The Worst Comedy Acts Of All Time - Cannon And Ball

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This duo started out on Bernard Manning hosted contrived Northern Club circuit TV show, The Wheeltappers & Shunters Social Club, just as many real Working Men’s Clubs were being shut down for their over-dependency on such tired old-school novelty acts. They are a fairly typical double act. Straight-man (Tommy Cannon), and hyperactive annoying comedy foil double act Bobby Ball). Bobby, the supposedly funny one, shows he is funny by pulling his braces, yelling ‘Rock On Tommy’ and then messing up whatever task he had just been set by his boss-friend. Cannon then hurts him by snapping his braces against him sharply before absurdly trusting him with some other task Bobby inevitably messes up in a predictably un-amusing slapstick fashion. In the clubs, such acts would just about get through a 10-15 minute set before the next turn, bingo, or a stripper came on. TV gave Cannon & Ball too much attention, and invited them to appear in just about every variety and game show aired, including Royal Variety shows. The supposed Royal seal of approval gave the illusion that such artistes are national treasures loved by all, when in reality, they were often just about tolerated. Convinced of their own comedy genius, Cannon & Ball decided to make a movie, Boys In Blue, a remake of a genuinely very funny Will Hey classic, Ask A Policeman. Boys In Blue died spectacularly at the box office. The very attempt at the film shows why Cannon & Ball make it to this list. The original Will Hey vehicle was made in 1938, and still gets a laugh today. Boys In Blue was made in 1982, trying to rehash the same kind of humour 44 years later. People watched them on TV variety shows because there were other acts on too, some of who were bound to be better, and in those days there were only three TV channels to choose from, so less alternative choices. The movie was another matter. It had no royal endorsement, the audience would have to pay to see it, and the comedians would be on screen for an hour and a half. The public reaction was simple and inescapable – the cinemas showed the movie to rows on row of empty seats. Though coming from the heart of blue-comedy club land, Cannon & Ball are actually very clean, polite comedians, proud of their status as born again Christians. In fact they still often play at Christian retreats and fund raising events, mixing their comedy with evangelical messages of hope. The duo now also advertise Double glazing windows on TV. Arthur Chappell