Cafe Continental

Café Continental

1947 - United Kingdom

Café Continental was the first televised variety show in the UK appearing on the BBC Television Service from 1947 and continuing to 1953. 

Broadcast live from the BBC's studios at Alexandra Palace, North London, the programme opened with Al Burnett as Master of Cermonies welcoming the television audience to the café telling them that "your table has been reserved by the Maitre d'hotel" (played by Claude Frederick). Devised and produced by Henry Caldwell who utilised a variety format he had developed for ENSA in the Middle East, Café Continental was broadcast on Saturday evenings at 8pm. Lasting for forty-five minutes, the episodes attracted many famous singers and dancers of the day: Josephine Baker, famous star of the Folies Bergeres, appeared in a special edition with her husband, bandleader Jo Bouillon, broadcast on 26 June 1948 and the Italian comedy singing quartet, Quartetto Cetra, three men and a girl, who in their own country dubbed all the tracks for Walt Disney cartoon films, appeared three days later. 

Many stars of the London theatre also appeared in the series but alas, it appears that only three shows from 1950 exist in the BFI archives. 

Published on December 2nd, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

kathy kirby

Music, dance and comedy sketches starring Kathy Kirby from Ilford, Essex.

Also tagged Light Entertainment

Ernest Maxin

Future Morecambe and Wise producer Ernest Maxin signs, dances and plays host to a variety of guest stars.

Also tagged Light Entertainment

Mourning Becomes Electra BBC play 1952

Lauded by drama critics as a masterpiece of the modern stage, Mourning Becomes Electra with themes of murder, adultery, incestuous love and revenge, was the first substantial success of post-war television drama

Also released in 1947

Search for a Star

1960s ITV talent show which sought to discover a star female all-round entertainer. The semi-finalists fared better than the eventual winner...

Also tagged Light Entertainment

The Colgate Comedy Hour

Beginning in September 1950, The Colgate Comedy Hour gave a number of performers, destined to become famous, their first opportunity to appear before a large television audience.

Also tagged Light Entertainment

The Jo Stafford Show

Music and light entertainment show starring the 25 million plus record selling artiste

Also tagged Light Entertainment

Noel's House Party

Take a trip to the Great House at Crinkley Bottom with this essential Saturday night viewing.

Also tagged Light Entertainment

Variety Parade

Variety show that attempted to bring back the music-hall spirit of the Victorian era.

Also tagged Light Entertainment