Biography
Born on 25 February 1948 in Bolton, Lancashire, England, Wrigley fell short of the mainstream success achieved by fellow comedian-folk performers such as Billy Connolly, Richard Digance and Mike Harding. A self-taught guitarist, he first encountered folk clubs amid the Bob Dylan-inspired surge of the 1960s. In 1969 he abandoned his post as a Customs and Excise Officer to turn professional as one half of the duo Dave And Bernard, supplying music for the documentary The Bolton Massacre staged at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton. The partnership dissolved the following year, prompting Wrigley to join the original Ken Campbell roadshow, where he composed the stage staples ‘Ballad Of Knocking Nelly’, ‘Old Bill’ and ‘Concrete Mixer’; Bob Hoskins performed with the same troupe during that period.
Throughout the 1970s he issued several albums on the Topic Records and Transatlantic labels that fused his comic sensibility with a profound attachment to folk traditions. Early in the next decade he founded the Loofy Records imprint, which became the vehicle for an ongoing series of studio, live and spoken-word releases. In 1991 he took the role of Estragon in a production of Waiting For Godot at the Octagon Theatre, with Mike Harding cast as Vladimir. Extensive screen credits encompass regular appearances on the British television series Coronation Street, Last Of The Summer Wine, Emmerdale, Dinnerladies, Cold Feet, Heartbeat, Phoenix Nights and Shameless, together with parts in multiple Alan Bennett films. Radio work has included acting in numerous Radio 4 dramas and hosting programmes for BBC Radio Lancashire.
Throughout the 1970s he issued several albums on the Topic Records and Transatlantic labels that fused his comic sensibility with a profound attachment to folk traditions. Early in the next decade he founded the Loofy Records imprint, which became the vehicle for an ongoing series of studio, live and spoken-word releases. In 1991 he took the role of Estragon in a production of Waiting For Godot at the Octagon Theatre, with Mike Harding cast as Vladimir. Extensive screen credits encompass regular appearances on the British television series Coronation Street, Last Of The Summer Wine, Emmerdale, Dinnerladies, Cold Feet, Heartbeat, Phoenix Nights and Shameless, together with parts in multiple Alan Bennett films. Radio work has included acting in numerous Radio 4 dramas and hosting programmes for BBC Radio Lancashire.
Singles
