Recent letters bringing back fond memories of comedians and their catchphrases made me recall the variety comic Jimmy Wheeler, who spent his last years in Brighton, until his death in 1973.

Partial to a drink or ten, he was often seen around the pubs and clubs, propping up the bar. One of his last appearances was at the old Co-op Hall, in London Road, in a pantomine co-starring Mrs Shufflewick, alias Rex Jameson, one of the top female impersonators during the last days of variety. There were so many complaints from members of the audience about the very risqu material used during the performance that the police banned the panto and it folded after only a couple of nights.

These days, adult pantos are quite commonplace but 30 years ago they were a no-go area. As for Jimmy's catchphrase, after his final joke and a last few strains from his screechy violin, he'd bellow: "Aye, aye - that's yer lot."

Mrs Shufflewick, who also frequently performed in Brighton's clubs after the variety theatres had closed, had one catchphrase stating her to be "Broad-minded to the point of obscenity". Not surprisingly, she went down very well in Brighton - well, when sober, anyway, because "Shuff" was another old pro with a terrific thirst.

-Gerald Oxley, Selborne Road, Hove