(Very) Old Radio: The First Firsts of British Broadcasting

A new 'stand-up history' show on British broadcasting's origin story, written and performed by Paul Kerensa

(Very) Old Radio: The First Firsts of British Broadcasting is a one-man show that illuminates the fascinating birth of British broadcasting through humor and captivating tales. With a blend of history, clips, and re-enactments, comedian Paul Kerensa takes audiences on a journey exploring key milestones, including the first BBC broadcast, the first children's program, and the first drama. This performance is perfect for history buffs and comedy lovers alike, celebrating the rich legacy of the BBC while entertaining and educating its audiences.

Part 1, 1919-22: The build-up to the BBC... Paul plays two feuding real-life pioneers: the wild first regular broadcaster Peter Eckersley and the frustrated first voice of the BBC, Arthur Burrows. This half is based on Paul's 2022 tour The First Broadcast: The Battle for the Beeb in 1922, and includes tales of Nellie Melba, drunken improvised opera, and the BBC’s launch night.

Part 2, 1922-23: After an interval, Paul (as himself) guides us through the Beeb’s first year, highlighting the BBC’s first song, the first comedian, the influential first outside broadcast, and the bawdy launch of Savoy Hill.

With no recordings from the 1920s, we’ll recreate key moments, including the recently rediscovered first drama, The Truth About Father Christmas, and the first political debate, which sparked the BBC’s first controversy. In this age of uncertainty regarding the BBC’s future, we’ll seek to understand the present by looking back at the past, answering questions like: Why the half-hour programme length? How did the first allegation of BBC bias pre-date the BBC? How was the BBC essentially unlicensed for its first two months?

Reviews

“A brilliant writer, fantastic communicator, deep thinker, philosopher & extremely decent bloke.” – CHRIS EVANS

“Top comic, top writer.” – LEE MACK

“As effortless a writer as he is a performer.” – THE STAGE

“Paul has a brilliant way of bringing these stories to life. I’ve worked in radio for decades but didn’t know any of this tale of how broadcasting began.” – Review of The British Broadcasting Century Podcast

Practical info

Tickets: £18/£15 concessions

Booking: Click on the seating plan below to book online. Alternatively, call 020 8995 6035 (leave a message if you can’t get through, and we will return your call).

For information about bookings, refunds, and exchanges, please see here.

Seating: An extra row of freestanding chairs (row AA) has been added for this show. Please note that row H, the back row, is high bench seating. The auditorium has steps up the centre aisle, so book at the front for anyone who may have difficulty with steps or heights.

Age guidance: Suitable for all.

Running time: 1 hour and 45 minutes including a 15-minute interval.

Latecomers: Latecomers will not be admitted until the interval.