In this programme, Barry Humphries celebrates early recording stars – those who were among the first to exploit the wonders of the new technologies of amplifying and recording sound.

Barry also takes a few moments to talk about the first and last time he kissed Audrey Hepburn: "I met Audrey Hepburn only once but it was a very significant encounter. We had mutual friends and I was at a charity evening at a grand hotel in New York, which was attended by Audrey but I couldn't see her there. I finally glimpsed her as I left, but I was in a lift and door was slowly closing. She saw me across the lobby, ran towards the lift and was just in time to give me a kiss on the lips through the closing door. It was the first time I kissed Audrey Hepburn and the last."

And the programme features a number of songs composed by Oscar Levant (George Gershwin's great friend) who was also the author or a number of amusing autobiographies.

Prog. 4 selected music playlist (not necessarily in order) includes:
• Swanee – Al Jolson – Jolson made his name in the era before singers in theatres were amplified, hence his booming vocal on records.
• Make Yourself a Happiness Pie - Al Bowlly
• Learn to Croon – Bing Crosby
• The Music Goes Around – BBC Dance Orchestra
• Clap Yo’ Hands – Whispering Jack Smith
• Blame it on My Youth – Bob Crosby (brother of Bing)
• I'm Stepping Out with Memory Tonight - Chick Henderson
• Do Do Do - George Gershwin at the piano (instrumental)
• I’m Wax Within Your Hands – Lucie Manheim
• Out of Sight - Kay Thompson
• The Cats Duet – Hinge & Bracket
• 10 Cents a Dance – Hutch (Leslie Hutchinson) – this song was written to be sung by a woman. Hutch’s version puts an entirely different spin on the song’s meaning and was very decadent for the era in which it was recorded. He was known to take female and male lovers… Show less