The life and times of Gladys Shufflewick

This is the turbulent story of Rex Costa an orphan boy left on a doorstep in Southend. He grew up with foster parents as an only child.

When he grew up he was drafted into the R.A.F. and became a member of Ralph Reader’s ‘Gang Show’ while serving in Cairo during World War Two. Other members of the Gang Show included, Tony Hancock and Cardew “The Cad” Robinson. After he was demobbed he became a comedy entertainer. He found work with Vivian Van Damm at the famous Windmill theatre in London’s West End. Among his peers were Frankie Howard, Jimmy Wheeler and Arthur English.

His comic vicar act was spotted by a talent scout for the BBC, but he was told his act was too rude for radio. So Rex came up with a different character and Mrs Shufflewick was born. This won him a contract and he was soon appearing on “Midday Music Hall” and “London Lights” as well as guesting on all major radio shows. Soon his/her tiny bedraggled figure with a little bit of moth-eaten fur...