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One of the top comedians from the 1930s and 40s. Will Hay lived and worked in Belper where he was offered his first big show at the Pavillion in 1910.

He also performed for the local farmers during market day. During his time in Belper he lived in various locations according to his finances (at one point sleeping in a tent on the Lion Croft) , but it is known he spent some time living at Wellington Court.

Whilst living in Belper, Hay wrote his famous 'schoolmaster' routine which he perfected in films with Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott, and he also performed at the Grand Theatre in Derby.

In 2002, the Belper Folk club organised a "Will Hay Festival" to recognise his time in the town.

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County:  Derbyshire

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