Barry Humphries Forgotten Musical Masterpieces

Barry Humphries presents a selection of his musical memories.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry opens with Henry Hall and the BBC Dance Orchestra performing the song Radio Times.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry recalls his first job at a major record label in Melbourne in the early 1950s.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry recalls his first job at a major record label in Melbourne in the early 1950s.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry Humphries recalls his first job working at a major record label in Melbourne in the early 1950s during an historic time in the music industry. The era of 78 r.p.m. was over and the 1950s were the Age of the Microgroove! Also, Barry remembers his arrival in London on 1st June 1959 when there was a sense that London was a city on the verge of change. He arrived just in time to catch Randolph Sutton giving his last performances at the Metropolitan Musical Hall on Edgware Road before it was pulled down to make way for the West Way and just before a new generation made their mark on British theatre in the 1960s.

Barry recalls his first job at a major record label in Melbourne in the early 1950s.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry Humphries uncovers a musical treasure trove of rare and forgotten recordings.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry Humphries celebrates artists who made their name during the age of the wireless.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry Humphries plays a selection of his favourite 78 r.p.m. recordings.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In this final programme in this series of Forgotten Music, Barry celebrates the music the Nazis said was bad. It includes details on the history of Barry's favourite group 'The Comedian Harmonists'. When the Nazis came to power the group was banned because it had three Jewish members and sang mostly American or American-influenced music. Those members who fled to Austria re-named the group 'The Comedy Harmonists' before being forced again to flee when Austria became part of the Third Reich. The non-Jewish members of the group stayed in Germany and became 'Das Meistersextet'. Barry also plays 'So Blue' by the American vocal harmony group 'The Revelers' which inspired Harry Frommermann to form 'The Comedian Harmonists' in Berlin.

Another highlight of this final programme in Barry's series of forgotten music for BBC Radio 2 is a radio performance by George Gershwin, one of Barry's all-time favourite composers. George Gershwin died unexpectedly in July 1937, when he was just 38 years old of a brain tumour. 2017 marks 80 years since the death of this influential composer. His achievements were monumental and his music continues to influence musicians and composers today.

Barry Humphries uncovers a musical treasure trove of rare and forgotten recordings.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In this particular programme, Barry serves up an intriguing selection of Australian long-forgotten musical masterpieces. Song topics range from penal folk ballads to those celebrating the country's top attractions, legendary cricketers and explorers...

BARRY SAYS:

I've only really fallen in love with Australia later in life. When I was young, it seemed, anything of any great worth lay overseas. I blame my parents, who often said things like, 'you'll like the new school, Barry, there's quite a lot of teachers there who have been overseas - ' Back then, Australia seemed a very boring place. I was constantly hankering after something else. I didn't know what, but I thought that it might be in this mysterious place which people called ‘overseas'.

Featured tracks include:

The Bridge We've Been Waiting For - written to commemorate the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932, Our Don Bradman - written about Australia's best known Cricketer and Let's Take A Trip to Melbourne...

Barry Humphries presents some of his favourite Australian early 20th Century Sounds.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In this particular programme, Barry serves up an intriguing selection of Australian long-forgotten musical masterpieces. Song topics range from penal folk ballads to those celebrating the country's top attractions, legendary cricketers and explorers...

BARRY SAYS:

I've only really fallen in love with Australia later in life. When I was young, it seemed, anything of any great worth lay overseas. I blame my parents, who often said things like, 'you'll like the new school, Barry, there's quite a lot of teachers there who have been overseas - ' Back then, Australia seemed a very boring place. I was constantly hankering after something else. I didn't know what, but I thought that it might be in this mysterious place which people called ‘overseas'.

Featured tracks include:

The Bridge We've Been Waiting For - written to commemorate the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932, Our Don Bradman - written about Australia's best known Cricketer and Let's Take A Trip to Melbourne...

Barry Humphries presents some of his favourite Australian early 20th Century Sounds.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

BARRY SAYS:

'I find few tasks more agreeable than assembling a collection of my favourite songs, from the first half of the 20th century and playing them on the wireless. Relaxing and listening to music, is what I most love to do, and sharing my favourites with Radio 2 listeners is an added bonus.'

