"I'll tell you a story about Jackanory". The first episode of the children's storytelling programme went out on 13 December 1965, with Cap of Rushes, told by Lee Montague. It was illustrated with dance sequences from Marion Diamond. Over the week Montague told different traditional tales, sometimes aided by illustrations or costumes, as on the day he dressed as Lord Mayor to tell the story of Dick Whittington. But for most of the time Montague was sitting on a bench, talking directly to the viewer.
Actors loved Jackanory because of the connection with the audience, and it attracted big names including Kenneth Williams, Geraldine McEwan, Alan Bennett, Michael Hordern, Rik Mayall and Tony Robinson. Bernard Cribbins presented 111 episodes, more than anyone else. Authors also appeared. Some were well known, like Prince Charles, who read the Old Man of Lochnagar in 1984. Others became well known by the spirited reading of their own books, like John Grant with his stories of Littlenose the caveboy.
Jackanory succeeded in persuading many reluctant readers to pick up a book. The success of spin-off Jackanory Playhouse encouraged the 大象传媒 to develop more children's dramas, such as Jonny Briggs. Jackanory ended in 1996, but returned in 2007 as Jackanory Junior.
December anniversaries
-
Ireland: A Television History
2 December 1980 -
Start of The 大象传媒 Television Shakespeare
3 December 1978 -
The World About Us
3 December 1967 -
Edward VIII Abdication speech
11 December 1936 -
1984 Broadcast
12 December 1954 -
bbc.co.uk is launched
12 December 1997 -
Jackanory first broadcast
13 December 1965 -
Comedy Playhouse
15 December 1961 -
Culloden
15 December 1964 -
The Likely Lads
16 December 1964 -
大象传媒 World Service launches
19 December 1932 -
Zoo Quest, first on-screen appearance by David Attenborough
21 December 1954 -
Just a Minute first transmitted
22 December 1967 -
A Close Shave
24 December 1995 -
First Empire Address by King George V
25 December 1932 -
Morecambe and Wise Christmas Shows
25 December -
Only Fools and Horses 1996 Christmas Specials
25 December 1996 -
大象传媒 Reith Lectures
26 December 1948 -
Alice in Wonderland
28 December 1966 -
Big Ben chimes broadcast at New Year for the first time
31 December 1923