The Charles Chilton Collection

A selection of programmes on Radio 4 Extra to celebrate the life and work of the pioneering and inventive writer producer, who died in January 2013.

‘I don’t suppose I shall ever again come that close to poverty…or enjoy it more’
When he was 5, Charles Chilton went to live with his grandmother after his mother died.
Charles Chilton - The Long, Long Trail
Songs of the Kaiser's war, popular with troops on the Western Front.
Release date:
27 Dec 1961
‘Rhyming slang began as a secret language’
In 'The Cockney' Charles Chilton examines the history of rhyming slang. From 1974.
Charles Chilton - Journey Into Space Again
Charles Chilton and his cast recall 1953, when six million listeners were moon bound.
Release date:
20 Jul 1999
Aunty Milligan's Agony Column
A Spike Milligan clip from The Omar Khayyam Show, produced by Charles Chilton.
Charles Chilton - It's a Stereophonic World
Michael Bentine brings us an experiment in sound for 'people with ears six feet apart'.
Release date:
22 Sep 1962
Charles Chilton - The Time of My Life
Charles Chilton worked for the BBC for 46 years. In 1972, he recalled his London childhood
Release date:
03 Apr 1972
Charles Chilton - Another Time of My Life
At the BBC for 46 years, Charles Chilton recalls his early career at Broadcasting House.
Release date:
01 Sep 1973
Charles Chilton - Lincoln Frees the Slaves
The history of slavery and the American Civil War, through songs and eyewitness accounts.
Release date:
25 Apr 1972
The Flying Dustman—The Omar Khayyam Show
Comedy and music from Spike Milligan, Bob Todd, Bill Kerr, Barry Humphries and more.
Release date:
17 Jan 1964
Charles Chilton - The Cockney
4 Extra Debut. A musical account of the lifestyle of a famous London character.
Release date:
20 Aug 1974
Charles Chilton - Victorian Top of the Pops
Songs from the reign of Queen Victoria, with Joseph Cooper and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Release date:
26 Dec 1978