Barry Humphries plays Dance Classics from the first half of the 20th Century.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

BARRY SAYS:

`Through these programmes, I'm seeking to give new life to old songs - vintage tracks, which, in my opinion have been undeservedly cast aside, overlooked and forgotten. Many of the songs in these programmes, offer fascinating snapshots of social history and contain advice, which, should any of us choose to listen, is still of great value today. The first half of the 20th century saw great change and challenges, which were reflected upon by many songwriters.`

`Since I was last here at Radio 2, I've been hunting far and wide - in caves, caverns, cellars, as well as the odd county-house attic, rescuing 78 r.p.m. gems, so I can, once again, fill the nation's ears with delight.`

This vintage music series presented by Barry Humphries refreshes parts others cannot, or dare not, reach!

Tracks in this programme include:

The Eyes of the World Are On You - Louis Levy & His Gaumont British Symphony, Breakaway - Jack Hylton, Rule Britannia A Travestry - Norman Long, Buy British - Clarkson Rose, The Continong & We're Riding the Tunnel to Gay Paris - North & South (Tommy Handley & Ronald Frankau), The Channel Swimmer - Horace Kenney, The Continental - Nat Gonella, The Cockney Amorist - Sir John Betjeman with music by Jim Parker... Plus, Barry uncovers the dark fictional plot of the Gershwins' 1927 musical Strike Up the Band which saw America at war with Switzerland over a trivial trade dispute.

Early 20th Century Sounds presented by Barry Humphries.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

BARRY SAYS:

“Through these programmes, I'm seeking to give new life to old songs - vintage tracks, which, in my opinion have been undeservedly cast aside, overlooked and forgotten. Many of the songs in these programmes, offer fascinating snapshots of social history and contain advice, which, should any of us choose to listen, is still of great value today. The first half of the 20th century saw great change and challenges, which were reflected upon by many songwriters. ?

“Since I was last here at Radio 2, I've been hunting far and wide - in caves, caverns, cellars, as well as the odd county-house attic, rescuing 78 r.p.m. gems, so I can, once again, fill the nation's ears with delight. ?

This vintage music series presented by Barry Humphries refreshes parts others cannot, or dare not, reach!

Tracks in this programme include:

The Eyes of the World Are On You - Louis Levy & His Gaumont British Symphony, Breakaway - Jack Hylton, Rule Britannia A Travestry - Norman Long, Buy British - Clarkson Rose, The Continong & We're Riding the Tunnel to Gay Paris - North & South (Tommy Handley & Ronald Frankau), The Channel Swimmer - Horace Kenney, The Continental - Nat Gonella, The Cockney Amorist - Sir John Betjeman with music by Jim Parker... Plus, Barry uncovers the dark fictional plot of the Gershwins' 1927 musical Strike Up the Band which saw America at war with Switzerland over a trivial trade dispute.

Early 20th Century Sounds presented by Barry Humphries.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In the 1930s and '40s, inhabitants of Barry's home city of Melbourne were convinced they were living in a rather remote part of the English home counties. This was reflected in many ways, not least, in the music they listened to on the wireless or gramophone.

Musical delights on offer in this programme include:

Just Like in a Story Book' - Layton and Johnstone, 'Other People's Babies' - Norah Howard, and the highly risqué 'I'm an Old Norman Castle' - Annette Mills, 'Everything Stops for Tea' - Jack Buchanan...

In the last programme in the series, Barry recalls his favourite childhood listening.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In the 1930s and '40s, inhabitants of Barry's home city of Melbourne were convinced they were living in a rather remote part of the English home counties. This was reflected in many ways, not least, in the music they listened to on the wireless or gramophone.

Musical delights on offer in this programme include:

Just Like in a Story Book' - Layton and Johnstone, 'Other People's Babies' - Norah Howard, and the highly risqu退 'I'm an Old Norman Castle' - Annette Mills, 'Everything Stops for Tea' - Jack Buchanan...

