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BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

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The Story of Light Entertainment: Series 1

Stephen Fry

Anna Gien

Andy Humphries

Story of Light Entertainment: Episode 8: Variety

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Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Story of Light Entertainment

Episode 8

Episode 8: Variety

Variety

BBC Two - Story of Light Entertainment, Variety

Series tracing the roots of light entertainment looks at how variety shows became popular.

Series tracing the roots of light entertainment looks at how variety shows became popular, went out of fashion and are now once again entertaining the nation.

Stephen Fry narrates a series tracing the roots of light entertainment, from variety to Strictly Come Dancing and all points in between. In this episode the focus is on variety shows. 

In the past, singers and comedians may have topped bills but it was the 'allied acts' - such as magicians, ventriloquists, tumblers, jugglers, acrobats, paper-tearers and dance acts - that made the shows so memorable. 

But by the mid 80s, almost all these skills were banished from our screens. Television talent shows are making a come back though due to the popularity of performers such as David Blaine and the Cirque du Soleil. 

Featuring interviews with Paul Daniels, Ray Alan, Simon Cowell, Paul Xenon, Paul Zerdin, Rod Hull's son Toby, The Circus of Horrors, Bruce Forsyth and Jimmy Tarbuck.

BBC Two

BBC Two is a TV channel that started broadcasting on the 20th April 1964.

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BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

Series on the history of light entertainment, narrated by Stephen Fry.

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Episode 8: Variety

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