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Little and Large

Little and Large were a British comedy double act formed by straight man Syd Little (born Cyril John Mead; 19 December 1942) and comic Eddie Large (born Edward Hugh McGinnis; 25 June 1941 – 2 April 2020), renowned for their light-hearted sketches, impressions, and musical interludes that entertained audiences on television and in live performances from the 1960s through the 1980s.^[1]^[2] The duo first met in the early 1960s at a Manchester pub, where Mead, a building worker and part-time singer, and McGinnis, a labourer with a penchant for comedy, initially performed as a vocal group before transitioning to humour under their stage names—reflecting Little's slender frame and Large's fuller build—to capitalize on visual gags.^[3]^[1]^[4] They turned professional in 1963 and gained national prominence in 1971 after winning the ITV talent competition Opportunity Knocks, which led to their own series, The Little and Large Telly Show, on the channel in 1977.^[3]^[4] In 1978, they switched to the BBC for The Little and Large Show, a variety programme featuring stand-up routines, guest stars, and Large's signature impressions of celebrities like Frank Sinatra and politicians, which ran until 1991 and peaked in popularity during the 1980s.^[3]^[1]^[2] Their act typically revolved around Little attempting to play guitar or sing seriously, only for Large to disrupt with rapid-fire jokes, pratfalls, and character mimicry, embodying a classic double-act dynamic that drew comparisons to earlier British pairs like Morecambe and Wise, though critics often noted their straightforward, unpretentious style.^[1]^[4] After their BBC run ended, they continued with live tours, pantomimes, and occasional television appearances, including a 2018 reunion special.^[3]^[2] Large's health declined in later years following a 2003 heart transplant, limiting their joint performances, and he passed away in 2020 from complications related to COVID-19, marking the end of the partnership; Little has since reflected on their enduring legacy in British light entertainment.^[1]^[2]^[5]

Members

Syd Little

Syd Little, born Cyril John Mead on 19 December 1942 in Blackpool, England, was raised in Manchester within a working-class family after his parents relocated there during his early years. His childhood in the North West of England was marked by the modest circumstances typical of post-war Britain.^[6] Little developed a keen interest in music and comedy from his school days, teaching himself to play the guitar as a teenager amid Manchester's vibrant cultural scene. After leaving school, he took up initial employment as an interior decorator, a trade that provided stability before he transitioned to performing.^[7] In the 1960s, Little embarked on a pre-partnership career as a solo singer and guitarist, performing in local Manchester pubs and clubs. Drawing influences from rock 'n' roll artists and the traditions of British music hall comedy, his acts emphasized melodic guitar accompaniment and light-hearted delivery, reflecting the era's blend of musical energy and humorous storytelling. These early experiences established his foundation in live entertainment, showcasing his musical talent and stage presence.^[3] As the straight man in his subsequent comedy partnership, Little embodied a tall, serious demeanor that contrasted sharply with his partner's shorter, more boisterous style, often using his guitar to set up routines with composed, deadpan precision. His physical presence and reserved persona provided the ideal foil for comedic interplay.^[3]

Eddie Large

Edward Hugh McGinnis, known professionally as Eddie Large, was born on 25 June 1941 in Glasgow, Scotland, to a working-class family.^[8] His father, Teddy McGinnis, served as a petty officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. When Large was nine years old, the family relocated to Manchester, England, settling in the Moss Side area, where he spent the rest of his childhood.^[9] He attended Claremont Road Primary School and later a local grammar school, developing a passion for football and supporting Manchester City from a young age.^[3] After leaving school around age 15, Large took on various manual jobs, including house painter, grocer's assistant, joiner, and junior clerk in a cotton mill, reflecting his modest beginnings in post-war Britain.^[10] From an early age, Large harbored an ambition to become a comedian, inspired by the variety acts and music hall performers he observed in Manchester's entertainment scene.^[9] Largely self-taught, he honed his skills through mimicry and practice, drawing on the chaotic energy of traditional British comedy traditions. In the early 1960s, he began performing as a solo comedian in local Manchester pubs and clubs, where he gained a reputation for his vocal impressions of celebrities, including Tommy Cooper's bumbling magician persona and Frank Sinatra's suave crooner style.^[11] These early appearances showcased his natural talent for rapid delivery and exaggerated characterizations, setting the stage for his professional career. Within the partnership, Large embodied the hyperactive comic foil, leveraging his short stature of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) to amplify his frenetic physicality and timing.^[12] His style emphasized quick-witted, rapid-fire jokes interspersed with slapstick elements and versatile impressions, often portraying a hapless everyman in contrast to his partner's straight-man role. Later in life, Large faced significant health challenges, including kidney problems in 2002, culminating in a life-saving heart transplant in 2003 at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge; he became an advocate for organ donation following the procedure.^[9]

