A festive variety special broadcast from Aston Hall in Birmingham on Christmas Day.
This ATV special, broadcast from the historic Aston Hall, was hosted by David Lloyd. The programme presented a traditional mix of Christmas entertainment, featuring conversation and performances from a range of guests. The lineup included celebrated television chef Philip Harben, actor T. P. McKenna, and musical turns from Robert Spencer, folk duo Lyn and Graham McCarthy, and the Midland Boy Singers.
A classic example of the regional Christmas Day special, ‘Tis Christmas Night! was constructed to provide warm, traditional, and unassuming entertainment for the ATV midlands audience. The eclectic guest list, combining a popular television personality in chef Philip Harben with a respected stage actor and local musical talent, was typical of the era’s variety programming. Using Aston Hall as the location, rather than a studio, gave the production a sense of occasion and a distinctly festive, historical atmosphere. Such programmes were a staple of the ITV Christmas schedule, designed to offer a regional connection and a comforting presence on a key night of the television year.
Broadcast: ITV – ATV, 1 Episode, 25 December 1967
Producer: Donald Shingler
Director: Tony Parker
Main Cast: David Lloyd (Host), Philip Harben, T. P. McKenna, Robert Spencer, Lyn and Graham McCarthy, Midland Boy Singers