In the last programme in the series, Barry recalls his favourite childhood listening.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry's enthusiasm for the music of the past was infectious and he firmly established himself as a trusted and credible guide to forgotten music from the past. This was his fourth series of vintage music for BBC Radio 2. Barry said, 'My Turntable Time Machine spins at 78 r.p.m. to transport listeners back to a time of friction in Europe, economic uncertainty and hung parliaments. Thank goodness we live in less turbulent times!

Despite featuring some very old music, Barry's specialist music shows are relevant and contemporary in tone. The music selected by Barry carries musical warnings from history and, combined with his unique commentary, each show shines an entertaining and thought-provoking light on current affairs.

PROGRAMME 1

Barry Humphries sets his turntable time machine to a rate of 78 r.p.m. to take listeners back to the era of the Bright Young Things - the flamboyant, rebellious, decadent, irresponsible, progressive and totally promiscuous, 1920s! `They didn't call them roaring for nothing!` he says. The 1920s, also known as The Jazz Age because of the success of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, Tales of the Jazz Age, published in 1922. It was also the era of the Bright Young Things, whose flamboyant behaviour inspired the cult of celebrity in Britain, as news of the group's exploits made front-page headlines almost daily! For instance, Zita Jungman & her sister Theresa, just for a laugh, famously tried to spend the night in Madam Tussaud's Chamber of Horrors. They removed the wax models of the Princes in the Tower and made themselves a bed. They were eventually discovered by security staff during the night. The Bright Young Things included the likes of Olivia Plunket Greene and her brothers, Elizabeth Ponsonby (the original It Girl who drank herself to death before she was 40), Stephen Tennant (was labelled as the brightest star of the Bright Young Things), Brenda Dean Paul (known as the society drug addict), Bryan Guinness (heir to the Guinness brewing fortune and whose first wife, Diana Mitford, left him for Oswald Moseley), Evelyn Waugh (novelist whose literary works were inspired by the Bohemian group's exploits), Cecil Beaton, Elsa Lanchester & Beverly Nichols, among others -

Of course, the 1920s brought many new things and attitudes, including the first birth control clinic in London, which opened in March 1921. This had followed the publication, in 1918, of a book on the subject entitled, Married Love, written by MARIE STOPES. It became a best seller and in its sixth printing within a fortnight. One could say, it was the '50 Shades of Grey' of its day!

Prog. 1 Music Playlist (not necessarily in order):

• Futuristic Rhythm by Irving Mills & His Band

• One Little One More by Tom Clare, recorded in 1924 - `a wonderful song about addiction` says Barry.

• Another Day Wasted Away sung by Annette Hanshaw, recorded in 1927

• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes sung by Joyce Barbour, recorded in 1926 and inspired by the publication of Anita Loose's literary smash-hit of the same name.

• The Younger Generation - sung Al Bowlly (written by Noel Coward)

• They Sang God Save the King - Florrie Forde

• The Charleston - Savoy Hotel Orpheans

• Take Me to the Land of Jazz - Billy Murray

• Harlem Twist - Duke Ellington

• I Wanna Go Places and Do Things - Jack Hylton

• My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes - Elsie Carlise

• World Weary - Noel Coward

• The Party's Over Now - Noel Coward

• Don't Tell My Mother I'm Living in Sin sung by Elsa Lanchester

Barry says:

`One of my favourite Bright Young Things is Elsa Lanchester. She set up, The Cave of Harmony nightclub, in London, frequented by Evelyn Waugh, in which plays and cabaret turns were performed. Elsa Lanchester recorded a fabulous song, which for me, sums up the mood of the era better than any other record. The title? ‘Don't Tell My Mother I'm Living in Sin'`. And that song had a kind of autobiographical quality for Elsa, as before Elsa was born, her mother was forced into an asylum by her own father and brothers, so upset were they at the prospect of their daughter and sister living in sin. The case made front page news at the end of the 1800s. Eventually, after a court case and support from a local M.P., Elsa's mother was declared sane and returned home to continue living in sin with her beloved, she never got married and gave birth to two children, one of whom was Elsa.

