'It's the way I tell 'em': Belfast comedy legend to be honoured with centenary blue plaque
Ulster History Circle tribute will mark 100 years since the birth of the Belfast-born comedian, whose catchphrases and quick-fire humour made him a household name
Belfast-born comedian Frank Carson is to be commemorated with a blue plaque at the former school he attended in the city, marking the centenary of his birth and celebrating a career that brought laughter to millions.
The plaque, organised by the Ulster History Circle, will be unveiled today (Friday), at the former St Patrick’s National School, beside St Patrick’s Church on Donegall Street.
Born Hugh Francis Carson in Belfast in 1926, he became one of the best-known comedians of his generation, famed for his distinctive laugh, rapid-fire delivery and catchphrases including “It’s the way I tell ’em” and “It’s a cracker!”
Carson rose to national fame through television talent show Opportunity Knocks before becoming a regular on ITV’s hugely popular The Comedians in the 1970s, appearing in every episode of the series during the decade.
His unmistakable Belfast accent, trademark glasses and seemingly endless supply of one-liners made him a household name, with his popularity extending from working-men’s clubs and holiday audiences in Blackpool to theatres and television screens across Britain.
Despite his success, Carson never lost his connection to his Belfast roots. Born in the city’s Little Italy district, near the docks, he was the son of a binman and initially worked as an electrician and plasterer before pursuing comedy in pubs and clubs.
He later moved to Blackpool in the mid-1960s, where he built a successful career on the entertainment circuit. His television appearances also included Tiswas, alongside Chris Tarrant and Lenny Henry, and the Royal Variety Performance.
Away from the stage, Carson was equally recognised for his charitable work, supporting causes including integrated education in Northern Ireland, children's cancer services at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital and Variety Club charities.
He performed countless fundraising shows for local schools and church causes and was particularly proud of being made a papal knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great in recognition of his work for Catholic charities.
In 2008, he and his son Tony launched the Carson Awards to encourage art and creativity in integrated schools.
Carson also served in the Parachute Regiment in Palestine during the 1940s, an experience that left a lasting impression. He died at his home in Blackpool on February 22, 2012, aged 85, and was buried at Milltown Cemetery in Belfast.
His son Tony Carson said the blue plaque would bring his father's story back to where it began: “For the Carson family, this blue plaque brings Dad back home – fixing his legacy where Hugh Francis Carson’s story began.
“For the Belfast community, it honours one of their own – proof that humour and heart, with unbound energy and ambition, can rise from humble beginnings to achieve success and, as importantly, admiration.
“The whole of Northern Ireland rightly celebrates a man who, through our darkest years, made us laugh together and took Belfast wit – ‘It’s the way I tell ’em’ – to the world. A centenary reminder that joy itself can be a lasting legacy. Pops, you’ll always be a ‘cracker’.”
Playwright and performer Dan Gordon, who wrote and performed the one-man show Frank Carson – A Rebel Without a Pause, said the comedian was “quintessentially Belfast”.
“He was simultaneously soft, hard, joyous, exuberant, charitable, loyal, thoughtful and driven. A cornerstone of comedy for 50 years.
“His voice and presence were unmistakeable and he was a determined pioneer in local broadcasting. From Summer Specials to Royal Variety Performances, Frank was just as much at home on a Blackpool pier as on the stage at the London Palladium, playing to television audiences of 18 million.
“He started as a Belfast newsboy and finished as a papal knight. It was the way he told ’em.”
Chris Spurr, chairman of the Ulster History Circle, said Carson had delighted millions with his comic timing while his fundraising had benefited numerous causes.
“On the day of his 100th anniversary, the Ulster History Circle is delighted to commemorate this cracker of a comedian with a blue plaque at the former school he attended,” he added.
The Circle also acknowledged the financial support of Belfast City Council and the assistance of St Patrick’s Parish and the Carson family.
The plaque will be unveiled at 2pm on today (Friday) at the former St Patrick’s National School, 199 Donegall Street, Belfast.