He was born in London, and started performing in music halls in 1896,[2] initially as one half of a double act, Lytton and Austin.
[1] Inspired by the sight of a redundant police station,[3] he developed a solo act in the character of an inept policeman, "Parker, P.C.
[4] Austin came to be described as "The King of Cockney Humour", and, starting in 1910, he recorded a number of comedy sketches as Parker P.C.
[2] In 1929, the character was developed into a play, The Adventures of Parker, P. C., of which the Hampshire Advertiser said: "There is no doubt that never before has this great favourite been so excruciatingly, irresistibly funny.
"[8] He also featured in BBC radio broadcasts during the 1930s, and appeared in two films, Hot Heir (1931) and We'll Smile Again (1942).