Barry Humphries celebrates the Roaring Twenties, the era of the Bright Young Things.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry's enthusiasm for the music of the past was infectious and he firmly established himself as a trusted and credible guide to forgotten music from the past. This was his fourth series of vintage music for BBC Radio 2. Barry said, 'My Turntable Time Machine spins at 78 r.p.m. to transport listeners back to a time of friction in Europe, economic uncertainty and hung parliaments. Thank goodness we live in less turbulent times!

Despite featuring some very old music, Barry's specialist music shows are relevant and contemporary in tone. The music selected by Barry carries musical warnings from history and, combined with his unique commentary, each show shines an entertaining and thought-provoking light on current affairs.

PROGRAMME 1

Barry Humphries sets his turntable time machine to a rate of 78 r.p.m. to take listeners back to the era of the Bright Young Things - the flamboyant, rebellious, decadent, irresponsible, progressive and totally promiscuous, 1920s! “They didn't call them roaring for nothing! ? he says. The 1920s, also known as The Jazz Age because of the success of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, Tales of the Jazz Age, published in 1922. It was also the era of the Bright Young Things, whose flamboyant behaviour inspired the cult of celebrity in Britain, as news of the group's exploits made front-page headlines almost daily! For instance, Zita Jungman & her sister Theresa, just for a laugh, famously tried to spend the night in Madam Tussaud's Chamber of Horrors. They removed the wax models of the Princes in the Tower and made themselves a bed. They were eventually discovered by security staff during the night. The Bright Young Things included the likes of Olivia Plunket Greene and her brothers, Elizabeth Ponsonby (the original It Girl who drank herself to death before she was 40), Stephen Tennant (was labelled as the brightest star of the Bright Young Things), Brenda Dean Paul (known as the society drug addict), Bryan Guinness (heir to the Guinness brewing fortune and whose first wife, Diana Mitford, left him for Oswald Moseley), Evelyn Waugh (novelist whose literary works were inspired by the Bohemian group's exploits), Cecil Beaton, Elsa Lanchester & Beverly Nichols, among others -

Of course, the 1920s brought many new things and attitudes, including the first birth control clinic in London, which opened in March 1921. This had followed the publication, in 1918, of a book on the subject entitled, Married Love, written by MARIE STOPES. It became a best seller and in its sixth printing within a fortnight. One could say, it was the '50 Shades of Grey' of its day!

Prog. 1 Music Playlist (not necessarily in order):

• Futuristic Rhythm by Irving Mills & His Band

• One Little One More by Tom Clare, recorded in 1924 – “a wonderful song about addiction ? says Barry.

• Another Day Wasted Away sung by Annette Hanshaw, recorded in 1927

• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes sung by Joyce Barbour, recorded in 1926 and inspired by the publication of Anita Loose's literary smash-hit of the same name.

• The Younger Generation - sung Al Bowlly (written by Noel Coward)

• They Sang God Save the King - Florrie Forde

• The Charleston - Savoy Hotel Orpheans

• Take Me to the Land of Jazz - Billy Murray

• Harlem Twist - Duke Ellington

• I Wanna Go Places and Do Things - Jack Hylton

• My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes - Elsie Carlise

• World Weary - Noel Coward

• The Party's Over Now - Noel Coward

• Don't Tell My Mother I'm Living in Sin sung by Elsa Lanchester

Barry says:

“One of my favourite Bright Young Things is Elsa Lanchester. She set up, The Cave of Harmony nightclub, in London, frequented by Evelyn Waugh, in which plays and cabaret turns were performed. Elsa Lanchester recorded a fabulous song, which for me, sums up the mood of the era better than any other record. The title? ‘Don't Tell My Mother I'm Living in Sin' ?. And that song had a kind of autobiographical quality for Elsa, as before Elsa was born, her mother was forced into an asylum by her own father and brothers, so upset were they at the prospect of their daughter and sister living in sin. The case made front page news at the end of the 1800s. Eventually, after a court case and support from a local M.P., Elsa's mother was declared sane and returned home to continue living in sin with her beloved, she never got married and gave birth to two children, one of whom was Elsa.

Barry Humphries celebrates the Roaring Twenties, the era of the Bright Young Things.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In tribute to Barry Humphries, who passed away on 22nd April, another chance to enjoy his culturally thrilling series of vintage music which provides entertaining and thought-provoking musical snapshots from the past.

