Eli Woods
Encyclopedia
Eli Woods is an English comedian and comic actor, born in Stockton-on-Tees
, 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. Woods's birth name is actually Jack Casey.
Jimmy James developed his famous act over many years, but from the first it required two 'stooges'. One was Jack Casey—tall and stick-thin, with a bony face and a stammering delivery—who originally appeared as 'Bretton Woods' (named after the site
of the famous 1944 United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference), and was only later christened Eli (often 'Our Eli'). The other stooge, 'Hutton Conyers' would be played either by members of the Casey family or (from 1956 to 1959) by the young Roy Castle
.
During the late seventies and early eighties, Woods starred in Eddie Braben
's BBC radio comedy shows 'The Show With Ten Legs' (26 episodes, 1978–1980) and 'The Show with No Name' (13 episodes, 1982–84). Both shows harked back to the music-hall tradition.
For many years active as a stage and radio performer, Woods has also appeared in a number of television comedies, as well as playing small parts in a variety of films including A Private Function
.
As a performer, Woods has turned his lifelong stutter to his advantage, using it to comic effect in many contexts.
Stockton-on-Tees
Stockton-on-Tees is a market town in north east England. It is the major settlement in the unitary authority and borough of Stockton-on-Tees. For ceremonial purposes, the borough is split between County Durham and North Yorkshire as it also incorporates a number of smaller towns including...
, possibly best known for his work with stage comedian Jimmy James
Jimmy James (comedian)
Jimmy James was a music hall, film, radio and television comedian and comedy actor.Jimmy had limited use for jokes as such, preferring to say things in a humorous manner, sometimes in surreal situations and as such was seen by some as well ahead of his time.He was often hailed as a 'comedian's...
(in reality his uncle), and particularly for his part in the famous 'elephant-in-the-box' routine. Woods's birth name is actually Jack Casey.
Jimmy James developed his famous act over many years, but from the first it required two 'stooges'. One was Jack Casey—tall and stick-thin, with a bony face and a stammering delivery—who originally appeared as 'Bretton Woods' (named after the site
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Bretton Woods is an area within the town of Carroll, New Hampshire, USA, whose principal points of interest are three leisure and recreation facilities...
of the famous 1944 United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference), and was only later christened Eli (often 'Our Eli'). The other stooge, 'Hutton Conyers' would be played either by members of the Casey family or (from 1956 to 1959) by the young Roy Castle
Roy Castle
Roy Castle OBE was an English dancer, singer, comedian, actor, television presenter and musician. He attended Honley High School, where there is now a building in his name...
.
During the late seventies and early eighties, Woods starred in Eddie Braben
Eddie Braben
Eddie Braben is a comedy writer and performer who has provided material for such figures as David Frost and Ronnie Corbett, and who is most famous for having written for Ken Dodd and Morecambe and Wise....
's BBC radio comedy shows 'The Show With Ten Legs' (26 episodes, 1978–1980) and 'The Show with No Name' (13 episodes, 1982–84). Both shows harked back to the music-hall tradition.
For many years active as a stage and radio performer, Woods has also appeared in a number of television comedies, as well as playing small parts in a variety of films including A Private Function
A Private Function
A Private Function is a 1984 British comedy film starring Michael Palin and Maggie Smith. The film was predominantly filmed in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding, West Yorkshire. The film was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival....
.
As a performer, Woods has turned his lifelong stutter to his advantage, using it to comic effect in many contexts.
External links
- http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0940590/ Eli Woods' entry in the IMDB
- http://www.its-behind-you.com/variety.html A fan's page including a recent photograph of Eli Woods
- The 'shoebox' or 'elephant-in-the-box' routine - an early version appears on YouTube. A later Roy Castle version also appears on YouTube