Turned Out Nice Again: The Story of British Light Entertainment

by Louis Barfe

Presents history of British light entertainment. This title celebrates the work of the performers and impresarios who, from the 1930s onwards, pushed the creative boundaries of radio and then television to bring ground-breaking variety shows to a new audience. It reveals a world of comedians and cavorters, dancing girls and crooners.

Genres: History

525 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2008

Reviews

[alan clark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very heavy going for a book about "light entertainment"

Perhaps the least interesting book on the subject I have read. How can a book about the entertainment business manage to be so boring?
I started it early on in the coronavirus lock down to lighten the mood. It was not the right choice for me!

[Alex George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, informative, full of enticing anecdotes, the author's passion for his subject is evident throughout and he deftly manages a complex, detailed history with entertaining aplomb. Bravo. Loved it.

[Emma Dargue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of a sector of entertainment history that I didn't know a lot about and gave into some of comedy and light entertainment greats such as Morecambe and Wise, Tommy Cooper and Les Dawson but bringing it right up to date with things such as Strictly Come Dancing and the rise of modern entertainment acts such as Ant and Dec etc. However it is slightly overshadowed by the inclusion of acts that have become controversial in the sexual abuse findings such as Jimmy Saville and Rolf Harris but overall a good insight into this particular part of radio and television.

[Andy Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy's Review

I'm glad I downloaded this book as I found it interesting and it made laugh in places - particularly when the author said of the late, great Larry Grayson he was not the marrying kind! It also brought back some happy memories of watching quite a few of the programmes mentioned. I'd like to see a second edition of this title, bringing it with up to 2019.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly Wikipedia-ish history of light entertainment. Possibly something I’ve over read on, as it all seemed a bit familiar. But then so is LE I guess.
Had to check the publication date, as there are some gushing things about BBC1 Saturday evenings in the 80s, that would have some major asterisks nowadays.

[xmikerx75 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fizzles out

Brilliant read for the vast majority.

Seems to fizzle out when referring to the more current output.

Also, it's slightly weird now reading the positives about some of the names now we know all about their evil off camera activities.

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out well for 80 pages detailing the rise and fall of the music halls and the coming of tv.For some reason the author decided to discuss tv producers and the formation of ITV.It was all downhill from there.It being by turn stodgy and boring.

[Kid · Rating 1 out of 5]

unentertaining

[Grant Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read! I loved this. It made me want to dig out video of Les Dawson, Stanley Baxter and the like. It really illuminated the history from music halls to modern day television albeit up to 10 years ago when the book was written. Barfe has a clear and fluid style which made even the name heavy world of producers and directors an easy and engaging read. I look forward to reading his other book about the music business.