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Jim Bowen
JIM BOWEN is a Lancashire born ex-Deputy Headmaster with a natural flair
for comedy in his own unique style. Whilst teaching he became involved
with the local Dramatic Society thereby kindling his interest in show
business. In the sixties he worked as a " Stand-up" comedian on a part-time
basis on the notorious Northern Club circuit.
The advent of Granada TV's "The Comedians" gave Jim the opportunity to
appear on National Television which prompted him to leave teaching and
"Have a go" in the precarious world of entertainment.
Television opportunities followed and Jim made appearances in Thames
Television's chat show "Take Two", Central TV's "Up for the Cup", Granada's
"Wheeltappers and Shunters Club", "Summertime Special", "Starburst", and
many guest spots in Light Entertainment TV Shows. These include regular
appearances on "Noel's House Party",(including one of Noel's famous 'Gotchas'),
"Celebrity Squares", "Pebble Mill", "Family Fortunes", "Des O'Connor Tonight"
and many other guest spots on chat shows and quizzes over the years.
His Autobiography "From a Bundle of Rags" has become a successful piece
of writing, showing a little of the other side of Jim Bowen.
A cabaret artiste and entertainer, he is also happy playing situation
comedy or 'straight' roles, including "Foxy Lady" with Diane Keen," Happy
Together" with Julie Walters, several cameo parts in "Last of the Summer
Wine" and with Mel Smith in Central TV's prestigious film series "Muck
and Brass". More recently Jim appeared in "Jonathan Creek" and "The Grimleys".
He became even more familiar to Northern audiences as "Alf" the long-
suffering barman in 14 very successful beer commercials. In 1986 he was
the subject of 'This is Your Life" with Eammon Andrews, and in 1988 his
schooldays were revealed when Sarah Kennedy caught him out in "Classmates".
Since his school days he has been an avid Jazz fan and is probably the
most frustrated trumpet player in the world! This has led to over a decade
of cruising on QE2 with the Hot Rhythm Orchestra several times a year,
and more recently with P & 0 Lines aboard 'Arcadia'. His peers regard
his 'After-Dinner' speeches as amongst the funniest to be heard, with
original anecdotes describing his experiences on and off "The Box".
He is best known for his "Bullseye" TV Game Show which for fourteen years
was regularly watched by over twelve million viewers and attained "cult"
status amongst University students, and this led to regular appearances
at Student Union venues including debating almost annually at both Oxford
and Cambridge.
As the Club and Cabaret scene changed Jim has adapted accordingly. He
can competently compere and assist at company functions, business gatherings
and seminars & along with his amenability and willingness to offer his
considerable experience to the organisers he can prove invaluable.
A potted version of the "Bullseye" game proves extremely successful,
not to say hilarious at conferences when the game can be geared to the
client's product or service on offer. The game can also be presented in
its complete form for the enjoyment of private functions, or as a full-scale
variety show for Theatres and Conference Centres.
As a direct result of his long and varied television work Jim has become
a famous face instantly recognised by the public. His many personal appearances
at store openings, product launches and both private and public celebrations
are extremely thoroughly prepared and executed. His command of the English
language and his awareness of the client's requirements make him an asset
to the most varied of functions. His appearances in numerous TV commercials
and 'sitcoms' are further evidence of his versatility, and his long association
with both the Independent and BBC television networks serve to exhibit
his integrity and genuine desire to give a professional service to his
clients.
Bearing in mind these facts, along with his many years as a comedian
of considerable standing, perhaps this CV goes some way to describing
Jim Bowen.
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