Monkhouse had an elder brother, John, who was born in Monkhouse's grandfather, John Monkhouse β , was a prosperous Methodist businessman who co-founded Monk and Glass, which made custard powder and jelly. Monkhouse was educated at Goring Hall School in Worthing , Sussex , and Dulwich College in south London, from which he was expelled for climbing the clock tower.
Among other writing, Monkhouse wrote more than Harlem Hotspots erotic novelettes. Monkhouse completed his National service with the Royal Air Force in Before establishing himself as a successful writer and comedian, Monkhouse appeared on stage in London, first as Aladdin in a stage show of the same name written by S.
Indeed, when Goodwin broke up the partnership in , it was to work for Hope. He went on to host more than 30 quiz shows on British television. He starred in Dentist in the Chair and Dentist on the Job , later regretting not choosing the Carry On s over the dental comedies.
In he starred in US sketch comedy television series Bonkers! Monkhouse was a respected stand-up comedian, known for his talent at ad-libbing. He became much in demand as an after-dinner speaker and wrote a book about the subject, Just Say a Few Words Lennard Publishing, , He also became a favourite with impressionists , and, as his comedy style fell out of favour in the s, he was mocked [ by whom? Monkhouse's final stand-up show was performed at the Albany Comedy Club in London on 25 August , [ 13 ] four months before his death.
The show was broadcast by the BBC in and again in November , April and December to mark the twentieth anniversary of his death. The show also included a rare public appearance from Monkhouse's friend Mike Yarwood.