Formation and early career

Individual backgrounds

Syd Little, born Cyril John Mead on 19 December 1942 in Blackpool, grew up in a working-class family amid the resort town's thriving entertainment scene, which exposed him to live performances and variety shows from an early age.^[3] His musical tastes were shaped by the 1950s rock 'n' roll explosion, particularly the styles of Elvis Presley and Cliff Richard, whose energetic performances inspired him to take up singing and guitar playing.^[13] As he began performing locally, Mead adopted the stage name "Syd Little" to suit his tall, slim frame and budding stage persona.^[13] Eddie Large, born Edward Hugh McGinnis on 25 June 1941 in Glasgow, drew early inspiration from Scottish comedy traditions.^[1] After his family relocated to Manchester around 1950, Large immersed himself in the vibrant 1960s club scene of Northern England, honing his comedic timing through amateur appearances.^[1] He adopted the stage name "Eddie Large" to reflect his larger-than-life physical presence and humor, though early efforts included several unsuccessful auditions for television spots that tested his resilience.^[14] Their entry into show business was facilitated by the post-war economic recovery in Britain, which spurred a surge in affordable leisure venues like working men's clubs, providing vital opportunities for aspiring entertainers from modest backgrounds during the 1950s and early 1960s.^[15] Both performed in the Northern club circuit—Syd centered in Blackpool's variety halls and Eddie in Manchester's working men's clubs—before teaming up.^[3]

Meeting and initial partnership

Syd Little (born Cyril Mead) and Eddie Large (born Edward Hugh McGinnis) first met in 1962 at a pub in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, where Mead was performing solo sets as a singer-guitarist. McGinnis, a regular pub-goer known for his humorous interjections, heckled Mead during his act, leading Mead to invite him onstage for an impromptu duet. The pair's chemistry sparked immediate audience laughter, prompting them to collaborate regularly as a singing duo in local north-west England venues, focusing on vocal harmonies accompanied by Mead's guitar.^[1]^[3] By the mid-1960s, their performances evolved as McGinnis began incorporating jokes and impressions into Mead's musical sets, gradually shifting the emphasis from singing to comedy. This trial-and-error approach formalized their partnership in 1963, when they adopted the stage names Syd Little and Eddie Large, drawing from their noticeable height difference—Little's lanky frame contrasting Large's stockier build—to highlight their visual and dynamic contrast as a double act.^[16]^[4] The duo's initial gigs occurred in Northern working men's clubs, where they refined their emerging comedy routines amid modest audiences. Financial hardships persisted, requiring both to retain day jobs—Little as a painter and decorator, Large as an electrician—while performing unpaid or low-paying shows to build experience. These early challenges in the club circuit from 1963 onward shaped their resilient partnership, blending music with humor until comedy fully dominated their act.^[17]^[10]

Rise to prominence

Breakthrough performances

Little and Large's breakthrough came through their persistent performances on the northern club circuit in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where they honed a unique act blending Syd Little's straight-man singing with Eddie Large's chaotic heckling and physical comedy, gradually building a dedicated fanbase in working men's clubs and pubs across Manchester and beyond.^[3] This grassroots success culminated in their national television debut on ITV's Opportunity Knocks in 1971, where they won the competition with a routine showcasing their musical-comedic dynamic, propelling the duo from regional obscurity to widespread recognition.^[3]^[1] The Opportunity Knocks victory opened doors to further live and media opportunities, including a guest spot on the prestigious Sunday Night at the London Palladium on November 18, 1973, where they performed alongside acts like Des O'Connor and Joan Regan, marking a significant milestone in their ascent to mainstream variety stardom.^[18] Critics noted the duo's ability to fuse catchy tunes with slapstick humor, which resonated with audiences and solidified their reputation as a fresh double act in British entertainment.^[1] By 1973, their club tours had expanded nationally, with headlining slots that drew crowds eager for the contrast between Little's poised vocals and Large's exuberant antics, establishing them as a staple of the era's light entertainment scene.^[3]

