Early Days
Born in Doncaster, Intake Juniors then Doncaster Tech High School. Whilst there, worked as a paper delivery boy, Charlie Williams ('The Comedians', etc.) was a customer, who at that time, played for Doncaster Rovers.
First full-time job, Rockware Glass, Kirk Sandall. Saturday/Sunday nights a waiter at Scala S.C. Weekends, three games of football for Intake Youth Club, Rockware Glass and Lonsdale Hotel. For the latter I was always first name on the team sheet. “Were you really that good?” You ask… "No! I wasn’t, but my Dad was the manager, end of discussion".
Left Rockware to work at Ford Motors, Balby and took me just one year to close them down. As punishment for this heinous crime, I was expatriated ‘darn Sarf' to work at their Dagenham Plant.
Within 6 months, they too ‘suggested’ another move, I set sail, taking all the tractors with me to Cranes Farm Rd, Basildon. Celia, my newlywed wife, and myself were given a new build 3-bed' house. This largesse, apparently due ‘cos I was classified as a ‘key worker’. Whilst the football team manager might concur, my office manager may have differed.
Whilst in Basildon and over a number of years, played for Fryerns, Chesterhall, Laindon Hotel, Borough Rovers, Pegasus, Basildon Utd. and Yardley's.
The latter sought to raise funds and our treasurer asked, “any ideas boys?”. Up jumps ‘Little Big Head’ (one of Dad's pet names for me) “I ‘ave over ‘ere bruv”.
Firstly, I was congratulated for ‘speakin' proper like wot we do’, “Pray Jack, what can you, an immigrant complete with cloth cap and greyhound culture possibly suggest?”
“A variety show! Call it 'North Comes South', harness my vast knowledge of top Northern Club turns (Scala Club waiter 6 months). “I’ll book the acts, no problem”.
Approximately 40 people, players, family and friends ensured a 250 ticket sell out. Come the night, the four acts booked tore the roof off (lead was, and remains, quite valuable) and after all, they were from ‘Oop North sithee!'
On seeing the money raised, I thought (or not!) This is money for old rope and easier to get than lead, so why not another one with the proceeds going to yours truly?
Again, four acts, one of whom a comedian booked at a fee of £60 to appear at the Mecca, Basildon on a Tuesday night. I quickly discovered Saturday night at Yardley’s with 40 ticket sellers, was no comparison to that of going solo, and in midweek. Being perfectly honest, this wasn’t one of my best ideas!
Three weeks prior, with very few tickets sold, a new TV series was aired called ‘The Comedians’. A huge success and overnight, Charlie Williams was in great demand. Yes, Charlie was my £60 comedian who, by now, had many bookings at £500 per night yet insisted on honouring our ‘non-contracted’ verbal agreement.
Others booked verbally at ‘club fees’ prior to TV debuts were Marti Caine, Paul Daniels, Berni Clifton and Jim Davidson. All appeared as agreed, displaying ‘proper values’, thin on the ground in the often-shallow world of showbiz. Their ethics and talents ultimately rewarded, for which I, and many others were delighted for them achieving stardom.
Clueless, yet self-employed!
Back to the plot, two sell-out shows, nothing else I need to know about entertainment, so, “Goodbye Fords” and “Hello! 'North Comes South'”. Being such a bright spark, in less than 9 months, yes, just 9! reality dawned, I was nowhere near as clever as I had thought. That said, my good fortune continued in the shape of three people. Celia, now a mother of two, took a full-time job, without which we would have been in the poorhouse. Thank you love.
Brian Greenan, proprietor of Sweeneys Nightclub, introduced me to then manager of HSBC Basildon, Tony Jenkins. How the latter kept a straight face whilst telling him of my CV I do not know. He approved an unsecured overdraft facility whilst hoping I get a brain sometime soon. These believers were both backbone and lifeboat I needed to remain and progress in my dream job.
To them and aforementioned entertainers, I thank you and will never forget your contribution to my good luck story.
Other notable thankyous, the Degeorgiou Family (Inn On The Lake and King Charles Hotel), Corrina Bailey, Dartford Mayors Charity. They've been trying to be shot of me for in excess of twenty years but I’m still hanging on in there.
