Buzz Hawkins writes, produces and performs the radio comedy and television comedy stories that are listened to worldwide and have thousands of audio and video sales. (And yes… he really does do all the voices!)
As well as performing his unique brand of stand-up comedy, after-dinner speaking, and theatre shows, Buzz is currently writing and producing radio and television programmes. His works include TV series Comedians, Stuart’s Hall of Fame, Foo-Foo, and an unforgettable cameo appearance on “Phoenix Nights”.
His first taste of television fame was as a winner of the famous long-running Thames Television series “Opportunity Knocks”. His group, acoustic trio Socrates, appeared on the show three times but were eventually dislodged from their winning position by a young version of Liberace. The group released a single “Eating Momma’s Cooking” which got lots of pirate radio plays and a complimentary revue in the Record Mirror by the late John Peel. Buzz Hawkins was then working under his own name William Henshall and was writing many songs. The group Socrates were tied up with an exclusive record, publishing and performing contract which only produced two single releases – the second one being “Easy Loving Lady” under the name of Greyhound Express - for three years. After which time the record company allowed the other two members’ contracts to lapse but tied William Henshall up for nine years in total. The contract effectually prevented him from working and he eventually took on the pseudonym Buzz Hawkins in order to be able to work, although surreptitiously. In fact a media lawyer called the contract ‘legal rape’. Eventually, in 1981, the contract renewal option wasn’t taken up and Buzz Hawkins was free.
Their followed several years of very productive work whilst Buzz Hawkins tried to make up for the stolen nine years. The productivity continues right up to today and work has recently begun on a serious album of Hawkins songs. An album of his contemporary avante garde music is now released on the Red Wharf label http://www.red-wharf.com and is selling well via download sites around the world.
The Bradshaws comedy stories originated on radio and have captivated millions of listeners in the UK for many years. Beginning on Piccadilly Radio, they twice won the prestigious Sony award for “The Best Use Of Comedy On Radio”. Following the hit Granada Television series “The Bradshaws” they have taken on a life of their own and are now enjoyed worldwide. As well as on BBC local stations & commercial stations throughout the UK, the Bradshaws stories have recently been broadcast by Arthur Smith on BBC Radio 2 and in faraway places like Dubai, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Southern Spain and more.
The Bradshaws are Alf, Audrey and little Billy Bradshaw, an ordinary family living an ordinary life in an ordinary two-up two-down terraced house. Where? Somewhere in the North. When? In pounds, shillings and pence time when convenience food was bread and dripping, sugar butties, condensed milk butties… Little Billy is only seven and already a legend in his own bath time. As well as the Bradshaws, Billy has made numerous television appearances all by himself. Billy’s’ Stranger Danger video is currently in use in thousands of schools.
A special 25 CD Box Set of 300 Bradshaws radio stories is now released, and an animated cartoon series of Billy Bradshaw is in production http://www.billybradshaw.com