Early television appearances

Little and Large's transition to television began with guest spots that capitalized on their growing reputation from live performances. Following their breakthrough on Opportunity Knocks in 1971, they became resident comedians on the BBC children's programme Crackerjack in 1972.^[19] They then debuted on ITV's impressions-based program Who Do You Do? in 1973, where they contributed to segments featuring quick-fire celebrity impressions.^[20] The show, which ran from 1972 to 1976, provided a platform for Eddie's mimicry skills alongside other comedians like Freddie Starr, allowing the duo to showcase their verbal and physical comedy in short, high-energy sketches.^[20] From 1973 to 1976, they made regular appearances on Who Do You Do?, honing their television presence through repeated exposure to a national audience.^[19] These slots helped them adapt their club-honed routines—characterized by slapstick and impersonations—to the constraints of studio filming, including timing for cameras and audience reactions. The duo also performed on The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club, a Granada Television variety series from 1974 to 1977 that recreated a northern working men's club environment. Their appearances there, starting with an early episode in 1974 alongside acts like Lonnie Donegan, emphasized their double-act dynamic in a familiar variety format.^[21] These early guest spots and short-form work were instrumental in building the duo's television profile, drawing consistent viewership and positive feedback on their ability to translate live energy to screen.^[9] Challenges included adjusting to studio audiences, which lacked the immediacy of club crowds, and technical aspects like lighting for color broadcasts that sometimes affected impression clarity. However, the exposure paved the way for more prominent roles, with the pair beginning to incorporate self-written sketches to refine their material.^[19]

Main career and television success

The Little and Large Show

The Little and Large Show premiered on BBC One on 1 May 1978 as a 30-minute sketch comedy and variety program, marking the duo's transition from ITV to the BBC after their initial Thames Television series in 1977. Spanning 11 series and 78 episodes until its final airing on 20 April 1991, the program was produced by key figures including Michael Hurll and Bill Wilson, who oversaw much of its light entertainment output. It quickly established itself as a family-oriented Saturday evening staple, blending the duo's live stand-up routines with scripted sketches and musical segments, drawing on their club comedy roots to appeal to broad audiences.^[22]^[23]^[24] The format evolved over its run to sustain viewer interest amid changing television trends. Initial seasons were heavily music-focused, featuring performances from contemporary artists alongside comedic interludes, with episodes typically lasting 30 minutes. By the mid-1980s, the runtime extended to approximately 45 minutes, and the structure incorporated more celebrity guests to enhance variety, such as Petula Clark in 1978 and Lulu in later appearances, allowing for collaborative sketches and musical numbers. This shift reflected the BBC's emphasis on polished light entertainment, with the duo's physical comedy and impressions serving as the core anchor. Writing duties were handled by a team that included prominent scriptwriters like Eddie Braben and Eric Davidson, ensuring a steady supply of material tailored to Syd Little's straight-man role and Eddie Large's energetic antics.^[25]^[26]^[27]^[28] Among the show's highlights were its Christmas specials, broadcast from 1978 to the late 1980s, which expanded on the regular format with festive themes, guest stars, and elaborate sets to capitalize on holiday viewership. The 1981 special achieved peak ratings of around 15 million viewers, underscoring the program's cultural prominence during the decade. Overall, The Little and Large Show enjoyed strong ratings success in the 1980s, frequently attracting 10-15 million viewers per episode and ranking among the BBC's top-rated comedies from 1982 to 1984, bolstered by increasing production budgets that supported more ambitious staging and costumes. Behind the scenes, the series benefited from the duo's hands-on involvement.^[3]^[4]^[1]^[29]