Barry's enthusiasm for the music of the past was infectious and he firmly established himself as a trusted and credible guide to forgotten music from the past. This was his fourth series of vintage music for BBC Radio 2. Barry said, 'My Turntable Time Machine spins at 78 r.p.m. to transport listeners back to a time of friction in Europe, economic uncertainty and hung parliaments. Thank goodness we live in less turbulent times!

Despite featuring some very old music, Barry's specialist music shows are relevant and contemporary in tone. The music selected by Barry carries musical warnings from history and, combined with his unique commentary, each show shines an entertaining and thought-provoking light on current affairs.

PROGRAMME 1

Barry Humphries sets his turntable time machine to a rate of 78 r.p.m. to take listeners back to the era of the Bright Young Things - the flamboyant, rebellious, decadent, irresponsible, progressive and totally promiscuous, 1920s! “They didn't call them roaring for nothing! ? he says. The 1920s, also known as The Jazz Age because of the success of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, Tales of the Jazz Age, published in 1922. It was also the era of the Bright Young Things, whose flamboyant behaviour inspired the cult of celebrity in Britain, as news of the group's exploits made front-page headlines almost daily! For instance, Zita Jungman & her sister Theresa, just for a laugh, famously tried to spend the night in Madam Tussaud's Chamber of Horrors. They removed the wax models of the Princes in the Tower and made themselves a bed. They were eventually discovered by security staff during the night. The Bright Young Things included the likes of Olivia Plunket Greene and her brothers, Elizabeth Ponsonby (the original It Girl who drank herself to death before she was 40), Stephen Tennant (was labelled as the brightest star of the Bright Young Things), Brenda Dean Paul (known as the society drug addict), Bryan Guinness (heir to the Guinness brewing fortune and whose first wife, Diana Mitford, left him for Oswald Moseley), Evelyn Waugh (novelist whose literary works were inspired by the Bohemian group's exploits), Cecil Beaton, Elsa Lanchester & Beverly Nichols, among others -

Of course, the 1920s brought many new things and attitudes, including the first birth control clinic in London, which opened in March 1921. This had followed the publication, in 1918, of a book on the subject entitled, Married Love, written by MARIE STOPES. It became a best seller and in its sixth printing within a fortnight. One could say, it was the '50 Shades of Grey' of its day!

Prog. 1 Music Playlist (not necessarily in order):

• Futuristic Rhythm by Irving Mills & His Band

• One Little One More by Tom Clare, recorded in 1924 – “a wonderful song about addiction ? says Barry.

• Another Day Wasted Away sung by Annette Hanshaw, recorded in 1927

• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes sung by Joyce Barbour, recorded in 1926 and inspired by the publication of Anita Loose's literary smash-hit of the same name.

• The Younger Generation - sung Al Bowlly (written by Noel Coward)

• They Sang God Save the King - Florrie Forde

• The Charleston - Savoy Hotel Orpheans

• Take Me to the Land of Jazz - Billy Murray

• Harlem Twist - Duke Ellington

• I Wanna Go Places and Do Things - Jack Hylton

• My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes - Elsie Carlise

• World Weary - Noel Coward

• The Party's Over Now - Noel Coward

• Don't Tell My Mother I'm Living in Sin sung by Elsa Lanchester

Barry says:

“One of my favourite Bright Young Things is Elsa Lanchester. She set up, The Cave of Harmony nightclub, in London, frequented by Evelyn Waugh, in which plays and cabaret turns were performed. Elsa Lanchester recorded a fabulous song, which for me, sums up the mood of the era better than any other record. The title? ‘Don't Tell My Mother I'm Living in Sin' ?. And that song had a kind of autobiographical quality for Elsa, as before Elsa was born, her mother was forced into an asylum by her own father and brothers, so upset were they at the prospect of their daughter and sister living in sin. The case made front page news at the end of the 1800s. Eventually, after a court case and support from a local M.P., Elsa's mother was declared sane and returned home to continue living in sin with her beloved, she never got married and gave birth to two children, one of whom was Elsa.

