LUNCH WITH VICKI MICHELLE & FRIENDS
Sunday 12th February 2012
The Heritage Foundation is delighted to invite you to Sunday Lunch with Vicki Michelle and Friends together with the announcement of our future Annual President for the forthcoming year.
Venue - The Marriott Hotel. Regents Park. London NW3 3ST
Tickets to this event cost £78
To book - please contact our credit card ticket hotline 0208 3429953

MEMORIAL LUNCH
Sunday 1st April 2012
The Heritage Foundation invite you to a Memorial Lunch in tribute to the late Jet Harris on Sunday 1st April. This event will be preceded by the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at a venue to be decided.
Venue - The Marriott Hotel. Regents Park. London NW3 3ST
Tickets to this event cost £78
To book - please contact our credit card ticket hotline 0208 3429953

The  Palladium Pantomimes

The London Palladium can trace its history back to 1870, when a hall known as The Corinthian Bazaar was erected on the site of the Duke of Argyll’s residence- the current Palladium stands on Argyll Street. Twelve years later the building was enlarged, and renamed Hengler’s Circus. Early pantomimes were produced there-Cinderella, Jack the Giant Killer and Red Riding Hood amongst others, but it was not until it became The London Palladium in 1910, that the building began a tradition of presenting top class Pantomimes. In 1914, for matinees only the Palladium presented Dick Whittington and his Cat for a few short weeks, starring Clarice Mayne and Harry Weldon.  The following year (1915) the Palladium presented Cinderella, following that with The House That Jack Built in 1916. After the end of the First World War the Palladium did not present another pantomime until 1922, with Aladdin. The next year Clarice Mayne and Nellie Wallace starred in Dick Whittington. In 1925 Clarice Mayne returned in Cinderella, with Charlie Austin, to be followed by Aladdin in 1926 and once again Cinderella in 1927. In 1928 The Palladium was bought by The General Theatre Corporation and remarkably they turned it into a Cinema, but this was a dismal failure and only lasted three months. Peter Pan became so popular that it was a fixture at Christmas at the Theatre every year from 1930 to 1938. After this period, the Palladium changed its policy, with George Black as Managing Director. The Palladium was to present different seasonal programmes.	It was not until the late 1940’s that the London Palladium established itself as the home of the most prestigious West End Pantomimes. Notable productions included “Humpty Dumpty” in 1951 with Norman Evans (Over the Garden Wall) and Terry Thomas, The 1953 production of “Cinderella” with Julie Andrews as “Cinders”, with Max Bygraves and Richard Hearne, and the 1954 “Mother Goose”, starring Peter Sellers, Richard Hearne (Mr Pastry) as Dame, and Max Bygraves. The script for this panto was written by Eric Sykes and Spike Milligan. The 1956  “Aladdin” saw a break in tradition with Norman Wisdom cast in the role of Principal boy, launching an era that was to last for fifteen years. The role of “boy” was filled by stars such as Cliff Richard, Frank Ifield, Frankie Vaughan and Tommy Steele. It was not until Cilla Black played the role of “Aladdin” in 1970 that the balance was restored, and the Palladium returned to using male performers in the role from 1972 onwards, with a few exceptions- Marti Webb in 1987 for instance. Other notable Pantomimes were the 1969 “Dick Whittington” with Tommy Steele, the 1972 “Cinderella” featuring Terry Scott and Julian Orchard as the Ugly Sisters, and the “Cinderella” featuring Dame Anna Neagle as Fairy Godmother, her last stage appearance, in 1985/6.	The London Palladium: The Story of the Theatre and it's Stars by Chris Woodward (2009)     Published by Jeremy Mills Publishing   ISBN 978-1-906600-39-6 The glamour, the excitement, the riotous laughter, the beauty and the memories; Chris Woodward succeeds in capturing them all in his chronicle of the London Palladium over the century of its existence. He draws on the experiences and memories of the countless individuals who have played a part in its journey through the years, from those who experienced its heyday as the flagship theatre for Variety, when it played host to all the stars of the day, to the present time where it has evolved into a venue for hit musicals and popular television programmes. The author’s own vast collection of Palladium programmes and memorabilia helps to bring his account to life with stunning images.           For more information, read the attached information from the publisher. Also details of how to order direct from the publisher.           More information - Normal Version     Limited Edition

