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Season 2 (ATV/ITV) (1956-57)
Episode Guide compiled by The Classic TV Archive
with contributions by: Tom Alger
references:
TV Times / Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov)
Internet Movie Database (https://us.imdb.com)
UCLA Film and Television Archive
Variety magazine (www.varietyultimate.com)
Glasgow Evening Times newspaper (Google news archive)
TV Pop Diaries (https://www.tvpopdiaries.co.uk/)
Ray Langstone

  Playlist -  Sunday Night at The London Palladium

#### Sunday Night at The London Palladium ####
############## season 2 1956-57 ##############
##############################################

Host/ Compere - Tommy Trinder

Series regulars:
George Carden's London Palladium Girls
The London Palladium Orchestra

2.01 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
16-Sept-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring
Harry Secombe
Beryl Reid
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.02 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
23-Sept-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring
The Golden Gate Quartet
Tony Crombie and his Rockets
Dick and Dot Remy
Antonio
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.03 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
30-Sept-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring
Liberace
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.04 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
07-Oct-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring
Fernandel
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.05 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
14-Oct-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring
Liberace
The Beverley Sisters
Dickie Henderson
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.06 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
21-Oct-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
presenter: Tommy Trinder
starring
The Variety Theatre of China
The regular "Beat the Clock" feature was dropped for this show.

2.07 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM
28-Oct-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring
Morgot Fonteyn and Michael Somes
Derek Roy
Charlie Cairoli
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.08 [--] Val Parnell's Sunday Night At The London Palladium: COMMAND PERFORMANCE PREVIEW
04-Nov-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
Special episode featuring stars who were rehearsing for the Royal Variety Show.

VARIETY news item (07Nov1956 issue of Weekly Variety magazine):
1st TV Preview of 'Command'
London, Nov. 6.
For first time, a preview of the Royal Command Variety Performance has been aired. Last Sunday, commercial tele devoted entire hour of "Sunday Night At the London Palladium" to feature stars who were rehearsing for last night's (Mon.) Royal Show.
Associated TV's topper, Val Parnell, who staged the royal gala, was responsible for telecast which has never been allowed before. Program was emceed by Tommy Trinder.

Note: The above VARIETY article indicates that the 04-Nov-1956 London Palladium "Rehearsal" show was broadcast as scheduled.
But the actual Royal Variety Show, scheduled for 05-Nov-1956, was cancelled due to international events:
the 04-Nov-1956 Soviet invasion of Budapest and the ongoing Suez Canal crisis in Egypt.
(During the 1950s, The actual Royal Command Variety Show was only an in-theatre event. It was not broadcast on TV until 1960.)

The Glasgow Evening Times, Nov. 5, 1956:
ROYAL SHOW CANCELLED
To-night's Royal Variety Performance in the London Palladium has been cancelled, it was announced this afternoon.
Earlier it had been learned that the Queen had decided, with regret that she would be unable to attend the performance in view of the international situation.
For the same reason neither Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother nor Princess Margaret were to attend.
The Press Association learns that the reference to the international situation refers not only to present events in Egypt but also to the situation in Europe.

Weekly Variety magazine, Nov. 7, 1956:
CANCEL LONDON'S ROYAL VAUDE GALA
London, Nov. 6.
The Royal Command vaude gala slated for last night (Mon.) was called off at the last minute because
of international developments.
Message was received during the final rehearsals that the Queen and her Royal party would not attend.
The event would have netted $50,000 for the Variety Artists Benevolent Fund. All ticket monies will be refunded.
Val Parnell, managing director of the Moss Empire Theatres and head of the Palladium Theatre, where event was to have taken place, was hopeful that another performance would be possible at a later date. Among those slated for appearances were Liberace, Jerry Colonna, Gracie Fields, Laurence Olivier & Vivien Leigh, and Patachou.

---------------------

2.09 [--] Val Parnell's Sunday Night At The London Palladium: ROCKIN' THE TOWN - PART ONE (missing)
11-Nov-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring (according to TV Pop Diaries)
Alma Cogan
Winifed Atwell
both guests from the Palladium's Rocking The Town review.

