James Young (comedian)

James Young (1918 - July 5 1974), also known as Jimmie Young, was a comedian born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland and brought up in Belfast.

He performed both on the stage and on television, as well as selling over a quarter of a million records. His stage shows are most closely associated with the Group Theatre, where his show gained a listing in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running in the world. He also toured extensively across Ireland, Canada and the United States.

He is best remembered for the characters in his sketches, which uniquely reflected the character of the people of Belfast. These included "Orange Lil", "Cherryvalley Lady", and "Derek the Window Cleaner" from the BBC Radio Ulster series "The McCooeys". He was also one of the first comedians to confront the Troubles in his material, while still appealing to both sides of the divided community.

A blue plaque in his memory is displayed at his family's home in Fernwood Street, Ormeau Road, Belfast.

Memorable lines

"We have no rates in Cherryvalley. No rates ... only mice."

"Get yer gutties on we're goin' to Bangor!"

"Do us a favour, will yez - stop yer fightin'!"

"I wan' a ring ... a round ring!"

External links

* [http://www.thevacuum.org.uk/issues/issues0120/issue06/is06artsterig.html "The Vacuum" article on James Young]