'A truly beautiful human being' - Carlisle's Stan McManus

Entertainment was his vocation - but Stan's talents went well beyond that of a capable and fun-loving compere with a seemingly endless supply of jokes and an unfailing gift for humorous improvisation.

There was so much more to Stan.

Born on October 31, 1932, Stan was the first son of Stanley senior and mum Eva. Tragically, his younger brother Jimmy (five years his junior) died suddenly when he was just 16.

The family lived in Rydal Street, Carlisle, a back-to-back terraced house with a communal yard and one toilet for six families, who cleaned it on a roster system, keeping it spotless.

Stan’s formal education began at St Cuthbert’s School but when he was six the family moved to Buchannan Road, Currock, prompting Stan’s awed response: “Wow - a garden.” The house was also close to Hammonds Pond, where he and his friends played football and cricket until the sun went down.

Stan McManus hosted The Cumberland News Community Concert for four decades, bringing joy and frivolity to large Carlisle audiences. (Image: Newsquest)

Stan’s musical awakening came when he was ten as he watched the film “Top Hat” with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He was “completely blown away” by their performances.

After studying at St Margaret Mary School, Stan passed the eleven plus exam for The Creighton School - but he opted for St Pat's School because they played football, always a major part of his life.

Stan left school at 14, working initially for Percy Hewitt the Butcher on Upperby Road and then Browns Army & Navy Stores in Scotch Street, Carlisle. He served his time as an electrician at Joe Queens Electrical.

But football remained a passion.

He began playing for Carlisle United A youth team under the legendary Bill Shankly and later for Canterbury City while he was in the forces, serving with REME (Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers).

It was at this time that his brother died, and Stan moved to Catterick Camp to be closer to his family. He later played football professionally for both Bury and Southport.

He never lost his love of sport, enjoying golf with Brampton and Carlisle Golf Club and bowling at Wetheral and Dalston Bowling clubs. But his love of song, dance and laughter became ever more important.

Stan’s CV continued to sparkle as he took on jobs that included: song and dance man, comedian, DJ, children’s entertainer, compere, showbusiness agent, ice cream seller, pub landlord (The Pheasant, Carlisle), entertainments manager at “Solway Lido, Silloth”, and night-club owner (The Upstairs Club, Carlisle, which attracted stars such as Frank Carson, Les Dennis, Freddie Star).

Stan in the role of an impoverished villager in ‘Jamaica Inn’. Photo courtesy of Phil Mckay, Casting Agent, Lakeside Casting Agency (Image: UGC Lakeside Castings)

Fewer people know of Stan successful acting career in his later years. He appeared in some first-rate dramas. Working with Lakeside Casting Agency, he secured roles in an impressive list of high-profile productions.

They included the ITV thriller A Place or Execution (filmed near Hexham), Wuthering Heights, and the successful period drama Jamaica Inn – though he also starred in a long-running Homebase advert.

Stan worked five long days during the filming of Wuthering Heights in 2008, arriving on set at 6am, spending two hours in "hair, makeup and costume," before breakfasting at 8am.

Then there was the acting, which Stan took in his stride, playing the part of a villager. He loved every minute. In A Place of Execution, Stan was once again cast as a local villager, who joined other locals and police in a search of woodland for a young girl's body.

Stan in A Place of Execution. Photo courtesy of Phil Mckay, Casting Agent, Lakeside Casting Agency (Image: Lakeside Castings UGC)

At one point, as the director shouted “Action!” Stan had the misfortune to trip over an unseen branch. Struggling back on to his feet, Stan loudly enquired: ‘Did you get that?", gaining applause for his aplomb.

Stan was a member of BATS (Border Artists Theatrical Society) and proud to serve as KING BAT, raising thousands for charities that included The Multiple Sclerosis Society, Cancer Research, Spina Bifida, and Guide dogs For the Blind.

Stan’s good work was honoured when he was invited to Buckingham Palace to attend a Garden Party with the late Queen.

David McNeill, who runs StagedRight Youth Theatre and worked with Stan at the city's annual community concernt, summed him up with these words: “He could sing, dance and had an endless supply of jokes.

"He would dress up each year as a different character and when time allowed, he would bring out his bubble gun and get the elderly audience singing 'I'm forever blowing bubbles.'

“Stan was a true gent and Carlisle legend.”

Stan's son Gary once asked him why he never sought national fame and prime time TV success. Stan’s response underlined what in reality was his first and most enduring passion: his family.

His wife Cynthia passed away tragically early at the age of 36 in 1968. The couple had two children, Gary and Caron Eva. Stan later found a new partner, and stepchildren Mark and Kaz became part of his family.

Responding to Gary’s question about TV fame and fortune, Stan produced a contract that he was offered for work in London, saying: “I had to leave Carlisle and go to London to do this and to make it in this business family would have to come second – and it never does for me.

“I could not leave you and your sister… Besides I already have the best job in the world looking after you both.”

Gary said: “He leaves us all in the family totally in awe with love and respect for Stan McManus, a truly beautiful human being… It was a good life.”

Stan McManus passed away on October 5, with his family by his side. The funeral service to be held at Our Lady and St Joseph’s Church on Friday October 28 at 10am followed by committal and celebration of life at Carlisle Crematorium at 11am. A further celebration will be held at Carlisle Rugby Club from noon onwards.