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Oh Yes It Is – Barbara Windsor on Panto

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

Oh Yes It Is - Barbara Windsor on Panto

BBC Radio 2 - Oh Yes It Is – Barbara Windsor on Panto

Barbara Windsor explores the uniquely British institution of Pantomime.

Barbara Windsor picks up her magic wand, climbs into her golden coach and sets off on a journey through the uniquely British institution of Pantomime.  

Dame Barbara Windsor picks up her magic wand, climbs into her golden coach and sets off on a journey through the uniquely British institution of Pantomime.

In the company of guests including historian and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth she discovers the origins of Pantomime in the 18th and 19th Centuries, examines the role of the dame with veteran performer Nigel Ellacott and talks to present day Panto favourites including The Krankies and Su Pollard. She meets the impresarios behind the 21st Century success of Pantomime including Kevin Wood – the man responsible for unleashing Pamela Anderson, Henry 'the Fonz' Winkler and Mickey Rooney upon an unsuspecting British public – a far cry from the music hall traditions of performers such as comedians Arthur Askey, Tommy Trinder and the doyenne of principal boys, Dorothy Ward.

We also hear from one of the all-time greats of Pantomime Stanley Baxter. A true perfectionist, Stanley's lavish extravaganzas of the 1960's, 70's and 80's saw Pantomime reach levels that have yet to be equalled.

Known to millions from her roles in the Carry On series of films and BBC Television's Eastenders Barbara Windsor had a lifelong fascination with Pantomime. This began with her very first role as a juvenile at Golders Green Hippodrome in 1950 and continued until her 2010 appearance as Fairy Bow Bells at the Bristol Hippodrome – her first stage role after leaving Albert Square.

First broadcast in 2013.

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