Yorkshire’s famous for its humour – and nowhere more than Sheffield and South Yorkshire
Over the years, the city has been home to some of the most hilarous comedians the world has ever seen, and if you look into the wider South Yorkshire area, the comedy heritage spills out into Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster too.
While we all know about Michael Palin, whose work with Monty Python made him globally famous, and the Chuckle Brothers, who had generations of children rolling around laughing through Chucklevision, there are many others born here, brought up here, or with other close links the the city, and we also have a great tradition of comedy clubs.
We’ve put together a gallery of who we believe may be the 14 best and most famous comedians linked to Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
We’ve put together a gallery of who we believe may be the 14 best and most famous comedians linked to Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
5. Arthur Baines
Sheffield born Arthur Baines, known for his stage name of Stainless Stephen, survived World War One to become former teacher at Crookes Endowed School, and then became one of the first comedians to appear on BBC Radio, where he created several characters including Oscillating Oscar as well as Stainless Stephen. In 1932, he was voted the most popular radio artist in a newspaper poll. He died in 1971, aged 78. Picture: Picture Sheffield Photo: Picture Sheffield
Barnsley born Charlie Williams worked as a miner and then a professional footballer, with Doncaster Rovers, before making his name as one of Britain's first well-known black stand-up comedians, starring on The Comedians and The Golden Shot, with the catchphrase, "me old flower". He died aged 78 in 2006. Photo: Dean Atkins
The Chuckle Brothers Paul (left) and Barry Elliott, were known for their BBC children's programme ChuckleVision, which ran from 1987 to 2009, with catchphrases including "To me, to you!" and "Oh dear, oh dear!". They continued to perform together until Barry's death aged 73 in 2018 Photo: Roger Nadal
Richard Coyle , from Low Edges, made his name as a comedy actor as Jeff in the successful sitcom Coupling, in which he was one of the main stars from 2000 until 2002. He has gone on to appear in a number of films as a serious actor. PIcture: Ian West/PA Wire Photo: Ian West