[--] VARIETY article (14Nov1956 issue of Weekly Variety magazine):
Palladium Show On TV for 2 Sundays
London, Nov. 13.
"Rocking the Town," currently at the London Palladium, will be featured in a two week spread showing on commercial TV's "Sunday Night at Palladium." First part of the show was networked last Sunday (11), and second half is due for airing next Sunday (18). The revue, which stars Harry Secombe and Winifred Atwell, has been running at the Palladium since May.

2.10 [--] Val Parnell's Sunday Night At The London Palladium: ROCKIN' THE TOWN - PART TWO (missing)
18-Nov-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring (according to TV Pop Diaries):
Alma Cogan
Winifed Atwell

2.11 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
25-Nov-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
presenter: Tommy Trinder
starring
Johnnie Ray
songs include "Who's Sorry Now," "If I Had You," "Just Walking In The Rain" and "Alexander's Rag Time Band."
Joe Church
Luisillo and his Spanish Dance Company
The Marcellis

VARIETY review (05Dec1956 issue of Weekly Variety magazine):
"Sunday Night at London Palladium"
Britain's top commercial TV show from the Palladium again proved itself a winner on Sunday (Nov. 25) with a top line cast of entertainers headed by Johnnie Ray.
He was in fine form during his 10-minute spot on this ATV program, and the live audience, mainly consisting of teenagers, provided the familiar offstage squeals.
Ray was given the full treatment. He appeared standing on top of a high pedestal holding a hand mike to' sing his opening song, "Who's Sorry Now," and slowly walked down a large number of stairs to the front of the stage. Then along came a piano on the Palladium's revolving platform.
Ray sat down for about 10 seconds to play the opening bars of his next number "If I Had You."
He registered in all his numbers, especially in "Just Walking in the Rain," and his finale rendering of "Alexander's Rag Time Band." Closeup shots of the audience showed enraptured Ray fans.
Joe Church demonstrated that he's a funny man, providing he has enough gimmicks, including tomatoes growing from his left leg.
Luisillo and his Spanish company of dancers added a fiery touch to the show with clacking castanets and stamping feet. The comedy-acrobatic duo, the Marcellis, added the crowning touch to the 60-minute show with rapid, complicated tricks; their routine was slick and never lagged for a second. "Beat the Clock," a regular feature of the program, was entertainingly emceed by Tommy Trinder, who also took care of the intros.
(reviewer: Bary)

2.12 [--] Val Parnell's Sunday Night At The London Palladium: THE DAILY MIRROR DISC FESTIVAL (missing)
02-Dec-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring
Winifred Atwell
Eddie Calvert
Alma Cogan
Lonnie Donegan with his Skiffle Group
Ted Heath
Ronnie Hilton
Ruby Murray
Anne Shelton
The Stargazers
Dickie Valentine
David Whitfield
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.13 [--] Val Parnell's Sunday Night At The London Palladium: CONSTELLATION (missing)
09-Dec-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
A charity edition organised for the Spastics Charity organisation.

---------------------
[--] BERNARD DELFONT PRESENTS SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE
16-Dec-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
VARIETY news item (19Dec1956 issue of Variety Weekly):
Associated TV's "Sunday Night At The London Palladium," was beamed from the Prince of Wales Theatre on Sunday (16), because of rehearsals for the Palladium pantomime.

[--] TOM ARNOLD'S FESTIVAL CIRCUS FROM HARRINGAY ARENA
23-Dec-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
----------------------

2.14 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
30-Dec-1956 ATV Sun 8:00-9:00pm
starring
Pat Boone
(American singer in a reported 15-minute set.)
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.15 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
06-Jan-1957 ATV
starring
Sonnie Hale
Valentine Dyall
Norman Wisdom
Stephanie Voss
presenter: Tommy Trinder
Highlight:
Pantomime: "The Wonderful Lamp"
Norman Wisdom as Aladdin in an excerpt from "The Wonderful Lamp."

