A musical special celebrating the history of Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s, performed by the London cast of the stage show ‘Bubbling Brown Sugar’.
This one-off spectacular presents a musical history of Harlem. The story is told by Billy Daniels, who leads the cast through a collection of songs and dances from the era. The programme features the principal performers from the hit West End musical ‘Bubbling Brown Sugar’, including Lon Satton, Elaine Delmar, and Helen Gelzer. The ensemble includes Charles Augins, Miquel Brown, Stephanie Lawrence, Clarke Peters, Bernard Sharpe, Pinky Steede, Amii Stewart, and Mel Taylor, with music provided by Jack Parnell and his Orchestra.
This ATV special was constructed to bring the energy of the smash-hit stage show ‘Bubbling Brown Sugar’ to a television audience. Rather than simply recording the theatre production, writer Benny Green created a new vehicle for its cast, using a completely different selection of songs to tell the story of Harlem. The programme is a valuable record of a celebrated theatrical company at its peak, particularly its breakout star, Helen Gelzer, who had become a sensation in the London production. Stanley Dorfman’s direction puts the dynamic choreography of Charles Augins front and centre, making the special a vibrant piece of light entertainment.
Broadcast: ITV – ATV, 1 Episode, 15 February 1978
Written by: Benny Green
Music: Jack Parnell and his Orchestra
Choreographer: Charles Augins
Designer: Brian Holgate
Producer & Director: Stanley Dorfman
Executive Producers: Jack Levin, David A. Barber
Main Cast: Billy Daniels, Lon Satton, Elaine Delmar, Helen Gelzer, Charles Augins, Miquel Brown, Stephanie Lawrence, Clarke Peters, Bernard Sharpe, Pinky Steede, Amii Stewart, Mel Taylor
