Bobby Velvet

Born in 1932 in London to a military father and a gypsy mother, and he spent most of his formative years were spent surviving the war. He dodged school, bombs and hustled a living in the markets of London. In the later stages of the war he was evacuated to Leeds, where he pursued one of his loves (football) introduced him to his local side Meanwood United. At the age of 17, he was conscripted for two years of military service and fortunately for him, his abilities as a footballer allowed him to play for the British Army and avoid mainstream duties. After demobbing he met a well-known vaudeville performer called Kit Kelly, who took a shine to him, and helped him start his career as a singer-entertainer and gave himself the professional name Robbie Platts. He quickly built a good reputation and became known as one of the best local stand-up comedians. He formed the Platt Brothers (Comedy Duo), and they featured on the once famous Opportunity Knocks TV show. The duo played the major Night Clubs and working men's clubs of the day. Once the duo folded, he became a solo act and changed his name to Bobby Velvet. The next opportunity presented itself after another change of name to Bobby Velvet was a chance for a slot on the TV show 'The Comedians' and this once again propelled him into turning professional. He became the resident compere at Batley Variety Club, and Wakefield Variety Club and performed in several summer seasons in the UK and abroad, his favourite venue being the Hotel Belvedere in Crete, where he performed for three seasons up to 1993. His time to retire came in 2001, when he diagnosed with heart failure. He passed away happily on 28th March 2022.