Latest news with #TommyCooper
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Tommy Cooper's robe sold at auction to David Copperfield
A robe worn by the late comedy legend Tommy Cooper in his ill-fated final performance has been snapped up by famed American illusionist David wore the red silk robe for his final show at Her Majesty's Theatre in London on 15 April comedian suffered a heart attack on stage during the televised ITV performance, watched by 12 million people, and was later pronounced dead at Westminster Hospital, aged US magician purchased the robe for £8,500 - more than double the base of the £4,000 to £6,000 pre-sale estimate. Cooper, born in Wales in 1921, was known for combining intentionally disastrous magic tricks with slapstick humour, as well as his famous catchphrase "just like that". Kegan Harrison, from the North Yorkshire auction house Tennants, said Copperfield, famed for illusions such as making the Statue of Liberty 'disappear', bought the robe for his museum in Las Vegas, International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts, which is not open to the general public, also holds other items from famous names such as Harry Houdini. Copperfield also purchased one of Cooper's suits at the same auction, paying £1,400, just below the estimated sale price of £1,500 to £2, Harrison said there was already a section in the museum dedicated to Cooper."He is an absolute legend in the field and so potentially for any sort of fellow entertainer or magician it could well be something that would resonate very much with them." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
South Wales Argus
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly Pride 2025 embraces love, identity, and community
From midday until 7pm, the Pride Parade marched from St Martin's School, filling the streets with cheering crowds and rainbow flags, before gathering at Twyn Car Park. Gwent Police were in attendance to spread the message of inclusion and acceptance, as Tommy Cooper looked on. The day. on Saturday, July 5, was packed with live music, entertainment stages, and youth performances backed by organisations like Coleg Gwent and Unite Wales. Families, joined together in a joyful show of support, with local stalls offering food, drinks, and information that supported the town's #ChooseLocal initiative. The atmosphere was testament to the warm reception that Pride received, proving that smaller towns can host Pride events. Caerphilly Pride insist Saturday's celebrations was not just a parade, it was a clear stand for visibility, acceptance, and joy. With strong turnout and community spirit, the event left everyone looking forward to next year's festivities.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Tommy Cooper's magic robe set to be auctioned in North Yorkshire
A robe worn by comedy legend Tommy Cooper during his final performance is set to go under the hammer in North Yorkshire. Cooper, who combined intentionally disastrous magic tricks with slapstick humour, donned the red silk robe for a TV performance at Her Majesty's Theatre in London on 15 April 1984. As part of the act, objects increasing in size were passed from the stage curtain through a panel in the garment, as if they were appearing by magic. The comedian suffered a heart attack on stage during the performance and was later pronounced dead at Westminster Hospital aged 63. Cooper, whose television shows attracted audiences of millions, was also known for his catchphrase "just like that".Tennants Auctioneers, in Leyburn, will be auctioning the robe on 23 July, with the item set to fetch between £4,000 and £6,000. Kegan Harrison, from Tennants, said the robe could end up fetching more than its estimate, depending on interest. One of Cooper's signature fezzes recently went for £7,000 at auction, which was double its estimated worth. "It sort of came around by chance because the vendor was on a walking tour here," Mr Harrison said."We got chatting and he asked if we would be interested in selling this item, which of course we were."The current vendor acquired the robe, created to fit the Welsh comedian's 6ft 4in (1.93m) frame, from the late magician Paul Daniels in 2003. "The staff have been very keen to see it," Mr Harrison added."We have very high hopes for it and hope it will find a good home to go to." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
South Wales Argus
18-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
LOOK: Around 3,000 runners take part in Caerphilly 10K race
The Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10K and 2K Run returned on Sunday, May 11, 2025, with both events selling out for the first time in the event's history. This year marked a significant milestone for the event, highlighting its growing popularity and strong community support. Around 2,000 runners took on the 10K route, which winds through the town centre past iconic landmarks including the Tommy Cooper statue, giant cheese sculpture, and Caerphilly Castle. The course remains a favourite with runners of all levels thanks to its fast, friendly layout. The 2K run, held earlier in the morning, was another highlight, with local schools, community groups, and sports clubs taking part in large numbers. Councillor Sean Morgan, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: "It's been a fantastic day, it was an absolute party all around the course. "So good to see both runners and spectators enjoying this great event. "Seeing both events sell out for the first time is a credit to the Sport and Leisure Team and brings us even closer to a cost-neutral event. "With ever-constrained budgets, it is essential this council thinks outside the box to deliver and be sustainable for the future." Councillor Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure, added: "The Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10K and 2K are brilliant events for the community. "It's a proud moment to see so many people getting involved, whether they were running, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines." Organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council, the event is supported by headline sponsor Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa, car partner Griffin Mill and wider partners Welsh Athletics and Llamau. The next Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10K and 2K will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Entries are now open, with prices frozen at the current standard rate until September 30, 2025. (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs) (Image: Angharad Tomlin-Maggs)
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Record number of runners take part in 2025 Caerphilly 10K
A record number of runners took part in the 2025 Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10K and 2K. The event on Sunday, May 11, saw around 3,000 participants take to the streets of Caerphilly town centre. This year, both the 10K and 2K races sold out for the first time in the event's history. Around 2,000 runners took on the 10K route through the town centre past landmarks like the Tommy Cooper statue, giant cheese sculpture, and Caerphilly Castle. The 10K event was won be Jonathan Butler of Swansea Harriers with a time of 30 minutes and 38 seconds, while Olivia Tsim of Pontypridd Roadents was the fastest female, finishing in 34 minutes and 56 seconds. Dylan Powell claimed victory in the 2K event with a time of 6 minutes and 11 seconds. Councillor Sean Morgan, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: "It's been a fantastic day, it was an absolute party all around the course. "So good to see both runners and spectators enjoying this great event. "Seeing both events sell out for the first time is a credit to the Sport and Leisure Team and brings us even closer to a cost neutral event. "With ever constrained budgets, it is essential this council thinks outside the box to deliver and be sustainable for the future." Councillor Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure, added: "The Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10K and 2K are brilliant events for the community. "It's a proud moment to see so many people getting involved, whether they were running, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines." The event is organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council and supported by headline sponsor Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa, car partner Griffin Mill, and wider partners Welsh Athletics and Llamau. The next Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10K and 2K will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
