The death of comedy legend Tim Brooke-Taylor, who has passed away at the age of 79 from Covid-19 coronavirus, is being especially felt in Bristol - where he was a patron of the city’s annual Slapstick Festival.
Tributes have been flooding in from comedy fans across the city, where he was a regular face at the festival.
“It’s hard to believe that Tim was with us for four events, all of them packed out, in January,” said festival spokesperson Pam Beddard.
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“He was as full of life, vim, kindness, mischief and merriment as ever,” she added.
His appearances just 12 weeks ago featured little reunions with his two fellow Goodies, Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden, as well as appearances alongside local comedian and actor Stephen Merchant, Barry Cryer and Rob Brydon.
Bristol had a special place in Brooke-Taylor’s heart. When The Goodies reunited for their first appearance together in 25 years, back in 2010, it was at the Hippodrome in Bristol.
And after regularly appearing at the city’s Slapstick Festival of screen comedy, where he shared his love of Buster Keaton, he became a patron in 2008.
Slapstick’s director Chris Daniels said that he and his festival colleagues learned of Tim Brooke-Taylor’s passing ‘with deep, deep sadness’.
“Tim was first and foremost a dear friend, both personally and to the Bristol Slapstick Festival,” he said.
“Tim’s passion, enthusiasm, love for classic comedy and, in particular Buster Keaton, meant that Tim and Slapstick Festival were a perfect pairing, with Tim becoming a patron for us in 2008.
“Each year Tim would tell us that Slapstick was his favourite festival and expressed regularly how much he looked forward it,” he added.
“As one third of the legendary comedy team The Goodies and through his work on such shows as I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, Do Not Adjust Your Set, At Last the 1948 Show and more, Tim’s contribution to the history of comedy is notable and significant.
“Tim first appeared at Slapstick in 2007 with Graeme Garden and has been a special guest almost every year since - appearing in and hosting countless events over the years.
“He was with us again in Bristol in January 2020, taking part in no fewer than four events with his usual enthusiasm, passion, charm and energy to the delight of full house audiences.
“Everyone involved with Slapstick joins me in sending sincere and heartfelt sympathies to his wife Christine, his family and friends,” he added.