New Faces, New Name
Ronnie Twist a London comic called me to suggest I should use him plus other southern-based acts that he personally recommended. Mike Reid, Jimmy Jones, Michael Barrymore, Jim Davidson, Roger De Courcey, etc., none of whom at that time had appeared on the telly.
Team point and a merit badge for Ronnie. These integrated with unknown northern 'club-turns', Marti Caine, Bernie (Biggles) Clifton, Paul Daniels, Jim Bowen, Paul Shane, The Three Discos.
Eureka! We struck gold, our 'North Comes South' shows were immensely popular and soon appearing in over 100 venues. Then, as usual, somewhat late! It dawned on me, 'North Comes South' was no longer appropriate or fair.
What, I asked myself, would be factually correct and easy to remember? After weeks of mental turmoil, I cracked it: Jack Sharpe Entertainments!! Genius or what? Answers on a postcard please. J.S.E. prevented geographic confusion, averted civil war and nobody need die.
By then I was able to both understand and speak a little 'Essex', i.e., "Forty farsand fevers on a frush". Being bilingual was invaluable when trying to communicate with the local natives, primarily entertainment secs.
The latter easily identified at any given club. They are not council tenants, own (finance free) a nice car and are custodians of keys to the one-armed bandits ----- in case of malfunction? ---- allegedly!!
Yes! Ents secs I'm only joking and yes, I would like to do business with you.
Jefferson Lincoln (not the President) but a very good comedy vocalist and a dear friend mooted that managing acts, starting with him, would be a further progressive move. "Yes! No problem! I can do that" - Little Big Head again. The latter has, over the years, caused me no end of grief but he just will not shut up.
Six months later I was managing (baby-sitting) ten acts and my life was no longer my own. Despite my over and above the call of duty actions on their behalf I slavishly, handed them 90% of my earnings!
At this juncture even Little Big Head was unable to cope on his own, and a P/A, general 'good Joe', became essential. Lyn Bottono foolishly signed up for the job and I aged overnight.
Should she require a future reference it would read, "Bossy-boots, reluctant tea maker, brilliant all-rounder and wouldn't change her for all the tea in China."
Billy Big Bananas
Now T.V.! On 'It's Cliff and Friends' (Cliff Richard), 'Bullseye', 'In the Club', 'Stand and Deliver', etc.
Next up? Theatres not buying and selling but actually promoting. Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bridlington, Festival Hall, Isle of Wight, Margate, Torquay, Wimbledon and Yarmouth, were just some of our theatre hosts.
Cannon and Ball, Three Degrees, Tommy Cooper, Tony Christie, Ken Dodd, The Hollies, Freddie Starr, Culture Club, Shakin Stevens, Bradley Walsh, Marty Wilde, Brian Conley, Barron Knights Jethro, Cilla Black, Norman Wisdom, Mick Miller, Larry Grayson, Danny La Rue, Joe Longthorn all performing to full houses.
Twelve-week summer season in Paignton, Gary Wilmot headlining 'Showstoppers'. A ten month hugely successful nationwide tour with a company of 22, which later travelled to and performed in Singapore.
"Is there anything Jack can't do?" ----- Yes! Find a hat that fits him and a door he can get through.
I'm now beyond caring what Spiderman wants and I've definitely had enough.
In anticipation of him assaulting me I went shopping, selected a tin of insect repellent and asked, "Is this good for spiders?", he replied " No! ------ It will kill them".
Currently, 'Jobsworth' is semi-comatose in the fracture ward at the Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Your Turn Now
Where did we meet, was it a pleasant experience or are you still having trauma counselling?
Comments, stories, fabrications, etc. are all invited. Received to date, the following may be helpful when putting pen to paper.
My Close Family
Their collective response, succinct yet heartfelt, simply said, "Jack who?". Please note that none of aforesaid are any longer beneficiaries in my will. Other well-wishers include:
Tucker (comedian) who until now I thought was funny and that we were friends. He said, quote, "As an agent he would make Aberdonians seem like spendthrifts"
Ents Sec Basildon S.C. (now closed), "This was your fault, I told you Jimmy Savile was a wrong 'un".
Former Teammate, "As a player you were half decent, as a friend you would be a perfect stranger".
It's not imperative for you to agree with these know-nothing numpties. Compliments however would be most welcome, for which I am happy to pay the going rate.
Looking forward (and over my shoulder) to hearing from you.
You and yours stay fit and well.
Big Hug from Yorkshire.
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