Entertaining the Troops: 1939-1945

by Kiri Bloom Walden

Overview

This book explores the foundation and work of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) and other entertainment organisations such as CEMA and Stars in Battledress. These organisations ensured that troops in all theatres of the Second World War were visited by big bands, ballet stars, Shakespearian actors and the most famous popular entertainers of the day in order to raise morale. Many of Britain's biggest stars cut their teeth performing on makeshift stages to homesick soldiers, sailors and airmen and women during the war years, with famous performers including Laurence Olivier, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Vera Lynn, Margot Fonteyn and members of The Goons. This book also details the alternative arrangements made when the entertainment organisations couldn't come – the forces often put on their own shows, with pantomimes and plays written and performed by POWs being a prime example.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784423520
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	08/22/2019
Series:	Shire Library , #862
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
File size:	15 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Kiri Bloom Walden teaches Film and Cultural studies at Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education. Before she became a writer, Kiri worked in the film industry and briefly at London's Players Theatre. Kiri's interests include film history, women's military history, comic books, circus, magic and Victorian periodicals.
Kiri Bloom Walden teaches Film and Culturalstudies at Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education. Before shebecame a writer, Kiri worked in the film industry and briefly at London's PlayersTheatre. Kiri's interests include film history, women's military history, comicbooks, circus, magic and Victorian periodicals.

Table of Contents

ENSA and Other Organisations
Bringing in the Laughs – Comedy
Music on the March – From Ballads to Bands
The Higher Arts
Home-grown Entertainments
Further Reading
Places to Visit
Index