Black Country comedian seconds from delivering killer joke

Aug 15 2010 by Jasbir Authi, Sunday Mercury

A QUICK-thinking Black Country man saved a comedian’s life when he keeled over, literally dying on stage.

Funnyman Eddie Stapleton was telling jokes about snakes when his heart suddenly packed up and he collapsed.

Some members of the audience guffawed, thinking it was all part of the comedy act.

But Guy Jackson, from Stourbridge, who had recently had first aid training, realised it was no laughing matter.

The 64 year-old leapt up and started giving heart massage while paramedics were summoned to the scene.

The drama happened at the De Valance Pavillion in the welsh holiday resort of Tenby, a favourite with Midlanders.

Comic Eddie, a 77 year-old retired window cleaner and carpet fitter, was running through his gags after earlier taking part in a concert with the Tenby Male Choir at the nearby St Mary’s Church.

Good samaritan Guy, who was there with the Gentlemen Songsters Of Dudley, said: “The comedian had been singing, and then started entertaining the audience with a series of stories and jokes.