BBC Radio 4 Extra

Uncool Britannia

Laurence Grissell

Uncool Britannia: Episode 1: The Pakamac Years

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Factual: History

The Pakamac Years

Episode 1

Episode 1: The Pakamac Years

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Uncool Britannia, The Pakamac Years

How practical rainwear epitomised the 1950s and 60s.

Steve Punt's history of unhip yet mainstream UK begins with how practical rainwear epitomised the 50s and 60s. From May 2010.

Steve Punt presents a new three part history of the Britain that's ubiquitous yet unashamedly uncool. Steve argues the nation's recent past has been hijacked by the fashionistas and that it's time to celebrate the past as it really was - deeply unhip. Forget the Rolling Stones, Mary Quant and the Aston Martin, what Britons really love is a nice melody, a sensible coat and a reliable motor...

Steve re-imagines the 50s and 60s as the Pakamac Years. He argues that it wasn't beatniks that epitomised the spirit of the era - but the foldaway mac. The Pakamac flew off the shelves in their tens of thousands as Britons rejoiced in the sheer novelty and practicality of a plastic raincoat which you could pop in your handbag. Steve also considers the importance of anoraks, cagoules, parkas and snorkels as emblems of uncool Britain.

Producer: Laurence Grissell 
(repeat).

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.

Steve Punt presents a history of the Britain that is ubiquitous yet unashamedly uncool

Steve Punt presents a three-part history of the Britain that is ubiquitous yet unashamedly uncool

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Uncool Britannia

Episode 1: The Pakamac Years

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra