DUDLEY MOORE by Peter Cook
(From the Behind The Fridge theatre programme, 1971)

Dudley Moore was born in Dagenham in 1935 which makes him some three years older than myself; despite the use of heavy make-up and yearly visits to a Swiss clinic, this age difference is readily apparent to the perceptive observer (namely me). He was educated (and I use the word in the loosest possible sense) at a local grammar school. Having failed in his attempt to become a pole vaulting champion he turned his attention to music; by diligent study, or possibly bribery, he won an Organ Scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford. It was here, through mingling with his betters (not me, I was at Cambridge) that he acquired his somewhat effete upper class accent.

At Oxford he divided his time between the serious study of his classical organ, and the futile pursuit of women. It was for the latter reason that he took up jazz, his main influences being Oscar Peterson, Errol Garner and Mae West.

In 1959 came his first stroke of real luck; he met me, and together with Jonathon Miller and Alan Bennet we wrote and performed "Beyond the Fringe", which ran for four years in London and three years on Broadway.

Since returning from America in 1964, we have worked on several series of "Not Only, But Also". Out of a feeling of charity I have also managed to secure him supporting roles with me in such films as "Bedazzled", "Monte Carlo or Bust" and "The Bed Sitting Room".

Like many smallish men (Napoleon, Adolf Hitler, to name but two) Dudley has a superficial charm and warmth that deceive many. Underneath lurks a demented sadist, capable in private of unspeakable deeds. It is my personal belief that his secret ambition is to initiate World War Three. I can only hope that my unfailing modesty and tact may prevent this disaster for a few years to come.

We present a couple of audio numbers by Dudley Moore:
Even if Jazz isn't really your bag "Song For Suzy" by the Dudley Moore Trio is still well worth a listen - you never know it might even stir an interest.
My favourite Derek & Clive ditty is "Little Flo" from Derek & Clive(Live).

[ Download: Song For Suzy mp3|2m20s|2.14mb ]
[ Download: Little Flo mp3|0m13s|214kb ]