Variety Finds a New Home
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.
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Clip
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The DIY spirit of World War Two and Vera Lynn
Duration: 02:31
Music Played
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Katherine Jenkins & Vera Lynn
We'll Meet Again
Orchestra: 大象传媒 Concert Orchestra. -
Fred Astaire
Steppin' Out With My Baby
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Lew Stone & His Band
Anything Goes
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Sonny Lester & His Orchestra
Bumps and Grinds
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Bill Haley
(Were Gonna) Rock Around The Clock
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Percy Faith
Delicado
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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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Pioneers of Popular Entertainment
Exploring the history of British popular entertainment in the 100 years before television