Following the war, he entered professional entertainment as part of The Martin Brothers, a close-harmony trio formed with his brother Bill Martin and his brother-in-law Bob McGowan. After the act disbanded, Martin developed a solo career at London’s famous Windmill Theatre, where he created the style that earned him the title “The Casual Comedian.”Performing in shirt sleeves, often accompanying himself on piano or accordion, and using the day’s headlines as material, he became one of Britain’s early topical comedians.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he became a familiar figure on the variety circuit, appearing in leading theatres across the country, including the London Palladium and Victoria Palace. He also enjoyed success on television and radio, with programmes including The George Martin Show, By George and the long-running BBC Radio 2 series Souvenir.
Alongside his performing career, Martin became one of Britain’s most respected comedy writers. He wrote material for numerous major entertainers, including Dave Allen, Tommy Cooper, Harry Worth, Jimmy Tarbuck, Paul Daniels and David Nixon. He also played a significant role in the development of the much-loved television character Basil Brush, serving as principal writer for many years and creating sketches, stories, songs and scripts for the programme.
A devoted supporter of charitable work within show business, Martin was a prominent member of the Grand Order of Water Rats and received many of the organisation’s highest honours. He served as King Rat in 1971, reflecting the esteem in which his fellow Rats held him. His family’s connection to the Order continued through his Brother Bill Martin and his sons Ray and Mike Martin, who also became Water Rats.
George Martin passed away in 1991. Remembered for his warmth, wit and generosity, he left a lasting legacy both as a performer and as a writer whose work helped shape British comedy and variety entertainment for several decades. His signature tune was “Spread a Little Happiness”, while his personal catchphrase, fittingly, was “Be Lucky.”
In April 2012, the biography of his life and career, written by his youngest son, Mike Martin, was published.
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