Workers' Playtime

Radio has always been pretty good at lifting the mood. I've yet to see any research which suggests the contrary. But when you're eating spam; the kids have been evacuated to a Welsh village; and you've to spend the night in an Anderson shelter in next door's garden, then you certainly do need a morale boost. All the more important to stay on top of your game at work too, not least if the business you are in is crucial to the Nation's war effort.

And thus began 'Workers' Playtime' on the BBC Home Service on May 31st 1941. This was a comedy and music show which was to continue for 23 years, not least because the Government was anxious to sustain cheery, productive efforts in the workplace after the War, as the Country recovered. It transferred to the Light Programme in 1957.

The programme came live from a factory canteen or shop floor, chosen by the Ministry of Labour, "Somewhere in Britain". Broadcast three times a week, it featured a couple of pianos and a crew of touring variety artists. Amongst them, many familiar names, including Tony Hancock, Peter Sellers, Frankie Howerd, Julie Andrews and Morecambe and Wise. Imagine that crowd turning up in Greggs on a Wednesday lunchtime for a sing song and pasty.