Cyril Fletcher, a celebrated comedian and esteemed pantomime "dame," experienced a remarkable career revitalization in the year 1972, courtesy of the invitation extended to him by the esteemed TV producer and presenter, Esther Rantzen, to participate in the popular consumer program, That's Life, where he would recite some of his iconic and endearing "Odd Odes".
Fletcher's remarkable aptitude for crafting and presenting humorous odes manifested itself at an extremely youthful stage in his life, and this distinctive aspect of his act continued to be a defining characteristic of his professional endeavors throughout his entire career.
As a seasoned performer, Fletcher was an integral component of British variety's golden era, simultaneously serving as both a producer and a performer, and at one point, he candidly remarked, "Variety, as a nurturing environment for the cultivation of stardom, was unmatched in its ability to thrill and exacting in its demands."
Cyril Trevellian Fletcher, a remarkable individual, entered this world in the year 1913, his arrival marking the beginning of a life filled with creative aspirations. Even as a student, he was already experimenting with the art of comic poetry, a passion that would eventually blossom into a lifelong pursuit.
Fletcher's early career was marked by a serendipitous encounter with the esteemed producer, Greatorex Newman, an event that would prove to be a turning point in his life. This chance meeting led to his debut appearance in the Fols De Rols Concert Party in 1936, a milestone that took place in the charming seaside town of Hastings, located in the picturesque county of Sussex.
Fletcher's extraordinary aptitude for comedy swiftly led to his own radio series with the esteemed British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC),paving the way for him to become a main attraction in various entertainment programs across the United Kingdom.
As one of the pioneering comedians to take the leap into television, Fletcher had the distinction of starring in the BBC's inaugural televised pantomime, a production of the timeless classic, Dick Whittington.
Following the conclusion of World War II, Fletcher and his wife, Betty Astell, embarked on a summer theatrical tour, presenting a series of performances and pantomimes across various locations throughout Britain.
In addition to his live stage work, Fletcher also made appearances on television, becoming a regular fixture on the popular panel game show "What's My Line?" and, indeed, the first-ever religious television program, "Sunday Story".
However, it was his distinctive, mournful voice and warm, welcoming on-screen presence on the long-running BBC television series "That's Life" that ultimately cemented his status as a household name, beloved by the British public.
Cyril Fletcher, a renowned figure, harbored an intense fondness for horticulture, dedicating an impressive 14 years to hosting ATV's esteemed program, Gardening Time, a segment that undoubtedly brought joy to countless viewers. Later, in 1990, he embarked on a new venture, Cyril Fletcher's Lifestyle Garden, a testament to his enduring passion for the subject. Following his retirement, Fletcher, alongside his wife, relocated to the picturesque Channel Islands, specifically Guernsey, where he continued to captivate audiences with his captivating one-man show, After Dinner with Cyril Fletcher.