Guest spots and specials

Little and Large made several notable guest appearances on high-profile variety and charity programs throughout their career, enhancing their visibility beyond their dedicated BBC series. In 1977, they performed at the Silver Jubilee Royal Variety Gala, a special event honoring Queen Elizabeth II's 25 years on the throne, where they showcased their signature slapstick routines alongside other entertainers. They returned for the Children's Royal Variety Performance in 1990, broadcast to support the NSPCC, delivering family-oriented sketches that highlighted their comedic interplay for a younger audience. These appearances underscored their appeal in prestigious, royal-endorsed formats.^[9]^[30] The duo frequently contributed to charity telethons, aligning their lighthearted humor with fundraising efforts. They debuted on Comic Relief in 1988 during the inaugural "A Night of Comic Relief" broadcast, participating in sketches and variety segments to aid famine relief in Ethiopia and Sudan, as well as UK youth initiatives; they reprised their involvement in the 1989 edition. These spots integrated them into ensemble casts with performers like Hale and Pace and Victoria Wood, emphasizing collaborative comedy for social good.^[31]^[32]^[9] In the post-series era, Little and Large participated in occasional reunion specials that revisited their partnership. A 2018 appearance on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway featured them in the recurring "Saturday Knight Takeaway" sketch serial, where they delivered updated one-liners and physical gags, marking a nostalgic return to television together. This was followed by a 2019 guest spot on Pointless Celebrities, where they competed as a team, drawing on their duo dynamic for humorous quiz responses. These later outings provided brief revivals amid their individual endeavors.^[33]^[9]

Comedy style

Double act dynamic

The double act dynamic of Little and Large revolved around the stark physical contrast between the tall, lanky Syd Little and the shorter, stockier Eddie Large, which amplified their humor through visual disparity and contrasting personas. Little, portraying a serious and somewhat hapless figure, often initiated routines by strumming his guitar and attempting to sing in a earnest, straight-laced manner, establishing a baseline of order. This was promptly upended by Large, whose chaotic energy manifested in spontaneous interruptions, heckling, and rapid-fire impressions, turning the stage into a whirlwind of disruption that played on their mismatched statures for comedic effect.^[3] Central to their interplay were clearly defined roles: Little as the feed, delivering setup lines with a stilted, patient demeanor to tee up the gags, and Large as the punchline deliverer, capitalizing on those openings with explosive, improvised delivery. Their act originated in the 1960s as a hybrid of music and comedy, with singing duets forming the core before evolving into predominantly sketch-based routines by the 1980s, emphasizing dialogue-driven humor over musical elements. This shift allowed their dynamic to mature, with Large's ad-libs gaining more prominence against Little's reliable straight-man restraint.^[3] Underpinning this on-stage chemistry was a psychological dynamic rooted in Little's remarkable patience, which accommodated Large's unpredictable ad-libs and kept the energy flowing without derailing the performance—often evidenced by Little's awkward grins in response to interruptions. Their real-life friendship, spanning over five decades and likened by Little to a marriage, provided the stability to navigate any tensions, ensuring the authenticity of their rapport translated seamlessly to audiences.^[3]^[34]^[35]

Signature routines and impersonations

Little and Large's act was built around a core routine in which Syd Little would shuffle onstage in his signature bow tie and glasses to strum a guitar or sing a sensitive song, only for Eddie Large to burst in from the wings with caustic interruptions, puns, and impressions to derail the performance. This "guitar solo" bit, perfected in working men's clubs, often culminated in Large's catchphrase dismissal, "no time for your guitar solo," emphasizing the duo's playful contrast between Little's earnest straight-man efforts and Large's boisterous heckling.^[10]^[3] The duo incorporated physical chases and slapstick elements into their sketches, leveraging their contrasting physiques—Little's tall, slender frame against Large's shorter, stockier build—for comedic effect, such as in Laurel and Hardy-style dance recreations or prop-driven pursuits that highlighted their agile, knockabout style. A staple in their 1970s and 1980s BBC series, these routines extended the interrupting dynamic into broader parody sketches, like a 1991 send-up of the musical Grease where Little portrayed Olivia Newton-John and Large took on John Travolta.^[9]^[4] Eddie Large's impersonations were a highlight, with over quick-fire mimicries of celebrities and characters integrated into the act, often using voice modulation and simple props to amplify the humor. Notable examples included Large's renditions of pop star Cliff Richard, the animated Deputy Dawg, and campy switches between Dallas figures Sue Ellen and J.R. Ewing during live audience interactions, drawing viewers into the frenzy with his deluded hustler persona.^[4]^[10] In live shows, recurring bits encouraged audience participation, such as Large roving the crowd to trade impressions or jabs at Little's "talent," fostering a family-friendly rapport that mirrored their double-act interplay of hectoring comic and timid foil.^[9]^[3]

