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Frank Skinner and Suzy Klein examine what happened to British popular entertainment - its stars and its audiences - during the Second World War and beyond.

In the third programme of this insightful and entertaining series about the history of popular entertainment, comedian Frank Skinner and music presenter Suzy Klein examine what happened to British popular entertainment - its stars and its audiences - during the Second World War and beyond.

They explore how it braved challenges from an American invasion called rock and roll, a whole lot of nudity and how, in the 50s, it faced its biggest threat as a new form of entertainment appeared in our living rooms. They bring the period wonderfully alive by studying the lives and acts of some of the major stars of popular entertainment of the day, and recreate in a final performance an act close to their hearts. For Suzy, this means attempting to replicate the formidably powerful sound of American supergroup the Andrews Sisters - an act she has loved since she a child. Frank takes on an act a little closer to home - Max Miller was a legendary British comic, who went on to influence generations of stand-ups, Frank included.

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Katherine Jenkins & Vera Lynn

    We'll Meet Again

    Orchestra: 大象传媒 Concert Orchestra.
  • Fred Astaire

    Steppin' Out With My Baby

  • Lew Stone & His Band

    Anything Goes

  • Sonny Lester & His Orchestra

    Bumps and Grinds

  • Bill Haley

    (Were Gonna) Rock Around The Clock

  • Percy Faith

    Delicado

  • Billy Cotton

    The Petite Waltz

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Frank Skinner
Presenter Suzy Klein
Production Company Liberty Bell Productions
Executive Producer Jamie Isaacs
Executive Producer Claire Whalley
Director Kim Lomax
Writer Kim Lomax
Musician Paul Smith
Participant Vicky Butterfly
Participant Jimmy McWilliams
Participant Andy Eastwood
Participant Brian Ward
Participant Jan Hunt
Participant Jacquie Storey
Participant Benjamin Holder
Participant Pippa Gearing
Participant Sarah Lindsay
Participant Lizzie Deane
Participant Mick Toner
Hairdresser Karen Hartley Thomas
Hairdresser Christine Vidler
Participant John Henty
Participant Walter Atherton
Participant Gerald Oxley
Participant Barry Cryer
Participant Chaz McDevitt
Participant Peter Donegan
Participant Ronald Regan
Participant Ruth Cherrington

Broadcasts

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