Barry Humphries celebrates the Roaring Twenties, the era of the Bright Young Things.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In tribute to Barry Humphries, who passed away on 22nd April, another chance to enjoy his culturally thrilling series of vintage music which provides entertaining and thought-provoking musical snapshots from the past.

Barry's enthusiasm for the music of the past was infectious and he firmly established himself as a trusted and credible guide to forgotten music from the past. This was his fourth series of vintage music for BBC Radio 2. Barry said, 'My Turntable Time Machine spins at 78 r.p.m. to transport listeners back to a time of friction in Europe, economic uncertainty and hung parliaments. Thank goodness we live in less turbulent times!

Despite featuring some very old music, Barry's specialist music shows are relevant and contemporary in tone. The music selected by Barry carries musical warnings from history and, combined with his unique commentary, each show shines an entertaining and thought-provoking light on current affairs.

PROGRAMME 1

Barry Humphries sets his turntable time machine to a rate of 78 r.p.m. to take listeners back to the era of the Bright Young Things - the flamboyant, rebellious, decadent, irresponsible, progressive and totally promiscuous, 1920s! “They didn't call them roaring for nothing! ? he says. The 1920s, also known as The Jazz Age because of the success of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, Tales of the Jazz Age, published in 1922. It was also the era of the Bright Young Things, whose flamboyant behaviour inspired the cult of celebrity in Britain, as news of the group's exploits made front-page headlines almost daily! For instance, Zita Jungman & her sister Theresa, just for a laugh, famously tried to spend the night in Madam Tussaud's Chamber of Horrors. They removed the wax models of the Princes in the Tower and made themselves a bed. They were eventually discovered by security staff during the night. The Bright Young Things included the likes of Olivia Plunket Greene and her brothers, Elizabeth Ponsonby (the original It Girl who drank herself to death before she was 40), Stephen Tennant (was labelled as the brightest star of the Bright Young Things), Brenda Dean Paul (known as the society drug addict), Bryan Guinness (heir to the Guinness brewing fortune and whose first wife, Diana Mitford, left him for Oswald Moseley), Evelyn Waugh (novelist whose literary works were inspired by the Bohemian group's exploits), Cecil Beaton, Elsa Lanchester & Beverly Nichols, among others -

Of course, the 1920s brought many new things and attitudes, including the first birth control clinic in London, which opened in March 1921. This had followed the publication, in 1918, of a book on the subject entitled, Married Love, written by MARIE STOPES. It became a best seller and in its sixth printing within a fortnight. One could say, it was the '50 Shades of Grey' of its day!

Prog. 1 Music Playlist (not necessarily in order):

• Futuristic Rhythm by Irving Mills & His Band

• One Little One More by Tom Clare, recorded in 1924 – “a wonderful song about addiction ? says Barry.

• Another Day Wasted Away sung by Annette Hanshaw, recorded in 1927

• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes sung by Joyce Barbour, recorded in 1926 and inspired by the publication of Anita Loose's literary smash-hit of the same name.

• The Younger Generation - sung Al Bowlly (written by Noel Coward)

• They Sang God Save the King - Florrie Forde

• The Charleston - Savoy Hotel Orpheans

• Take Me to the Land of Jazz - Billy Murray

• Harlem Twist - Duke Ellington

• I Wanna Go Places and Do Things - Jack Hylton

• My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes - Elsie Carlise

• World Weary - Noel Coward

• The Party's Over Now - Noel Coward

• Don't Tell My Mother I'm Living in Sin sung by Elsa Lanchester

Barry says:

“One of my favourite Bright Young Things is Elsa Lanchester. She set up, The Cave of Harmony nightclub, in London, frequented by Evelyn Waugh, in which plays and cabaret turns were performed. Elsa Lanchester recorded a fabulous song, which for me, sums up the mood of the era better than any other record. The title? ‘Don't Tell My Mother I'm Living in Sin' ?. And that song had a kind of autobiographical quality for Elsa, as before Elsa was born, her mother was forced into an asylum by her own father and brothers, so upset were they at the prospect of their daughter and sister living in sin. The case made front page news at the end of the 1800s. Eventually, after a court case and support from a local M.P., Elsa's mother was declared sane and returned home to continue living in sin with her beloved, she never got married and gave birth to two children, one of whom was Elsa.