Later years and dissolution

Declining popularity

By the late 1980s, The Little and Large Show experienced a noticeable decline in viewership, dropping from a peak of around 15 million weekly audiences earlier in the decade to approximately 8 million by the time of its cancellation in 1991.^[1]^[4] This fall was attributed in part to shifting audience preferences toward the edgier, more subversive style of alternative comedy emerging in the 1980s, which rendered the duo's traditional pantomime routines and impressions increasingly outdated.^[36]^[37] Contributing external factors included intensified competition from other BBC programs, such as the rising popularity of sitcoms like Only Fools and Horses, which dominated prime-time slots and drew larger audiences during the same period.^[1] Additionally, BBC scheduling adjustments prioritized fresher content amid broader industry changes, culminating in the installation of a pacemaker for Eddie Large in 1991 to address an irregular heartbeat, with further health issues emerging thereafter.^[38]^[3] In their final years as a duo, the 1991 series marked the end of their BBC run, with subsequent activities limited to sporadic touring and pantomime engagements that saw reduced frequency compared to their earlier prominence.^[36] Critics in the early 1990s increasingly panned their act as formulaic and lacking the sophistication of contemporaries, further highlighting its dated appeal in a evolving comedy landscape.^[1]^[36]

Split and solo endeavors

After the conclusion of The Little and Large Show in 1991, the duo continued with live tours and pantomimes, but personal and professional differences as well as a decline in their television popularity led to an estrangement.^[1]^[27] Large's worsening health issues, including heart failure diagnosed in 1993, further contributed to the end of their joint performances. The partnership effectively dissolved following Large's heart transplant in 2003, after which joint performances ceased, though they reconciled for brief TV reunions in 2018 and 2019.^[8]^[37]^[4] Syd Little transitioned to a solo career in the 1990s, emphasizing live theatre and variety performances to sustain his presence in entertainment. He took on prominent roles in pantomimes across the UK, such as the Dame in productions of Aladdin at venues like the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea.^[39] Little also embarked on cabaret tours, including extended engagements on cruise ships like the QE2, where he performed comedic routines tailored for international audiences. In 2004, he published his autobiography Little by Little, co-authored with Chris Gidney, which chronicled his rise from northern clubs to national fame and reflected on the duo's dynamics.^[40] His occasional television work in later years included guest spots on shows like Shooting Stars and participation in The Real Marigold Hotel in 2018, exploring retirement abroad in India.^[37] Eddie Large, known for his impressionist talents, pursued solo stand-up and after-dinner speaking engagements through the 1990s, often reviving his signature character sketches in theatre tours and caravan park circuits. He hosted specials highlighting his impressions, maintaining a connection to his comedic roots amid the duo's dissolution. Large's career tapered off following his 2003 heart transplant at Royal Papworth Hospital, which necessitated a health-focused semi-retirement from demanding performances.^[8]^[5] His final television appearance came in 2019 during a reunion sketch with Syd Little on Pointless Celebrities, marking a poignant return to shared screen time.^[1]

