Chic's Small Doll Maidie loses battle with cancer

SHE was one-half of the Capital's best-loved variety act.

But the final curtain has come down for Maidie Murray, 88, former wife of late comic Chic Murray.

With more than 60 years in the limelight, the versatile entertainer passed away on Monday at her Bruntsfield Crescent home after an 18-month cancer battle.

Her loving family held a bedside vigil in her last hours.

Child-star Maidie spent her working life drawing laughter and applause from audiences across Scotland, boasting an impressive repertoire that included tap dancing, accordion playing, comedy and singing.

However, it was the enduring double-act with husband Chic that propelled the pocket-sized performer to top billing.

Their contrasting physique – Chic was a lofty 6ft 3in while Maidie stood an inch short of 5ft – was natural source of amusement for theatre-goers and an obvious feature on which to base their act, known as The Tall Droll with the Small Doll and also as Maidie and Murray.

An unfortunate twist of fate in 1956 put paid to what would have been a career high for the comedy twosome. Invited on to the Royal Variety Show at the London Palladium, they were disappointed to learn the event had been cancelled because of the Suez Crisis. Despite the setback the variety couple won the hearts of fellow Scots and, in particular, those in the Capital.

Maidie was born in the Old Town to Hugh and Anne Dickson, and began her showbiz career at just four years old. She met future husband Charles Murray in his home town of Greenock in 1943 and the pair married two years later in St Giles' Cathedral. True to form, Chic tripped on the way up the aisle, provoking muffled laughs from the congregation.

The couple had two children – Douglas and Annabelle – but divorced in the late 1970s. Douglas' daughter Diana, who lived in the flat above Maidie, acted as her grandmother's carer following her cancer diagnosis.

"Even when they divorced they were always in touch," said Annabelle. "When you travel so much and spend so much time on stage it's difficult."

She added they had reunited after a "brief interlude" and Chic sadly died in 1985.

Speaking to the News after her mother's death, Annabelle, 62, repeated one of Maidie's favourite showbiz mantras: "She would always say 'Just get on with it. Put on the slap, get dressed, get the jewels on and mask your way through'.

"She had grace, courage, and a great outlook on life and she battled the disease with great dignity and courage."

She added: "It's a privilege to have had a mother and father like them."

Edinburgh comedian Bill Barclay, 66, remembers watching the couple perform.

He said: "They were a well-respected act, one of the biggest acts on the scene and Maidie will be missed, I'm sure."

Funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.