2.16 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
13-Jan-1957 ATV
starring
Eartha Kitt
singing "What More Is There To Say?" and "An Englishman Takes Time."
Joan Heal
Channing Pollock
Kenneth Earle
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.17 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
20-Jan-1957 ATV
starring
Dickie Valentine
does a pantomime sketch about a bridegroom.
Pat Kirkwood
Svetlana Beriosova (verified in Times Archive)
Philip Chatfield (verified in Times Archive)
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.18 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
27-Jan-1957 ATV
starring
Eartha Kitt
singing "Monotonous" and other songs.
Tommy Steele
appearing with his Steelmen back-up band.
Anne Rogers and Anthony Hayes
perform a song-and-dance from "The Boyfriend."
The Dangolis
a family of jugglers.
presenter: Tommy Trinder

[--] VARIETY review (06Feb1957 issue of Weekly Variety magazine):
"Sunday Night at the London Palladium"
For the second time within a fortnight Eartha Kitt headlined in "Sunday Night at the London Palladium." That was a rare achievement and a gilt-edged way of insuring a high rating. In her own highly, personalized style, the colored songstress (who was in Britain for a film chore) made a smash impact with her slickly styled 20-minute stint. She achieved an unusual degree of intimacy, particularly in an outstanding rendition of "Monotonous," which made a sock closing item for a sturdy all-round bill.
Apart from "Beat the Clock," which remains a standard part of the show, the talent lineup included Britain's local rock 'n' roller, Tommy Steele (and his Steelmen) giving out with another exuberant sesh.
Anne Rogers and Anthony Hayes sang and danced an excerpt from "The Boy Friend," the longrunnig musical hit at Wyndhams.
The Dangolis, a juggling family, were stout openers. Tommy Trinder, who's been with the show from the outset, continues as a lively emcee, and was given full rein in the panel game.
(reviewer: Myro)

2.19 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
03-Feb-1957 ATV
starring
Eve Boswell
Frankie Howerd
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.20 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
10-Feb-1957 ATV
starring
Guy Mitchell
The Beverley Sisters
Jimmy Logan (Scottish comedian)
presenter: Tommy Trinder

**[--] VARIETY review (20Feb1957 issue of Weekly Variety magazine):
(excerpts from review)
"Sunday Night at the London Palladium"
Guy Mitchell kicked off his Short British tour with the top spot on Val Parnell's "Sunday Night At The London Palladium" on Associated Television (10), with an uninhibited … (incomplete)

2.21 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
17-Feb-1957 ATV
starring
Constance Bennett
Mitchell Torok
The Five Olanders (verified in Times Archive)
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.22 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
24-Feb-1957 ATV
starring
Norman Wisdom
Fayne and Evans
The Stargazers
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.23 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
03-Mar-1957 ATV
starring
Gary Crosby
singing "Noah Found Grace In The Arms Of The Lord," "The Nearness of You" and "The Birth of the Blues."
Olga James
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.24 [--] Val Parnell's Sunday Night At The London Palladium: BERNARD DELFONT PRESENTS PARIS MUSIC HALL (missing)
10-Mar-1957 ATV
Paris variety special
Scheduled guest: Bill Haley

VARIETY magazine item (Weekly Variety 27Feb1957):
Gets Gold Disk
London, Feb. 26.
Bill Haley, whose recording of "Rock Around The Clock" has sold more than 1,000,000 copies inside the UK, will be presented with a gold disk by the Brunswick label of the Deeca group on Associated Television's "Sunday Night At The London Palladium" on March 10.
Haley recently turned down an offer of $30,000 in American currency to appear on a short concert tour of Lebanon, because of other commitments.
Haley has been lined up for a "welcome home" appearance on the Ed Sullivan TV show.

