Documentary featuring a cavalcade of Northern comedy stars including the great Frank Randle, George Formby, Arthur Askey, Norman Evans and many more. The North of England has always enjoyed its own very particular brand of comedy, best seen today in Coronation Street. 80 years ago however Mancunian Studios produced feature films for the northern masses. Funny Up North tells the story of the Mancunian Studios, its eccentric owner John E Blakeley and its cavalcade of stars including such household names as Arthur Askey, Jimmy Jewell, George Formby and the legendary Frank Randle. Hosted by Professor Chris Lee, the authority on northern cinema, Funny Up North takes you on a journey from its humble beginnings to its sad demise in the 1960s.
C.P. Lee
Tony Wilson
Frank Randle
George Formby
Norman Evans
Arthur Askey
Jimmy Jewel
Jimmy James
Betty Driver
Harry Korris
Tessie O'Shea
Mike Blakely
Arthur Mertz
Wyn Mertz
Douglas Wakefield
Patricia Phoenix
Jimmy Clitheroe
Eli Woods
John E. Blakeley