Sid James attack while performing on stage at the Sunderland Empire Theatre; he died in hospital an hour later. Some, including comedian Les Dawson, claim to have seen the ghost of James at the theatre, and subsequently refused to appear at the theatre again. James was born Solomon Joel Cohen on 8 May 1913, to Jewish parents in South Africa, later changing his name to Sidney Joel Cohen, and then Sidney James. His family lived on Hancock Street in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. Upon moving to the UK later in life, he claimed various previous occupations, including diamond cutter, dance tutor and boxer; in
James Sherwood (comedian) James Sherwood (comedian) James Sherwood (born 26 February 1975) is a stand-up comedian, comedy writer, singer, pianist, and composer. He lives in Peckham, south London. Born in Rochford, Essex, in 1975, Sherwood grew up in Oxford, Bristol, Essex, and London. He was a chorister in the choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, and attended Magdalen College School. As an undergraduate English student at Magdalen he became an academical clerk in the same choir. He had a brief career in public relations and new media working on campaigns for brand including BlackBerry before starting his comedy and music career. Sherwood was a