The life of Bud Flanagan, a man whose journey was marked by both hardship and triumph.
Born into a world that would soon be ravaged by the Great War, Bud's early years were shaped by his experiences in the army. Unfortunately, he was frequently targeted by the sergeant major, a bully who would leave a lasting impact on Bud's life.
But Bud was not one to dwell on the past. Upon his demobilization, he vowed to exact his revenge on the sergeant major by using his name as his stage moniker. And so, Bud Flanagan was born.
The early years of the 20th century found Bud working as a call boy at the esteemed Cambridge Theatre in London's East End. However, as the years went by and the Great Depression took hold, Bud found himself struggling to make ends meet. In 1923, he turned to a new profession, becoming a London taxi driver.
But fate had other plans for Bud. In 1924, he received an offer to work in Glasgow, only to find himself unable to afford the journey. Undeterred, Bud embarked on a three-week walk to his new destination, a testament to his determination and resilience.
As the years passed, Bud continued to work tirelessly, honing his craft and building a reputation as a talented performer. It was during this time that he penned his iconic song, "Underneath the Arches," in a dressing room at a Derby theatre in 1926.
Bud's luck was about to change in a big way. In 1936, he won a staggering £2,000 on a 66-1 winner at The Oaks, a windfall that would set him up for life. Despite the many challenges he faced, Bud Flanagan's story is one of perseverance, creativity, and ultimately, success.