2.25 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
17-Mar-1957 ATV
starring
Pearl Bailey
sings "My Man" and "Tired."
Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group
Beryl Reid
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.26 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
24-Mar-1957 ATV
starring
Georges Ulmer
Shani Wallis
Billy Dainty
The King Brothers
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.27 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
31-Mar-1957 ATV
starring
Frankie Vaughan
sings "Green Door," "Garden of Eden" and "Cold Cold Shower."
Anne Shelton
sings "Smoke Get In Your Eyes."
The King Brothers
Nadia Nerina
Alexis Rassine
presenter: Tommy Trinder

**Variety - published date: April 3rd, 1957
(excerpt)
"… of Associated Television's "Sunday Night At The London Palladium" (31)

2.28 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
07-Apr-1957 ATV
presenter: Tommy Trinder
starring
Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers
perform "Baby Baby," "Why Do Fools Fall In Love?" "Teenage Love."
Roger Price

2.29 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
14-Apr-1957 ATV
starring
Rosemary Clooney
presenter: Tommy Trinder

VARIETY news item (April 17th, 1957 Daily Variety):
Rosemary Clooney topped the bill of Associated TeleVision's "Sunday Night At The London Palladium (14).

2.30 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
21-Apr-1957 ATV
starring
Johnnie Ray
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.31 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
28-Apr-1957 ATV
presenter: Tommy Trinder
starring
Shirley Bassey
Rowan & Martin
David Nixon
Beryl Grey
presenter: Tommy Trinder

VARIETY news item (01May1957 issue of Daily Variety)
Shirley Bassey, just back from the States, topped the bill of Associated Television's "Sunday Night At The London Palladium" (28). Also on the show were Rowan & Martin the zany American comedy team.

2.32 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
05-May-1957 ATV
starring
Gracie Fields
Leo de Lyon
Renee Strange
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.33 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
12-May-1957 ATV
starring
Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group
perform "Gambling Man," "Puttin On The Style" and "Cumberland Gap."
Jerry Lester
Hazel Scott (jazz pianist)
Alan and Blanche Lund
presenter: Tommy Trinder

VARIETY news item - published date: May 15th, 1957
(excerpt)
American jazz pianist Hazel Scott made her British commercial TV debut on Associated Television's "Sunday Night At The London Palladium" (12). Also ... (incomplete)

[--] VARIETY review (22May1957 issue of Weekly Variety magazine):
"Sunday Night at the London Palladium"
Top spot on the bill of Val Parnell's Associated Television show on Sunday (12), was filled by Lonnie Donegan & His Skiffle Group, but two American acts, jazz pianist Hazel Scott and comedian Jerry Lester, almost succeeded in stealing the show away from the British headliner. Miss Scott, making her British commercial TV bow on this show, scored heavily with her dynamic piano playing. Her rendering of "Tea For Two" with her left hand, while her right hand played several other numbers, was a big hit with the live audience, while on the screen, some of the best camera work yet
seen on this program captured the many changing expressions
of this colored artist, with excellent closeups. Miss Scott sang a calypso, "Carnival," which showed off her showmanship to Its full advantage.
After a slow start, Lester captured the audience with his zany antics, and proved that he's a funny man provided his many gimmicks, including a yo-yo, register. His patter was fluent and funny, and considering that this was his first TV appearance in Great Britain and that he's virtually an unknown this side of the water, he's assured of similar success here In the future.
The Lonnie Donegan skifflers got their usual hefty reception, and were well worth every bit of it. Donegan himself has acquired the knack of TV delivery, and used it to the full on his spot. He had some useful patter between numbers, but sensibly concentrates in his music for the best part of the time. The group's first rendering, "Gambling Man," was in their typical upbeat vein, and Donegan worked overtime to sell it. For a change of pace he moved over to. tenor banjo for the next number, a slow, tuneful piece titled "Putting On the Agony," [correction: "Puttin On The Style"] which got a moderate reception. But as the show closer, the group's top-selling British disk of several past weeks, "Cumberland Gap," was socko.
Two Canadian dancers, Alan & Blanche Lund, who've just wound a two-week stint at the Palladium, came up with some good routines on a selection of French type numbers, including "April In Paris." Later in the show they came back to do a straw-hat & cane number which got a maximum reception.
George Carden's London Palladium Girls gave their usual high
standard performance, and Tommy Trindler, the show's emcee, who also conducts the "Beat The Clock" spot, filled his role adequately.
Cyril Ornadel and the Palladium orch provided a high standard of accompaniments, and direction by Steven Wade was good.
(reviewer: Bary)