Legacy

Cultural impact

Little and Large exerted considerable influence on British comedy by revitalizing the double act format on television during the 1970s and 1980s, succeeding Morecambe and Wise as a staple of light entertainment programming. Their blend of musical performances, slapstick sketches, and impressions helped sustain the popularity of variety-style shows, encouraging subsequent acts that merged comedy with music in accessible, family-oriented formats. This dynamic contributed to the enduring appeal of traditional double acts in British broadcasting, even as alternative comedy began to emerge.^[1]^[3] The duo's contributions have been preserved in the British Film Institute's collections, highlighting their place in the history of British television comedy. They received media representation through documentaries like the BBC's The Comedy Map of Britain (2007), which featured their contributions to comedy.^[3]^[41] As symbols of working-class Northern humor, Little and Large resonated with audiences seeking escapist, relatable entertainment amid the social and economic changes of the Thatcher era. Their raucous, unpretentious routines appealed broadly to families, embodying a sense of community and light-hearted resilience in light entertainment. At its height in the 1980s, The Little and Large Show drew nearly 15 million viewers weekly, underscoring their massive reach in British popular culture.^[1]^[3]

Tributes and remembrance

After the conclusion of their BBC series in 1991, Syd Little and Eddie Large made occasional reunion appearances. They made occasional reunion appearances, including a 2018 stage show at the Slapstick Festival in Bristol, which was among their final joint performances.^[36]^[42] Eddie Large passed away on 2 April 2020 at the age of 78, having contracted COVID-19 while hospitalized for heart problems; the virus led to his death from complications including multi-organ failure.^[8] His funeral, held on 24 April 2020 at South Bristol Crematorium, was limited to 10 mourners due to pandemic restrictions, with residents of his Portishead home applauding as the hearse departed in a public show of respect.^[43] Syd Little delivered the eulogy at the service, describing Large as his "best friend" and "brother" in showbusiness, emphasizing their 60-year partnership and stating he felt "very privileged" to have shared the stage with him. Little later reflected on their bond in interviews, noting Large was more than a partner—he was a true friend whose energy defined their act.^[44]^[43] Public tributes poured in from fellow comedians and entertainers following Large's death. Matt Lucas, co-creator of Little Britain, remembered the duo's "supersonic" appeal and Large's infectious energy on social media. Lenny Henry praised Large's talent and warmth, calling him a "proper comic." Jason Manford highlighted the duo's role in shaping British comedy double acts, while Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly expressed sorrow over losing a friend who had guested on their shows.^[8]^[45]^[46] In April 2022, a portrait of Eddie Large was unveiled in Blackpool to mark the second anniversary of his death, celebrating his contributions to comedy. Syd Little has continued performing solo, including cruise ship tours, television appearances, and collaborations such as a 2024 reunion with comedian Tommy Cannon to discuss their careers and losses. As of 2025, Little remains active in light entertainment, reflecting on the duo's legacy in interviews and events.^[47]^[48]

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£16.99Oct 1, 2004 · One of today's most popular entertainers tells the inspirational story of his life on and offstage: a classic story of the realities behind a ...
[40]
BFI celebrates the comedian : News 2013 : Chortle : The UK ...
October 3: Double-Acts and Gang Shows: Mike and Bernie Winters, Gert and Daisy, Morecambe and Wise, Cannon and Ball, Little and Large, French and Saunders ...
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BFI National Archive
Watch archive collections. Stream free film and TV from the BFI National Archive, or come and visit us to view archive footage at one of our venues.Search the BFI archive · Archive content sales and... · Watch archive collections
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Coronavirus: Eddie Large funeral held in Bristol - BBC
Apr 24, 2020 · Syd Little pays tribute to his comedy partner and "best friend" Eddie Large at a ceremony in Bristol.Missing: meeting | Show results with:meeting
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Syd Little pays final good-bye to comic sidekick Eddie Large
Apr 24, 2020 · Syd Little was comforted by his wife as he paid an emotional farewell to his comedy partner Eddie Large. Article continues below.Missing: factory | Show results with:factory
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Jason Manford and Matt Lucas lead tributes to Eddie Large after his ...
Apr 2, 2020 · Jason Manford and Matt Lucas lead tributes to Eddie Large after his death aged 78. Celebrities have paid their respects to comedian Eddie Large ...
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Stars pay tribute to Eddie Large, who has died of coronavirus aged 78
Apr 2, 2020 · Matt Lucas, Kate Robbins and Piers Morgan are among the stars who have paid tribute to the comedian.