(1) During a miserable childhood, Connolly trained (2) as a welder in
Glasgow shipyards. He also played the banjo and sang in folk clubs, telling
jokes (3) between songs. These were (4) so popular that Connolly became a
fulltime comedian, (5) appearing on stage and television in Britain, the USA
and Australia. His quick, sharp wit and willingness to shock (6) have won him
many fans.