2.34 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
19-May-1957 ATV
starring
The Platters
Howard Keel
Leo de Lyon
presenter: Tommy Trinder

**[--] VARIETY review (29May1957 issue of Weekly Variety magazine):
(excerpts from review)
"Sunday Night at the London Palladium"
Howard Keel made a "surprise" appearance on this Associated Television program which was headlined by the Platters on Sunday (19). If the reception he got was any indication of the future, then he's set for a highly successful British vaude stint ... (incomplete)

2.35 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
26-May-1957 ATV
starring
Frankie Laine
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.36 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
02-June-1957 ATV
starring
Guy Mitchell
sings "She Wears Red Feathers" & "Singing The Blues."
Mindy Carson
Senor Wences
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.37 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
09-June-1957 ATV
starring
Howard Keel
Vic Hyde
Eve Boswell
presenter: Tommy Trinder

2.38 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
16-June-1957 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm (one hour later than usual)
Producer: Val Parnell
Director: Stephen Wade
presenter: Tommy Trinder
starring
Eddie Fisher
Arthur Haynes (comedian)
The Beverley Sisters
Estelle Sloan (tap dancer)
Highlights (source: 26June1957 issue of Weekly Variety):
Eddie Fisher sings "Any Time," "I Need You Now," "Outside Of Heaven" and an Al Jolson medley.
The Beverley Sisters - "It's Illegal, It's Immoral or it Makes You Fat" and "Bye, Bye Love."

2.39 [--] VAL PARNELL'S SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM (missing)
23-June-1957 ATV
Producer: Val Parnell
presenter: Tommy Trinder
starring
Lily Pons (verified in Times Archive & Variety)
Elizabeth Seal
Ivor Emanuel
George Holmes
Highlights
(source: 03July1957 issue of Weekly Variety):
Lily Pons sings "The Bell Song," "The Blue Danube," and other songs.
From the London production of "Damn Yankees," Elizabeth Seal (as Lola) sings "Whatever Lola Wants" in a scene with co-star Ivor Emanuel.
Also from "Damn Yankees," a male quartet performs "Heart."

#### Sunday Night at The London Palladium ####
############## end of season 2 ###############
##############################################

Meet the Stars: Sunday Night at Blackpool (Summer 1957)

##### 1957 Summer Replacement Series ############
SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL(aka MEET THE STARS: SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL)
ABC Weekend Television Production
#################################################

[--] MEET THE STARS: SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL
30-Jun-1957 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm
starring
The Four Lads

[--] MEET THE STARS: SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL: ?07-Jul-57 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm
starring
Yana

2.xx [--] MEET THE STARS: SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL: ?14-Jul-57 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm
starring
Tommy Steele and his Steeleman

2.xx [--] MEET THE STARS: SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL: ?21-Jul-57 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm
starring
Shirley Bassey
Ronnie Hilton

2.xx [--] MEET THE STARS: SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL ?28-Jul-57 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm
presenters:
starring
Mel Torme
The Tanner Sisters
The Gimma Boys
"Strike It Lucky" competition emceed by Carroll Levis

