Standing here at 12 Hanbury Street, doesn’t it make you wonder about the life of Bud Flanagan? This blue plaque commemorates him. Bud Flanagan was a comedian and leader of the Crazy Gang. He was born here as Reuben Weintrop in 1896.
Imagine Spitalfields in the late 19th century. Bud Flanagan’s parents, Polish Jewish immigrants, lived here. They ran a fried fish shop. Bud described the street as a patchwork of shops and hostels.
At age 10, he worked at the Cambridge Music Hall. He changed his name to Bud Robert Winthrop. Later he anglicised his name to Bud Flanagan. In 1910, he walked to Southampton and sailed to New York. He worked in vaudeville before returning to England in 1915.
He joined the Royal Field Artillery. There he met Chesney Allen. Together they formed a comedy double act in 1926. He took the name Flanagan from a sergeant major. The sergeant major had persecuted him for being Jewish. It was his way of getting even.
In 1932, Flanagan and Allen joined the Crazy Gang. Flanagan became its leader. The Crazy Gang performed at the London Palladium. Their comedy was innovatively anarchic.
Flanagan became a household name. His recordings included “Underneath the Arches”. Other hits were “We’re Going to Hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line” and “Run, Rabbit, Run”. These songs resonated with the public during World War II.
Chesney Allen retired in 1945. The Crazy Gang continued until 1962. One of Flanagan’s last contributions was the theme song for Dad’s Army. It was titled “Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr Hitler?”.
Bud Flanagan was a true East Ender. He never forgot his roots. His childhood in Spitalfields shaped his comedy. He brought joy to many during difficult times. This plaque is a reminder of his legacy. It marks the birthplace of a comedic legend. It stands as a testament to his enduring impact on British entertainment. Think about it. A small boy from Hanbury Street became a national treasure.