That’s TV has announced that they will broadcast vintage editions of ITV variety show Sunday Night at the London Palladium.
What is Sunday Night at the London Palladium
Debuting on ITV’s opening weekend in 1955, the ATV-produced show aired for two decades in various forms. It was originally hosted by Tommy Trinder, with Bruce Forsyth and Jimmy Tarbuck later taking over. Due to programmes either not being recorded or kept, there are a large number of episodes missing. That’s TV will air the surviving episodes.
The guests in these episodes include Norman Wisdom, Adam Faith, Sid James, Frankie Howerd, Bob Monkhouse, Hughie Green, The Hollies, Mike & Bernie Winters, Cliff Richard & the Shadows, Peter Cooke & Dudley Moore, The Searchers, Des O’Connor, Michael Bentine, Cleo Laine & Johnny Dankworth, David Nixon, Charlie Drake, Spike Milligan and Roy Orbison.
That’s TV
That’s TV has significantly expanded its offerings in recent years. What started with airing just a few classic shows has now evolved into an entire evening’s schedule of British comedies. Other shows in their lineup include Are You Being Served Again, Goodnight Sweetheart, Steptoe and Son, and Benidorm. Duty Free and Rising Damp were recently added to the schedule.
Jamie’s Reaction
I remember when Sunday Night at the London Palladium was shown on another archive channel a few years ago, which we reported on at the time. It seemed like that would be the only time a channel would pick up the surviving episodes of the show. I’m glad to say that wasn’t the case.
While we could get angry at the amount of episodes that survive, it’s only right to celebrate the fact that any survived at all. These are a fascinating glimpse into the ever-changing times of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Not only that, they are entertainment at its finest; the best episodes, in this commentator’s opinion, are helmed by Bruce Forsyth at his absolute peak.