Entertaining the Troops: 1939-1945
The fascinating story of the entertainment used to keep up the troops' spirits in the Second World War.

This book explores the foundation of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) and also the home-grown entertainments put on by members of the military services in all theatres of war during the Second World War. ENSA ensured that troops were visited by big bands, ballet stars, Shakespearian actors and the most famous popular entertainers of the day. And the forces were resourceful too when it came to putting on their own shows when ENSA couldn't come, with pantomimes and plays written and performed by POWs being a prime example. 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. Famous individuals who feature are Laurence Olivier, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Al Bowlly, Vera Lynn, Ninette de Valois and members of The Goons.

1130906663
Entertaining the Troops: 1939-1945
The fascinating story of the entertainment used to keep up the troops' spirits in the Second World War.

This book explores the foundation of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) and also the home-grown entertainments put on by members of the military services in all theatres of war during the Second World War. ENSA ensured that troops were visited by big bands, ballet stars, Shakespearian actors and the most famous popular entertainers of the day. And the forces were resourceful too when it came to putting on their own shows when ENSA couldn't come, with pantomimes and plays written and performed by POWs being a prime example. 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. Famous individuals who feature are Laurence Olivier, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Al Bowlly, Vera Lynn, Ninette de Valois and members of The Goons.

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Entertaining the Troops: 1939-1945

Entertaining the Troops: 1939-1945

by Kiri Bloom Walden
Entertaining the Troops: 1939-1945

Entertaining the Troops: 1939-1945

by Kiri Bloom Walden

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Overview

The fascinating story of the entertainment used to keep up the troops' spirits in the Second World War.

This book explores the foundation of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) and also the home-grown entertainments put on by members of the military services in all theatres of war during the Second World War. ENSA ensured that troops were visited by big bands, ballet stars, Shakespearian actors and the most famous popular entertainers of the day. And the forces were resourceful too when it came to putting on their own shows when ENSA couldn't come, with pantomimes and plays written and performed by POWs being a prime example. 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. Famous individuals who feature are Laurence Olivier, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Al Bowlly, Vera Lynn, Ninette de Valois and members of The Goons.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781784423513
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication date: 10/29/2019
Series: Shire Library
Pages: 64
Product dimensions: 5.89(w) x 8.05(h) x 0.17(d)

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.

Table of Contents

How ENSA Began
Bringing in the Laughs - Comedy
Music on the March - From Ballads to Bands
High Culture - Shakespeare and the Ballet
Home-Grown Entertainments
Further Reading
Places to Visit
Index

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