A one-off musical special starring the popular singer Adam Faith, featuring a mix of pop, jazz, and opera.
This light entertainment special is built around its star, the popular singer Adam Faith. He is joined by a diverse lineup of guests including the distinguished American vocalist Tony Bennett, opera singer Adele Leigh, and character actor Richard Wattis. The programme presents a series of musical performances and sketches, with musical support provided by Dick Charlesworth and his City Gents, The Barney Gilbraith Singers, and the Tony Osborne Orchestra.
This special was constructed as a vehicle for Adam Faith’s transition from teenage pop idol to versatile, all-round entertainer. By 1961, Faith was consciously moving away from his early rock and roll image, and the programme’s format reflects this ambition. The decision to pair him with a distinguished opera singer like Adele Leigh and an internationally respected American star like Tony Bennett was a clear statement of intent. The production, a significant one-off for Associated-Rediffusion, aimed to present Faith not just as a singer, but as an intelligent and maturing personality capable of headlining a sophisticated television event.
Broadcast: ITV – Associated-Rediffusion, 1 Episode, 21 June 1961
Written by: Johnny Whyte
Producer: Grahame Turner
Director: Grahame Turner
Designed by: John Clements
Choreography: Bob Cole
Musical Associates: Johnny Worth, Sam Harding
Main Cast: Adam Faith (Host), Tony Bennett (Guest Star), Adele Leigh, Richard Wattis, Dick Charlesworth and his City Gents, Tony Osborne and his Orchestra, The Barney Gilbraith Singers
