A satirical and musical revue presenting an alphabetical guide to Britain in 1964.
This one-off special offers a topical A-to-Z of the nation through a sequence of songs and sketches. The programme features musical performances from Millicent Martin and David Kernan, with spoken-word segments delivered by Gordon Jackson and Peter Jeffrey. The structure is a revue, with each letter of the alphabet providing a hook for commentary on contemporary British life, manners, and politics. Dancers choreographed by Irving Davies and music from the band The Birds complete the ensemble.
Produced and directed by Ned Sherrin, this special was a direct evolution of the techniques he pioneered on the groundbreaking satire programme That Was The Week That Was. Reassembling key members of his creative team, including writer Gerald Kaufman and performers Martin and Kernan, Sherrin applied the format of topical song and sketch comedy to a self-contained thematic special rather than a weekly news review. The result is a sharp, theatrical piece of television that uses the conventions of light entertainment to construct a witty and critical portrait of a country in transition.
Broadcast: BBC One, 1 Episode, Tuesday, 8 September 1964
Written by: Gerald Kaufman
Songs by: Herbert Kretzmer, Dave Lee
Choreography: Irving Davies
Designer: Colin Pigott
Musical Director: Norman Percival
Producer and Director: Ned Sherrin
Main Cast: Millicent Martin (Singer), David Kernan (Singer), Gordon Jackson (Spoken Word), Peter Jeffrey (Spoken Word), Irving Davies (Dancer), The Birds
