'I'm probably UK's oldest working comedian - I love it'
'I'm probably UK's oldest working comedian - I love it'
Rachel Candlin - West of EnglandSat, June 27, 2026 at 6:25 AM UTC
0
James Dawn started writing comedy scripts for the BBC aged 18
A comedian who has been working in the entertainment industry for more than six decades said "people's laughter" has kept him going.
James Dawn, 80, started sending comedy scripts to the BBC when he was 18 and has written material for some of the greats including Bob Monkhouse, Tom O'Connor, Russ Abbott and Les Dennis.
Dawn, who said he believed he is the oldest working comedian in the UK, spent much of his career doing stand-up gigs and can still be seen touring on the comedy circuit.
"I love it when you hit the end of a gag and, bang, they're rolling. It raises the soul somehow," said Dawn, who lives in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.
More from Gloucestershire
-
Health fears as water cut off on hottest days
Heatwave end in sight but disruption continues
Concerns over 40-mile diversion for roadworks
Dawn's skills were recognised recently by Britain's Got Talent judge KSI.
He was invited to Pinewood Studios as part of the influencer's Try Not To Laugh challenge in which people hope to win £1,000.
"You came out from behind the curtains and KSI was sitting there saying, 'Hi what's your name? Okay, make me laugh, you've got three minutes.
"And I did it in 30 seconds."
Dawn performed recently at a gig in Chepstow and as a support act at The Armstrong in Thornbury on Friday.
The venue's events and business manager, Olivia Riddiford, said she had "no idea" that he was 80, and that it was an "incredible achievement".
Advertisement
"James has provided us with hugely successful comedy nights at our community venue in Thornbury," she said.
"As a fully-inclusive venue, we applaud James on his ability to continue to work within the stand-up circuit and we look forward to seeing him get the laughs in.
"Just shows that you can do anything at any age," she added.
Aged 23, Dawn was touring with the Mecca Bingo Saturday night circuit meeting TV celebrities
Dawn said he had never been short of material for his routines.
"It comes out of my head, simple as that," he said.
"You can sit with a blank piece of paper and you start writing and you'd be surprised what comes through.
"Humour can be taken from anywhere."
Dawn described his lifelong career as being a great rollercoaster.
"But if you've still got that laughter from the audience echoing through your head, it's great - it's the best way of making a living, it really is," he added.
Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
More news stories
-
Bristol Comedy Festival returns with 150 shows
Comedian Andy Ford on 'working with legends'
How the south-west made Russell Howard funny
Related internet links
-
The Armstrong
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
