[1][2] At the age of twelve, Smoothey attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts where his brother Len Lowe was already a student, and began his show business career as a child in 1932 appearing at the Holborn Empire in a production of Where the Rainbow Ends.

[1] Smoothey joined the army at the outbreak of World War II and entertained troops as half of a double act with Len Marten.

He left the service in 1946 and returned to civilian life and variety entertainment by appearing at The Grand, Clapham Junction.

[3] They enjoyed success in England, as well as touring in Australia and New Zealand until 1956, when Len wished to turn his own attentions to television and the team parted.

After the team separated in 1960, Smoothey continued his solo career performing in variety theatre, Summer shows,[5] and pantomimes,[4][6] and at such venues as the London Palladium.

In our particular sketch there was Roy Hudd, Joe Black, Tommy Godfrey, Billy Gray, Peter Glaze, Christopher Timothy and myself.

He was presented with Provincial Honours in 1995 by Companion of the Grand Order of Water Rats, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, KCVO.

[1] Smoothey served as secretary of The Vaudeville Golfing Society [1] Archived 2 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine for many years,[11] and was a respected member of the executive committee of The Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund until his retirement from the role in June 2013.