VARIETY review (07Aug1957 issue of Weekly Variety)
Foreign TV Reviews, page 34.
SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL
With Mel Torme, Tanner Sisters (2), Arthur Haynes, Carrol Levis, Gimma Boys (6),
Malcolm Goddard Dancers, Jack Parnell's orch
Producer, director: W. Lyon-Shaw
60 Mins.; Sunday, 9 p.m.
Associated Television, from Blackpool "Sunday Night at Blackpool" is the summer replacement for Associated Television's big weekend vaudeo show, "Sunday Night at the London Palladium." This new series is presented by George and Alfred Black, whereas the London program was under the Val Parnell banner. Apart from that and the replacement of the "Beat the Clock" game by a talent spotting competition entitled "Strike It Lucky," there's very little difference.
Headlining the bill of the program under review was Mel Torme, who had to bow out of an earlier ATV show because of illness.
His routine, subdued and easy going, clicked with the holiday audience at the northern seaside resort, and also provided pleasant viewing for home audiences.
He made his bow playing a drum duet with bandleader Jack Parnell, and then vacated the drum stool to sing "It's Alright With Me." His mellow vocalistics and excellent jazz feeling turned this normally good tune Into an even better one. He followed up with "When I Fall In Love," and wound the act with his disclick "Mountain Greenery." Backing by the Parnell outfit was good, and a little humor by Torme also registered.
The Tanner Sisters, close harmony duo, did a routine based on hit songs throughout the years, with costumes to match. They opened with "Don't Go Down the Mine Daddy," and followed up with "My Baby Don't Love Me No More," "If I Had a Talking Picture of You," "Roll Out the Barrel," and "Around the World." The routine's an old, one, but was pleasantly performed, with good harmonies. Comedian Arthur Haynes is a TV natural ,and can make even the corniest gags sound funny. He has a warm personality and knows how to win an audience.
The "Strike It Lucky" item, was conducted by Carroll Levis, who's had plenty of experience in handling this type of show. For the artist voted top talent at the end of the knock out rounds, there's a prize of $2,800. It's a pleasing spot in the program but does not compare with "Beat the Clock," as the final result is just a show within a show.
The Gimma Boys, high powered gave out with a snappy, exciting routine full of new stunts, and the Malcolm Goddard Dancers ably executed some good dances. Production was good, with some unusual camera angles also worked in.
(reviewer: Bary)


2.xx [--] MEET THE STARS: SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL
04-Aug-57 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm (also ABC)
starring
Guy Mitchell
?2.xx [--] MEET THE STARS: SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL:
11-Aug-57
starring
Charlie Gracie
Yana
Note: Scheduled guest Alma Cogan cancelled due to throat problems.

2.xx [--] MEET THE STARS: SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL ?18-Aug-57
Tommy Steele & His Steelemen

[--] SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL:
25-Aug-57 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm (also ABC)
Jimmy Young
The Deep River Boys
?-------------------------------------------------------------
Sat 31st Aug 1957 - STV Glasgow (channel 10) - launch
------------------------------------------------------------
?[--] SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL
01-Sep-57 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm (also ABC)
Shirley Bassey
Dickie Valenetine
Jack Radcliffe (verified: Glasgow Evening Times)

?[--] SUNDAY NIGHT AT BLACKPOOL:
08-Sep-1957 ATV Sun 9:00-10:00pm (also ABC) (last of present series)
starring
Hylda Baker
David Hughes
"Strike It Lucky" finals:
contest winner: Victor Soverll (singer from Trinidad)
judges: Rank executive producer Earl St. John, impresario Bernard Delfont and actress Evelyn Laye.
"Strike It Lucky" emcee: Carroll Levis

VARIETY review (18Sep1957 issue of Variety Weekly):
"Sunday Night At Blackpool"
This was the last show of the season from the show biz centre of the North and the Sunday night program now returns to London, where, as in the past two years, it will originate from the Palladium.
The program also marked the finals of the "Strike It Lucky" contest, which carried with it a top prize of $2,800.
Headliner of the bill was north country comedienne Hylda Baker, whose popularity is greatest in her own territory. Her performance obviously meant more to the live audience and to north country viewers than it did to southerners; it had a down-to-earth appeal that was largely without distinction.
Certainly, there was not enough to justify two key spots on the bill. David Hughes, a pop vocalist with an ingratiating style, clicked with a few song entries and Elimar's juggling, particularly on a slack wire, made good visual entertainment. The musical backgrounding for his act, provided by the Geraldo orch, was particularly good.
From a public point of view the main attraction of the program were the finals of the "Strike It Lucky" contest, which had been suavely emceed throughout the season by Carroll Levis. The winner, judged, by a pro panel including Rank executive producer Earl St. John, impresario Bernard Delfont and actress Evelyn Laye, was a colored singer from Trinidad, Victor Soverll, who was immediately promised a contract for next season by George and Alfred Black, who presented the telecast.
(reviewer: Myro)
 
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