Once went to his club at Manchester. The Embassy. Worst night ever. You had to sup in a round of 8. 8 seats round table. Ash trays were realy for kitty. Waiters doubled as bouncers. Me and me mate were putting endings to all his jokes. After he'd finished compare said "right we're going to have a disco. Management would ask you not to dance" you couldn't make it up. Me. Me mate and some others had a walk down road to a few pubs. Rough as hell. And I mean rough. Made lundwood look like Las Vegas. Worst night worst comedian ever In my book.
Mrs Merton took no nonsense from anyone. Bernard Manning was from a different era. Comedy moves on, it has to reflect society as it is and mock current attitudes. Also BM was at the end of his career by then so had probably lost any humility he might have started out with.
Do you remember the show Linz, its easily available on youtoob btw. He was continually bitchy with Wilson, and he started getting offensive and personal about the guests in the crowd etc.
I know his stand up material and the way he did and said things on stage, but I hope he wasn't like that all the time away from the stage.
Same wi Jim Davidson on that Hells Kitchen. He spoke his mind abart homo***uality and the PC brigade jumped on his back and the lad who took umbrage started ruering acting way over the top. Pathetic.