Peter Cook

Channel 4 deliver another top 50 run down, this time of the comedians' favourite comedian. 200 trusted comedians and critics were polled, resulting in a pretty comprehensive list of the funniest people ever, from any period. Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy & Groucho Marx all ranked highly; Eddie Izzard was a little low for me at 19; Vic & Bob garnered a very pleasing 9; my tip for number one came fourth: Eric Morcombe. The top two are hard to argue with, John Cleese being number two (Python and Fawlty Towers!) and The winner being Peter Cook who posthumously is considered a writting and performing genius by almost everyone. The program was followed by a documentary on Derek and Clive, which whilst not being that funny taken as snippets out of context is fascinating for it's historical place in the change of attitudes and styles, and for Cook's relationship with Dudley Moore. A more fascinating and tragic man than even Peter Sellers (if not funnier) RIP Peter Cook! Kx