Mimi Law

Published Tuesday 8 July 2008 at 12:45 by Patrick Newley

Comedienne Mimi Law was one half of Billy Whitaker and Mimi Law, one of variety theatre’s most famous comedy husband and wife double acts. The couple appeared in variety shows all over Britain and were also hugely popular in pantomime.

Billy was the son of the music hall ventriloquist Coram, but carved his own niche in variety, revue and pantomime where he was a noted dame. Though he did work alone, he was best known for his partnership with Mimi (the sister of variety producer Jerry Jerome). They were together from the forties, when they were the stars of the touring revue Hi Diddle Diddle.

The pair worked in pantomime with stars such as Norman Wisdom, Ken Dodd and Roy Hudd. They rarely stopped working throughout their careers and were often guests on touring music hall shows. They devised many revues and shows which they both appeared in, especially for the Esplanade Pavilion on the Isle of Wight. Billy was the entertainments manager there until his death in 1995.

Mimi lived on the Isle of Wight for many years and more recently was a resident of Brinsworth House, the actors retirement home in Middlesex. She died on June 27, aged 91.

Agent Keith Salberg, who represented the act for many years, told The Stage: “Billy Whitaker and Mimi Law were one of the best-known comedy acts in the business, a real pro act who never stopped working and were admired by other pros. Mimi was a very funny comedienne and she was in remarkable good health and spirits right up until her death. She will be missed by many people in the profession.”