The comedic character created and performed by British comedian and musician Chris Sievey is instantly recognisable by his spherical paper-mache head (styled like an early Disney or Merrie Melodie cartoon), worn by Sievey during performances along with a sharp suit, vaguely in the 1950s style.

The central conceit behind Frank is that he's an aspiring pop star from Timperley, Altrincham (an area of north west England). Although seemingly middle-aged, he still lives at home with his mother, to whom he makes frequent references. His mother is apparently unaware of her son's popularity. Frank sometimes has a sidekick in the form of Little Frank, a hand puppet who is otherwise a perfect copy of Frank.

He reached cult status in the late Eighties and early Nineties when he toured the country extensively. Contasting against the alternative comedians of the time, Frank Sidebottom comedy was family-friendly, if a little bizarre for some tastes.

Frank was perhaps most popular in the North West region of England, where his success was caught up in that of the Madchester scene, and for a time was a regular on regional ITV station Granada and on local and national radio.

Frank faded into obscurity in the late nineties, rarely appearing both on TV and live, but has an official website, and is apparently planning a full comeback.

He is at the Memorial Hall on Thursday in the company of Charlie Chuck, another manic and sometimes bewildering stage presence. His act and catchphrases are legendary after stints on Vic & Bob's The Smell of Reeves & Mortimer as Uncle Peter, and The James Whale Radio & TV shows, establishing a cult following.

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