Pavilion Showtime, 1968

Clips of recordings made of the summer “Pavilion Showtime” programme performed at the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff-on-Sea. These reels were recorded by the Entertainments Manager at the Cliffs Pavilion, Mr Herbert J. Pointer. Although he was employed by Southend Borough Council, they were possibly recorded for his own personal use. It is unknown why he recorded these performances in particular, and whether he recorded any others that have not survived.

The “Showtime” variety show first ran in 1967. After a very successful season, it was agreed to run them again in 1968 and 1969. They were produced by Stanley Willis-Croft. His death in March 1969 might be one reason why they did not continue beyond this date.

These recordings were made of the 1968 season, from three programmes that alternated throughout the summer. The compere this year was comedian Derek Dene. The clips feature:

Acclaimed accordionist Pearl Fawcett (later Pearl Fawcett Adriano) playing excerpts from “The Dance of the Comedians” by Bedrich Smetana and the “William Tell Overture” by Giocchino Rossini (from Programme 1).

John Tiller Girls dancing (from Programme 2). Can you hear the sound of their carefully choreographed, perfectly synchronised footsteps?

Part of a musical medley of songs about New York, including “The Fountain In The Park” by Ed Haley, “In The Good Old Summertime” by Ren Shields and George Evans, and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” by Beth Slater Whitson and Leo Friedman (from Programme 3).

Conclusion to the second programme, including Derek Dene’s farewell to the audience in which he thanks the Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society for attending.

For copyright reasons, we cannot post the full programmes, but they can be heard at the Essex Record Office (see details below).