Entertaining the Troops

1939–1945

Entertaining the Troops cover

Entertaining the Troops

1939–1945

Quantity
In stock
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Description

The fascinating story of the entertainment used to keep up the troops' spirits in the Second World War.

This book explores the foundation of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) and also the home-grown entertainments put on by members of the military services in all theatres of war during the Second World War. ENSA ensured that troops were visited by big bands, ballet stars, Shakespearian actors and the most famous popular entertainers of the day. And the forces were resourceful too when it came to putting on their own shows when ENSA couldn't come, with pantomimes and plays written and performed by POWs being a prime example. Many of Britain's biggest stars cut their teeth performing on makeshift stages to homesick soldiers, sailors and airmen and women during the war years. Famous individuals who feature are Laurence Olivier, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Al Bowlly, Vera Lynn, Ninette de Valois and members of The Goons.

Table of Contents

ENSA and Other Organisations
Bringing in the Laughs – Comedy
Music on the March – From Ballads to Bands
The Higher Arts
Home-grown Entertainments
Further Reading
Places to Visit
Index

Product details

Published Oct 29 2019
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 64
ISBN 9781784423513
Imprint Shire Publications
Illustrations Fully illustrated throughout
Dimensions 210 x 149 mm
Series Shire Library
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Kiri Bloom Walden

Kiri Bloom Walden teaches Film and Culturalstudies…

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