FRANK DIXON traces the history of seaside entertainment and talks to Roy BUDD and MAX JAFFA
Produced by Geoff Lawrence
First broadcast in Radio 4: North
When Frank Dixon tells the story of seaside entertainment he is not content with persuading Max Jaffa to reveal the trade secrets of Britain's leading seaside orchestra. Nor does he stop at getting Roy Hudd to recall his concert-party days. He also summons up the voices of Clarkson Rose and of the original Fol-de-Rols. He calls predictably upon Florrie Forde and unexpectedly upon Louis MacNeice. He re-creates George III taking the first Royal dip, adds the minstrels, the pierrots, and the song arcades, and spices the lot with his own infectious enthusiasm for the lively history of entertainment.