Case File 18: How Does True Crime Become Comedy?

Finally! The Bureau throws open its doors again and you can access the fantastic second part of our Tichborne Claimant story... this week focusing on the sensational act Little Tich who took his name from the Tichborne Claimant story and went on to become one of the biggest superstars of his age.Comedy historian and academic Oliver Double takes us on a fascinating journey through the life of Harry Relph - better known as Little Tich. A remarkable performer who delighted crowds and was so famous that the reason we call short people "Titch" today comes from him.We hope you've enjoyed this quest from crime scandal to Variety performance - if you have please consider leaving us a review or sharing some of our social media posts to let the wider world know what we get up to here at The Comedy Bureau.Our sources for this episode were:Tich, Mary and Findlater, Richard “Little Tich - Giant of the Music Hall” (1979) Elm Tree BooksPriestley, JB “Particular Pleasures” (1975) William Heinemann LtdLee, Louise “Victorian Comedy and Laughter - Conviviality Jokes and Dissent” (2020) Palgrave MacMillanLittle Tich by Little Tich, by Sax Rohmer (1911)And also in this episode, Olly mentions Martin Soan. Martin was the founder member of The Greatest Show on Legs... a very early pioneer in alternative comedy. To find out more, start here and work out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Show_on_LegsLaura mentions comedian Louise Leigh - not the same as the author of the book they were discussing - but a brilliant comedian and you can check her out here: https://www.funnylouiseleigh.com/ She's Bristol based but often touring the UK and fun to follow on social media @louiseleighcomedySee you next week!