Bloomsbury Home
- Delivery and returns info
-
Free CA delivery on orders $40 or over
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
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 |
Related Titles
