Comic Cook honoured with plaque

Peter Cook was ranked as by fellow comics as their favourite comedian

Comedian Peter Cook is being honoured with the unveiling of a plaque at the central London club he opened, kick-starting the 1960s satire boom.

Cook - who died in 1995 - became one of the UK's most influential comics of the last 50 years, through his work with Dudley Moore and in Beyond the Fringe.

The Establishment Club, in Soho, was seen as a symbol of swinging London.

A Westminster Green Plaque is being unveiled at the building by the city council and the Heritage Foundation.

The foundation was set up to pay tribute to key figures in the entertainment world, while raising funds for good causes.

Among the stars expected to attend the event on Sunday are foundation president and Bee Gee Robin Gibb, comedians Barry Cryer and Stephen Fry, and 1960s Bond girl Valerie Leon.

Finally, Peter joins the establishment and goes from being off-the-wall to being on it Ian Hislop Private Eye

Broadcaster and quiz show host Nicholas Parsons, who will also be at the ceremony, said Cook's talent was unique.

"He was exceptional, there's no doubt about it," he said.

"Like a lot of very highly talented people he was always so charming and courteous. I always found him most delightful and engaging, and he had the most amazing mind."

The Establishment Club - now a bar - helped revive the career or Frankie Howerd, as well as introduce Barry Humphries' character Dame Edna Everage to British audiences.

Cook also stepped in to help satirical magazine Private Eye in 1962, investing his own money and securing support from his showbusiness friends.

For a time, it was even produced from the club premises.

Current editor Ian Hislop said: "Finally, Peter joins the establishment and goes from being off-the-wall to being on it."

In 2005, Cook was ranked top in a "Comedian's Comedian" poll, voted for by comics and comedy writers.