probably did not realise the history of the South African-born actor.

"Sid appeared in more than 200 films in his career. Everybody remembers him in Hancock and the Carry On films, but appeared in works by Oscar Wilde for example," said Mr Woodland.

The production looks at Sid James the man and Sid James the character.

"Sid became extremely successful at playing one particular character, er, Sid James in fact," he said.

It seems the character on screen became so believable that Sid James began to believe it himself.

"Sid was brilliant at playing a character who did all the things he enjoyed in real life, particularly the womanising," said the production's director.

"The play does try to be true to the spirit of Sid," he said.

Mr Woodland believes the play highlights that Sid James was actually very very good at what he did and never pretended to be anything else.

"Sid has a very important place in cinema, stage and television. For 20 years or more he helped pull in big audiences, you shouldn't forget that," said Mr Woodland.

Mr Woodland believes the Carry On films can be dismissed as c**p but urges people to think of the real priceless moments in the films.

"You had great people like Jack Douglas and Charles Hawtrey who only had about ten 1 minutes of material but they used it so effectively, time after time," he said.

The director believes his one-man show has come to the public's attention at exactly the right time. "With all the Carry On coverage on Channel 4 recently it was interesting to see how the dark side of Sid and his fellow actors was examined. For years people have celebrated

the films but now we are seeing the flip side, let's examine the psychology," said Mr Woodland.

The biggest secret surrounding the show is the possible appearance of Barbara Windsor (Sid pursued her for many years) in a somewhat different form.

"Oh the blow-up Barbara," joked the director. "When the idea for the play was first submitted to the Ilkley Literature Festival, one of the possible items which was put forward for use in the play was an inflatable Barbara Windsor," he said.

"I cannot say for certain whether this doll will be making an appearance or not, you'll just have to wait and see," he said.

David Porter was also unsure about the possible appearance of this doll. "Maybe people should bring their own," he joked.

This promises to be a 'before and after production.' Mike Bettinson (who plays Sid) will play a young Sid and then an old Sid reflecting on his life.

This show promises to let us look past the infectious laugh and invents and unravels a new Sid.

Sid's death could be seen as a tragedy by some. He died on stage in Sunderland while performing in the farce The Mating Game. Mr Woodland said: "Sid did not die tragically. He died doing something he loved, something he was good at."

Although Carry On is riddled with seaside postcard humour, Mr Woodland promises this is not a 'bums and naked ladies production.'

A dead comic actor may not be everyone's idea of a literature

festival event, but Mr Porter is adamant there should be no real right and wrong - interesting is the key word.

There has been a note of controversy to the festival's 25th anniversary programme. "Our weekend of giving a Caribbean twist to an Emily Bronte tale caused a lot of reaction but I have no problem with that. It was an interesting project," said Mr Porter.

l Further details about the autumn programme can be obtained from the Ilkley Literature Festival office on 01943 601210.

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