An evening of stand up with Roy Walker

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Roy Walker – Legendary Irish Comedian & Former Catchphrase Presenter

Roy Walker is a legendary Irish comedian best known for presenting ITV’s iconic game show, Catchphrase. With his unmistakable deadpan delivery, lugubrious humour, and casual patter, Roy has endeared himself to audiences across the UK.

Early Life & Entertainment Beginnings

Born in Belfast, Roy’s journey into showbusiness began at school, where he sang in the choir and performed in plays. At just 14, he took his first steps towards a performance career as a boy soprano, successfully auditioning for the Belfast Opera House and joining the renowned Francis Longford Choir. He toured for a year, performing at venues like the London Palladium and appearing on television.

Athletic Talent

In addition to his entertainment aspirations, Roy showed exceptional promise in athletics. Under the coaching of Buster McShane (who trained Olympic gold medallist Mary Peters), he became Northern Ireland’s hammer throw champion for two years, frequently representing his country on the international stage.

Early Comedy Career

After a brief comedy partnership with James Young, Roy was called up for national service. Even in uniform, he continued to entertain regularly. When he left the service, he focused on making a name for himself in comedy.

It wasn’t easy at first. Roy supported himself with day jobs—working as a baker, postman, milkman, PT instructor, bingo caller, and even dishwasher—while performing in clubs by night. Slowly but surely, his talent began to shine, and he became a rising star in clubland.

Breakthrough & Television Stardom

In 1977, Roy had his big break, earning the highest marks ever awarded to a comedian on ITV’s New Faces. From there, his television career took off, and he became a household name with appearances on:

• Live from Her Majesty’s

• Blankety Blank

• Des O’Connor Tonight

• Bob Monkhouse Show

• Tarby and Friends

• Paul Daniels Show

• The Laughter Show

• Live from the Palladium

• A Night of a Hundred Stars

• Les and Dustin’s Laughter Show

• The Russ Abbot Show

• Wogan

He also headlined The Comedians, hosted Licensed for Singing and Dancing, and fronted TVS’s Summertime Special.

Catchphrase & Beyond

In 1987, Roy began hosting Catchphrase, quickly becoming a beloved fixture of British TV. The show remained a top-rated hit throughout its run. His live stage version of Catchphrase also toured nationally to packed audiences.

Roy performed alongside legends such as Russ Abbot, Shirley Bassey, and Tom Jones, and was a regular fixture in pantomimes at major UK theatres.

In 1998, Roy was honoured on This Is Your Life with Michael Aspel and the iconic red book.

Later Career & Legacy

Roy went on to star in Channel 4’s Phoenix Nights and hosted the BBC Radio Northern Ireland comedy series The Way We Tell ’Em. Today, he continues to perform in theatres, cabarets, and after-dinner events across the UK and abroad.

Supporting Cabaret: TBA

Stay tuned for further details about the supporting acts.

Venue

Empress Building

Empress Ballroom, Swinton Road, Mexborough, Doncaster, S64 9JB

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult

Tickets

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Say What You See, Laugh 'Til You Drop!"