Early Life and Career
Shane was born as George Frederick Speight in Thrybergh, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire. He originally worked as a miner, but had an accident at Silverwood Colliery in 1967 by slipping in the pit-head baths on some soap, resulting in double herniated discs, and he was pensioned off from the pit at the age of 27. Two years later, he made the decision to become a professional entertainer since he already had ten years' experience as a part-time entertainer around the pubs and clubs in South Yorkshire.
His first appearance, as a straight singer, was at the Grafton pub (now demolished) on St. Ann's Road, Rotherham. His first club booking was at St. Ann's Club in Rotherham, for thirty shillings (£1.50). His transformation from singer to comedian was a gradual one, starting with his rendition of Green Green Grass of Home, straight at first, but ultimately a hilarious send-up of Tom Jones, which marked the start of the Paul Shane act.
Read more about this topic: Paul Shane
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