Max Miller Statue
Act 1
UNVEILING 1st MAY 2005
THE UNVEILING ~ MAX DAY
Comic Legend, Sir Norman Wisdom, was in Brighton on Sunday, May 1 (MAX DAY) 2005, to participate in the unveiling of a bronze, life-sized statue of the City’s own ‘Cheeky Chappie’ – comedian MAX MILLER. Announcing this to members, the President of the Max Miller Appreciation Society, Roy Hudd OBE, said: “I’m tickled pink ! One great comic to do the business for a previous one !”
The unveiling of the statue took place in New Road, opposite the Theatre Royal at 11:30 am by Sir Norman, Roy Hudd, June Whitfield, George Melly, the Mayor of Brighton & Hove Pat Drake and MMAS's very own Jo Blake.
After the unveiling, Roy Hudd, OBE, President of the Max Miller Appreciation Society, hosted a celebration luncheon in the Brighton Corn Exchange. Many well-known names were present including Sir Norman Wisdom, June Whitfield, George Melly, Dora Bryan, Geoffrey Hughes, Judy Cornwall, Christopher Green, Terry Garoghan, Victor Seaforth, Wyn Calvin, Sheila Matthews, John Bardon, scriptwriters David Renwick (One Foot in the Grave), Jimmy Perry (Dad's Army, Hi-Di-Hi), Sir Peter Blake, John Fisher, stars of Coronation Street and EastEnders and numerous local celebrities.
Sir Norman sang his signature tune "Don't Laugh at Me 'Cos I'm a Fool" and the many celebrities reminisced about Max. All this is captured on the DVD of the ceremony and luncheon.
Click on this Link to find out more:
Act 2
MAX IS BACK
MAXTRAVAGANZA ~ SUNDAY, 12th AUGUST 2007
On 12th August 2007 the statue was unveiled in its new position by Ken Dodd, assisted by Dennis Norden, Michael Aspel and the Mayor of Brighton & Hove Cllr. Carol Theobald.
In 2006 the Max Miller Statue was removed from New Road and put into storage for safe keeping whilst pedestrianisation of New Road proceeded. On completion of these roadworks, Max returned, this time to a new and better position in the Royal Pavilion Gardens, New Road opposite the Theatre Royal. He will be in the midst of buttercups and daisies pointing to a site which was once the Oxford Music Hall.
Max's return was celebrated by a Maxtravaganza, second unveiling/ rededication ceremony on Sunday, 12th August at 3pm.
After the ceremony, celebrities, members and guests adjourned for tea, cakes and nibbles in the Max enclosure in the Pavilion Cafe grounds.
Final Act
LET THERE BE LIGHT
AL MURRAY, THE PUB LANDLORD LIGHTS UP THE STATUE
At last the statue is illuminated. On Monday, 30th May, 2011, Al Murray, pushed the button to light up the statue. He entertained the large crowd telling them what a great fan he is of Max and reciting Max's, "When roses are red...".