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The Palace of Laughter

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Geoffrey Wheeler visits vaudeville houses in Britain

Palace of Laughter

The Palace of Laughter: Series 2: Sunderland Empire

Sunderland Empire

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Palace of Laughter, Series 2, Sunderland Empire

North East England's premier variety venue where comic actor Sid James sadly died on stage

Geoffrey Wheeler profiles North East England's premier variety venue, where Carry On actor Sid James died on stage. From 2003.

Geoffrey Wheeler profiles the premier variety venue in the North-East of England where artists as varied as Vesta Tilley, Harry Lauder, Ken Dodd and Helen Shapiro have entertained generations of theatre-goers. 

The Sunderland Empire is also the theatre where the Carry On comedy actor Sid James collapsed and died. Theatre staff who were there on the night share their memories of the sad event. 

Featuring archive performances from many of the stars who have appeared on the Empire's stage.

Series visiting variety theatres around the United Kingdom.

Producer: Libby Cross

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.

The Palace of Laughter: Series 2

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

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