Born in Lambeth, London, he first performed as a comic entertainer in concert parties in 1912.

[2] He was known for monologues containing comic non sequiturs, funny voices and noises, and increasingly outlandish lists, for instance of those attending a function.

[3] He was the first person to blow a raspberry on British radio,[4] and was also reputed to be able to make an impromptu joke on any subject suggested by his audience.

[5] He wrote and starred in his own revues, including Humouresque and April Foolishness, and was a regular performer in Charlot's Hour, the first regular weekly light entertainment programme on British radio, starting in 1928.

[8] He also composed songs, and continued to appear regularly on BBC radio as a comedian and later as a compere of programmes, including Housewives' Choice.