Sunday Night at the London Palladium released on DVD

[Mike of CAS]

http://www.atvnewsnetwork.co.uk/today/index.php/atv-today/4257-palladium

The London Palladium celebrates its 100th anniversary this December, so what better way to celebrate the iconic theatre than a DVD celebrating the long running ATV series which aired live from the stage every Sunday night for over a decade.

Peaking at 28 million viewers this was weekly event television that transcended all classes, denominations and age groups - an unquestionable success that still provides a high benchmark that today's variety shows can only aspire to.

Lasting twelve years until 1967, the show was hosted by a number of performers, including Tommy Trinder, Bruce Forsyth and Jimmy Tarbuck - establishing and making stars of the latter two in no uncertain terms.

Bruce Forsyth once commented that the London Palladium was the most famous theatre in the world. “Stars worldwide want to perform there. If you did a show the Palladium then you had made it.”

Bruce Forsyth with the Tiller Girls at the ATV Palladium showSome of the biggest names in show business appeared on the ATV series Sunday Night at the London Palladium over the years including Judy Garland, The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Arthur Askey, Diana Dors, Shirley Bassey and even Violet Carson - as ‘Ena Sharples’ in character - from Coronation Street.

The show at its 1960s peak cost £8,000 - £150 per minute – and used mainly crews from the ATV Midlands franchise utilizing over 200 staff. The DVD release, from Network, includes the 1961 special episode with only Bruce Forsyth and Norman Wisdom featuring

The show had a couple of spin-off's and revivals, in the 1970s, 80s and 2000s, however none managed to recapture the magic of the original series.

[Maria No. 1.]

Looks a good DVD.

[Maria No. 1.]

Just been looking at Network's site, it isn't on yet.  If released in December to co-incide with the anniversary I'm probably jumping the gun, it will go on next month.

[Mike of CAS]

Released Nov 8th

[Maria No. 1.]

Thanks

[DJB]

I remember the 1970s version hosted by Jim Dale.

[Maria No. 1.]

I do too DJB.  But past its best then.  I want to see the early stuff.  Will be really good.

[Maria No. 1.]

I see from todays Times and Daily Express that there was a party yesterday to celebrate the 100th anniversary (Boxing Day 1910).  Among those there for the Centenary celebrations were Bruce Forsyth, Ken Dodd, Lord Lloyd Webber, Lesley Garrett, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Russ Abbott and Neil Sedaka.

The Times says that "after Sister Act closes this month, Lord Lloyd Webber who owns the theatre intends to transform the foyer and install more ladies lavatories" 

The Daily Express says "Bruce unveiled a plaque in the theatres foyer.

A photo is shown in both papers of Bruce is in the foyer with the newly unveiled plaque with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Danielle Hope, the latest reality star to win Dorothy.

[Maria No. 1.]

The DVD is now showing on Network's site.  I noticed that Larry Grayson is among those pictured on the front sleeve.  He is featured in an episode from 1973.

[Mike of CAS]

That'll be the one included on his DVD, just the end, with the terrible sound problem. I wonder if they'll do a Saturday Variety dvd with him singing shut that doooor.

[Maria No. 1.]

And there's me thinking it was something new, I didn't check Larry's sleeve.  You've a good memory Mike.  That would be just great wouldn't it, a Saturday Variety Dvd.  We can but wait !

[Mike of CAS]

If they're releasing all that survives it jumps from 1964 to 1973.

Crikey.

[Maria No. 1.]

Yes, I noticed that big jump too.  But I'm not sure if they are releasing all that survives. "Some of the best of what remains in the archives".

Lets hope there is plenty more in those archives, (although this is ATV) maybe for a second follow-up Dvd if this proves successful.

[Mike of CAS]

126 episodes, 120 episodes are missing of the original series. Just checked the database.

Worse than Crossroads!

[Maria No. 1.]

Oh no, not good at all.

There won't be any more DVd's then of this.  At least they have enough material for this 3-Disc set.