The Players

	Julie Andrews
	Silvia Ashmole
	Arthur Askey 1900 - 1982 One of many comedians hailing from Liverpool, a veteran pantomime, radio, television and film performer. Famous from appearances in radio's 'Band Wagon', Big Hearted Arthur later had his own TV show 'Before Your Very Eyes' the title echoing one of his many catch phrases. Others were: 'Aye thang yew'; 'Doesn't it make you want to spit?' and 'Hello playmates'.
	Cheryl Baker Cheryl Baker (born Rita Maria Crudgington, 8 March 1954, Bethnal Green, London) is an English television presenter and singer. She is most famous for being a member of 1980s pop group Bucks Fizz, and has performed for the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, winning it the second time.
	Alfie Bass  1920 - 1987 Radio, television, stage and film actor who appeared in TV's popular comedy series 'The Army Game' and its spin-off 'Bootsie and Snudge'.
	George & Bert Bernard
	Cilla Black
	Lionel Blair
	Dora Bryan 1923 - Stage actress who had many successes, also appearing as character actress in several films and broadcasting regularly. On television in 'Our Dora' in 1956 and 'Happily Ever After' in 1961 and still performing. (2005)
	Max Bygraves  1922 - Popular entertainer who appeared on radio's 'Educating Archie' in 1950 which made his name and he became famous on stage and television, also making popular records and appearing in some films.
	Calli
	Cannon & Ball,
	Kenneth Connor  1916 - 1993 Came from revue to comedy roles on radio, including 'Ray's A Laugh' as Sidney Mincing (catch phrase: 'Oh well, there's always the other'), and as Herbert Toil. Also with Ted Ray (qv) on TV and in numerous other shows.
	Ronnie Corbett
	Leslie Crowther,
	Jim Davidson
	Windsor Davies
	Adele Dixon,
	Charlie Drake
	Shirley Eaton 1937 - Blonde actress who appeared on Children's TV in 1951 in 'Parent-craft'. Her first straight TV role was in 'The Dance Dress' ans also appeared in 'Great Scott - It's Maynard!' in 1955/56 with Terry Scott and Bill Maynard (both qv). In many films, especially comedies, but notably as the fatally gold-painted girl in 'Goldfinger'.
	Jimmy Edwards 1920 - 1988 Well known for his comedy roles (and his handlebar moustache) in films and on television and a 'Take It From Here' (as Pa Glum) stalwart on radio. 'Whacko!' was a popular hit on TV from 1956 in which he played the headmaster of a fairly dubious public school. Created the radio panel game 'Does The team Think' and in many other radio and TV shows.
	Norman Evans 1901 - 1962 Popular comic who had his own TV shows 'The Norman Evans Show', 'Evans Abode' and 'Make Yourself At Home'. Appeared in drag as a toothless old woman gossiping with a neighbour 'over the garden wall'.
	Fiona Fullerton
	Zoe Gail
	Eunice Gayson  1931? - Glamorous actress whose regular TV appearances included being a panellist in 'Guess My Story' as well as parts in several series such as the 'Douglas Fairbanks Presentations'. Film parts include the first two Bond pictures.
	Noele Gordon 1920 - 1985 Actress who worked on stage and hosted the programme 'Lunch Box' on ATV and appeared in other shows. In 1964 took the lead role in the television soap 'Crossroads' for 17 years.
	Derek Griffiths
	Sonnie Hale
	Herbert Hare
	Melvyn Hayes
	Richard Hearne 1909 - 1979 Actor who also appeared with his father's circus act. Later famous as 'Mr Pastry', mostly on children's TV. In some films and appeared on US television in 'The Ed Sullivan Show'.
	Hope & Keen
	Frankie Howerd  1917 - 1992 Appeared on radio in 'Variety Bandbox' and later in 'The Howerd Crowd' on BBC TV and in several other television and radio shows. An appearance in 'That Was The Week That Was' helped revive his career and in 1969 'Up Pompeii' became a popular series, followed by more shows and films. Many catch phrases, 'Please yourselves!" being one of them.
	Peter Howitt
	Rod Hull & Emu
	Engelbert Humperdink
	John Inman
	Sid James 1913 - 1976 South African-born actor who appeared in many films in straight roles but later famous as a comedy performer in the Carry On films and in many radio and television shows, including 'Hancock's Half Hour' and 'Bless This House'.
	Gordon & Bunny Jay
	Jimmy Jewel and Ben Warris 1909 - 1995 and 1909 - 1993 Comedy pair who were actually cousins who teamed up in 1934. In music hall originally, 'Up The Pole' was their first (of several) radio series from 1947 to 1952. On ATV in 'The Jewel And Warris Show' from 1957 to 1960. In the 1960s they split up with Ben continuing a variety act and Jimmy starring with Hylda Baker (qv) in 'Nearest And Dearest. Also great pantomime stars.
