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Entertaining the Troops

Documentary telling the story of the ENSA performers who kept up the troops' morale during World War II, with contributions from Dame Vera Lynn, Eric Sykes and Tony Benn.

During World War Two an army of performers from ballerinas to magicians, contortionists to impressionists, set out to help win the war by entertaining the troops far and wide. Risking their lives they ventured into war zones, dodging explosions and performing close to enemy lines. Featuring the memories of this intrepid band of entertainers and with contributions from Dame Vera Lynn, Eric Sykes and Tony Benn, this documentary tells the remarkable story of the World War II performers and hears the memories of some of those troops who were entertained during the dark days of war.

1 hour

Last on

Sun 5 Aug 201822:00
BBC Four

Clip

Music Played

  • Paloma Faith

    Upside Down (instrumental)

  • Kate Bush

    Somewhere In Between

  • Wim Mertens

    Often A Bird

  • The Dave Brubeck Quartet

    Blue Rondo A La Turk

  • Mavis Whyte

    Tiddley Winkie Woo

  • Eliza

    Pack Up (instrumental)

  • Budapesti Vonósok

    Salut D'Amour

  • Kate Bush

    Joanni

  • Lale Andersen

    Lili Marlene

  • Ludovico Einaudi

    Beautiful Night

  • Wim Mertens

    Huf Huf

  • Marisa Robles

    Prelude Raindrop

  • George Formby

    Leaning On A Lamp Post

  • Wim Mertens

    Close Cover

  • Ludovico Einaudi

    Tonight

  • The Cure

    Fascination Street (extended mix)

  • Vera Lynn

    We'll Meet Again

  • Dave Brubeck

    Unsquare Dance

  • Ethel Merman

    There's No Business Like Show Business

  • Paloma Faith

    Upside Down

  • Eliza

    Pack Up

  • Katherine Jenkins & Vera Lynn

    We'll Meet Again

    Orchestra: BBC Concert Orchestra.

  • The Dave Brubeck Quartet

    Unsquare Dance

Credits

Executive ProducerCaroline Wright
ProducerAlexandra Briscoe

Broadcasts