WHAT do you get if you have a room filled with comedy legends Syd Little, Tom O'Connor and Bernie Clifton?
The answer ... a sell-out audience at Hull New Theatre, reduced to fits of laughter and tears of joy.
They say the old ones are the best and this was definitely the case, as the finest comedy legends from yesteryear visited the city to pay tribute to Hull's very own Norman Collier, who died in March at the age of 87.
Famed for his "faulty microphone" routine and chicken impressions, it seemed only right for his son-in-law and compere for the evening, John Ainsley, to start the night with his father- in-law's most famous joke.
Norman's son, Vic, who bears a striking resemblance to his late father, was next to take to the stage.
"I bet you are all sitting there thinking 'Good God, he has come back'," he told the audience.
After being entertained by Vic on the accordion, the audience were introduced to Hull cabaret comedy act Joey Howard, the driving force behind the memorial concert.
John said: "Joey approached me in January this year with the idea of a tribute concert for Norman.
"It was to be a celebration of his life and career, and though Norman would be unable to perform, he could take the applause of an audience from the town in which he spent his life.
"Sadly, it was to prove a memorial concert for a humble man who brought joy to millions."
Addressing the audience, dressed in a multi- coloured coat, that resembled the lighting on stage, Joey said: "I've never seen so many people sat together since I was in the Bransholme benefit office."
Drawing on the characteristics of Hull and Yorkshire folk, Joey said: "People from Yorkshire are renowned for being friendly and tight.
"My grandad bought my grandma a hamster fur coat for Christmas. He took her to Blackpool and couldn't get her off the big wheel."
Celebrating 50 years in the showbiz industry, Syd Little was next to take to the stage, taking the audience back to the 1980s, when the highlight of a Saturday night was Noel's House Party, All Creatures Great And Small and Little And Large on the television.
"I started my career singing and playing the guitar, and then I met Eddie ... and it all went downhill from there," Syd joked.
"Norman was a brilliant person. We had some lovely times with him that we will never forget."
Returning to his love of singing, Syd performed the Robbie William's classic Angels as a tribute to his friend.
Of course, you cannot have Little without Large, and despite being unable to attend on the evening, a video message from Eddie Large, paying tribute to Norman was played to the crowd.
Norman was fascinated by ventriloquism and was good friends with 1976 winner of talent show New Faces, Roger de Courcey.
Roger and his bear Nookie travelled from London to perform in Hull as a tribute to their friend.
Cheers from the audience rang out when Roger told the bear: "I spoke to my friend Alf the other day. He told me he only had two weeks to live.
"I said I didn't know you were ill. He said I'm not, my wife has gone to Cyprus."
Fellow Yorkshire man Johnnie Casson was next to roll up on stage, with his tales of yesteryear and married life.
Johnnie told the audience: "I took my grandson to the cinema the other day, cost me £30 for two tickets and some popcorn – I only spent £70 on my wedding reception. We had it at McDonald's – it was the last happy meal I ever had."
With his wellies marked L and R on the wrong feet, Jimmy Cricket took to the stage with his famous catchphrase's "Come 'ere" and "there's more" to tell the audience all about his Irish routes.
From Ireland, back to Yorkshire, comedian Tom O'Connor, who toured with Norman in 2009, received a warm welcome from the audience.
Completing the line-up were longest-serving member of The Grumbleweeds, Robin Colvill, Hull-born comedian Mike Lodge and TV regular Bernie Clifton.
As well as the star-studded comedians, Norman's favourite band, the Barton Town Band – of which he was vice-president – performed various classics including Ticket To Ride and New York, New York.
Watching in the audience was Norman's wife of more than 60 years, Lucy, his three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The evening culminated with a standing ovation from the audience.
John said: "Norman was someone who never courted fame or fortune and the man he was on stage was the same man he was in day-to-day life.
"We were all close to him and there aren't any words to describe the love and adoration we had for him.
"Norman always said that the reward for his job was simply the laughter – nothing more.
"The family would like to thank everyone here who has contributed to such a special evening."
