Eli Woods (born John Casey; 11 January 1923 – 1 May 2014) was an English comedian and comic actor, born in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, possibly best known for his work with stage comedian Jimmy James (in reality his uncle), and particularly for his part in the famous 'elephant-in-the-box' routine.
One was John "Jack" Casey—tall and stick-thin, with a bony face and a stammering delivery—who originally appeared as "Bretton Woods" (named after the location of the famous 1944 United Nations monetary and financial Conference), and only later redubbed as "Eli" Woods (often "Our Eli").
As a performer, Woods turned his lifelong stutter to his advantage, using it to comic effect in many contexts.
For many years active as a stage and radio performer, Woods also appeared in a number of television comedies, as well as playing small parts in a variety of films including A Private Function released in 1984.
[3] The apex of his career (in terms of recognition) was appearing in a comedy sketch (the elephant in a box routine) with James Casey and Roy Castle in the 1982 Royal Variety Performance in which they also sing Kisses Sweeter than Wine.