Bobby Thompson AKA The Little Waster was born in Penshaw in 1911 and was a stand-up comedian, actor and entertainer. Although he was raised in Penshaw, he also lived in Great Lumley and Barley Mow near Chester-le-Street, later moving to Whitley Bay. He died in 1988.

Famous for his broad Pitmatic (County Durham pit village) accent, self-deprecating humour and mastery of the mother-in-law joke, Thompson was affectionately known as The Little Waster due to his short stature, which he often played upon his act, describing himself as “Little Bobby”. His most famous outfit was a worn out stripey jumper (Wooly gansey) and flat cap. His ever-present Woodbine cigarette stub, hanging from the corner of his mouth, was also an integral part of his on-stage persona.

He was also renowned for his problems with the tax man, stemming from the fact that he never seemed to pay any. This was an unfortunate fact that he turned to humour in his stage act.