Comic Charlie Higson backs Norwich culture bid

A popular actor, comedian and author has today given Norwich's bid to become UK's first City of Culture in 2013 a welcome boost.

Charlie Higson, known for popular BBC sketch show The Fast Show and the successful Young Bond books, today backed the city's bid to land the prestigious title.

The 51-year-old, who was born in Somerset and grew up in Kent, attended the University of East Anglia where his brother Andrew taught for 22 years.

It was while at the UEA, where he studied English and American studies, he made friends with fellow comedian, writer and actor Paul Whitehouse.

While at the university, the pair formed the band The Right Hand Lovers, before they went on to work on some of the nation's best loved shows.

Mr Higson said: 'I think I can safely say that Norwich made me everything I am today. Whether or not that's a good thing I'm not sure.'

It was while at the university that Mr Higson also met David Cummings and Terry Edwards with whom he later formed the band The Higsons.

At the time, he was working as a decorator to supplement his earnings. He worked on Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie's house in Dalston, which, together with Mr Whitehouse, he later bought off them.

Mr Higson added: 'I definitely met some interesting people at the University of East Anglia who have been central to what I have done since.'

After university, Mr Higson was reunited with Mr Whitehouse, who did not complete his studies in Norwich, and they were inspired to start writing comedy.

They started writing for Vic Reeves' Big Night Out and extensively for the BBC, firstly for A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Paul Merton: The Series and then Harry Enfield's Television Programme.

The pair also created a rapid-fire delivery comedy show, The Fast Show, and worked together on radio comedy Down The Line.

Mr Higson is also a well-known writer of adult thriller novels and the author of the phenomenally successful Young Bond series. Books in the Young Bond series include Silverfin, Blood Fever, Double or Die, Hurricane Gold, By Royal Command and The Enemy.

Norwich submitted its final bid at the end of last month alongside other short-listed cities - Birmingham, Sheffield and Derry/Londonderry.

To find out more about the city of culture bid, or how to get involved. Log onto www.en24.co.uk/culture

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