Actors and Actresses

A Comic Genius You Should Know: Victoria Wood

Carmen Croghan

Carmen Croghan

— 3 min read
A Comic Genius You Should Know: Victoria Wood
The late, great Victoria Wood image credit BBC
The late, great Victoria Wood. (Image credit: BBC)

You may have heard that Victoria Wood died yesterday at the age of 62. If you're familiar with this versatile English performer, like me you are probably gutted by the unexpected loss. For a start, she was a comedian, actor, singer, writer and director.

A pioneer for British women in comedy, particularly those from the North, Wood was a BAFTA Award winner for her accomplishments in light entertainment comedy as well as drama in her later career. The tributes have been pouring in from her contemporaries and from those who looked up to her as well. The words "national treasure" have been attributed to Victoria time and again and with good reason.

If her work is unknown to you, I want to share some of the performances which highlight her considerable talents.  Her comedy is still relevant and I'm sure her legacy will be to earn new fans even now that she has gone.

Stand-up. Victoria performed stand-up on tours and specials as well as starting her sketch shows with solo monologues. She was touted for her observational humor regarding poplar culture and the daily grind of life.

Read more