	Yootha Joyce
	John Junkin
	Michael Kilgarrif
	Danny La Rue
	Lambert & Ross
	Evelyn Laye 1900 - 1996 Successful on stage, initially in musical comedies, she also acted in many plays and appeared on TV, becoming a stalwart of the theatre and continuing her career into her nineties.
	Jimmy Logan 1928 - 2001 Scots-born comedian, part of a showbusiness family he began in radio in Scotland with 'It's All Yours', and his stage shows won him lasting acclaim. Brother of singer Annie Ross (qv).
	Gillian Lynne
	Alfred Marks 1921 - 1996 Very deep-voiced actor who appeared in comedy and drama. His own shows were 'Don't Look Now' in 1950 and 'Alfred Marks Time' from 1956.
	Warren Mitchell
	Peggy Mount,
	Brian Murphy
	Des O’Connor
	Richard O’Sullivan
	Anna Neagle
	Paul Nicholas
	Jack Parnell 1923 - Drummer who formed his own band after playing with Ted Heath (qv). His band appeared on many ATV shows including 'Sunday Night At The London Palladium'. Later had his own television show and became one of the best known bands around.
	Sarah Payne
	Joan Regan 1928 - Popular singer who appeared in 'Quite Contrary' and later had her own television show 'Be My Guest' in the 1950's. Several hit records and appearances in variety shows and in pantomime.
	Cliff Richard
	The Sanctus Troupe
	Terry Scott  1927 - 1994 Actor who became a comedian and appeared with Bill Maynard (qv) in TV's 'Great Scott, It's Maynard'. When the act broke up, Terry had a successful show with Hugh Lloyd, 'Hugh and I' and was in 'Terry And June' with June Whitfield (qv). Also in some of the 'Carry On' films.
	(Sir) Harry Secombe 1921 - 2001 Welsh-born popular comedian and singer who began at the Windmill Theatre. Devised 'The Goon Show', originally called 'Crazy People', with Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan (both qv). Toured in variety and later appeared in musicals on stage. Presented the religious prog-ramme 'Highway' on ITV in later years.
	Peter Sellers 1925 - 1980 Popular comedian and actor who was an original member of 'The Goon Show' on radio in the 1950's. Also appeared in 'Ray's A Laugh' as Russian Serge Suit. Later famous for his film roles, especially the Pink Panther series and he made some records as well as frequent TV appearances.
	Wayne Sleep
	Nicholas Smith
	Tommy Steele
	Mollie Sugden
	Terry Thomas 1911 - 1990 Began with amateur dramatics and made some pre-war films and appeared in Stars In Battledress and in variety in early post-war years. Radio and TV including 'How Do You View' and 'Strictly T-T' followed, and he developed his cigarette holder, dressing gown and tooth gap trade-marks. Portrayed the stereotypical upper class cad to perfection.
	Tommy Trinder 1909 - 1989 Variety artist and popular radio comedian. First compere of ITV's 'Sunday Night At The London Palladium' and had his own show 'Trinder Box' on BBC in 1959. Catch phrase: 'You lucky people!'.
	Frankie Vaughan 1928 - 1999 One of the UK's most popular singers who had several hit records and appeared on TV frequently, including 'The Frankie Vaughan Show' in 1966. Did much charity work and also made some films.
	Marti Webb
	Barbara Windsor
	(Sir) Norman Wisdom  1915 - 2010 Popular film comedian of the 1950s and has appeared on TV many times, sometimes in dramatic roles but usually in comedy. In variety and a star of the West End theatre.
	Edward Woodward
	Wei Wei Wong
	Mark Wynter
	Robert Young

 The 1987/88 Pantomime was the last, to date, to play the Palladium. 

The Current attraction is musical version of the film 'Sister Act'

The London Palladium: The Story of the Theatre and it's Stars by Chris Woodward (2009) Published by Jeremy Mills Publishing   ISBN 978-1-906600-39-6 The glamour, the excitement, the riotous laughter, the beauty and the memories; Chris Woodward succeeds in capturing them all in his chronicle of the London Palladium over the century of its existence. He draws on the experiences and memories of the countless individuals who have played a part in its journey through the years, from those who experienced its heyday as the flagship theatre for Variety, when it played host to all the stars of the day, to the present time where it has evolved into a venue for hit musicals and popular television programmes. The author’s own vast collection of Palladium programmes and memorabilia helps to bring his account to life with stunning images.   For more information, read the attached information from the publisher. Also details of how to order direct from the publisher.   More information - Normal Version     Limited Edition