Barry Humphries celebrates the Roaring Twenties, the era of the Bright Young Things.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Among the films mentioned is the 1917 film Cleopatra. It is one of the best examples of a pre-code film, but sadly it has now been completely lost.

In this particular programme, Barry also recognises the achievements of Australian actors (including Annette Kellerman) during the early days of cinema.

Music in this episode includes:

• I'm Going to Get Lit Up (When the Lights Go on in London) - Carroll Gibbons and the Savoy Hotel Orpheans. The song was used during the Second World War to alert the French resistance that the Allied Invasion was imminent.

• Du Bist Mein Greta Garbo – by Dajos Bella and band. The title means You Are My Greta Garbo. The band of Hungarian born violinist Dajos Bella was one of the most popular in Berlin during the 20s and early 30s. It broke up suddenly at the end of 1933, when he emigrated to South America to escape the Nazis. He lived the rest of his life in Buenos Aires and died, in 1978.

• Cleopatra Had a Jazz Band - Sam Ash

• Laugh Clown Laugh - Fred Warring

• The World is Waiting for Sunshine - Isham Jones

• California Here I Come - Al Jolson

• Dapper Dan - Jack Buchanan and the Trix Sisters

• How'd You Like to Spoon with Me - Angela Lansbury

Barry Humphries celebrates recording stars of the first half of the 20th Century.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In this second programme (of the four-part series), Barry celebrates the wonders of early pre-code cinema. By pre-code, he means the era before the introduction of the Motion Picture Production Code, which subsequently became the Hays Code after the man charged with writing it, William Harrison Hays. It was a successful attempt by the American Film Industry, after a period of Hollywood scandals, to bring in a policy of self-regulation and thereby, hopefully, prevent wholesale government censorship.

Among the films mentioned is the 1917 film Cleopatra. It is one of the best examples of a pre-code film, but sadly it has now been completely lost.

In this particular programme, Barry also recognises the achievements of Australian actors (including Annette Kellerman) during the early days of cinema.

Music in this episode includes:

• I'm Going to Get Lit Up (When the Lights Go on in London) - Carroll Gibbons and the Savoy Hotel Orpheans. The song was used during the Second World War to alert the French resistance that the Allied Invasion was imminent.

• Du Bist Mein Greta Garbo – by Dajos Bella and band. The title means You Are My Greta Garbo. The band of Hungarian born violinist Dajos Bella was one of the most popular in Berlin during the 20s and early 30s. It broke up suddenly at the end of 1933, when he emigrated to South America to escape the Nazis. He lived the rest of his life in Buenos Aires and died, in 1978.

• Cleopatra Had a Jazz Band - Sam Ash

• Laugh Clown Laugh - Fred Warring

• The World is Waiting for Sunshine - Isham Jones

• California Here I Come - Al Jolson

• Dapper Dan - Jack Buchanan and the Trix Sisters

• How'd You Like to Spoon with Me - Angela Lansbury

Barry Humphries celebrates recording stars of the first half of the 20th Century.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In this second programme (of the four-part series), Barry celebrates the wonders of early pre-code cinema. By pre-code, he means the era before the introduction of the Motion Picture Production Code, which subsequently became the Hays Code after the man charged with writing it, William Harrison Hays. It was a successful attempt by the American Film Industry, after a period of Hollywood scandals, to bring in a policy of self-regulation and thereby, hopefully, prevent wholesale government censorship.

Among the films mentioned is the 1917 film Cleopatra. It is one of the best examples of a pre-code film, but sadly it has now been completely lost.

In this particular programme, Barry also recognises the achievements of Australian actors (including Annette Kellerman) during the early days of cinema.

Music in this episode includes:

• I'm Going to Get Lit Up (When the Lights Go on in London) - Carroll Gibbons and the Savoy Hotel Orpheans. The song was used during the Second World War to alert the French resistance that the Allied Invasion was imminent.

• Du Bist Mein Greta Garbo – by Dajos Bella and band. The title means You Are My Greta Garbo. The band of Hungarian born violinist Dajos Bella was one of the most popular in Berlin during the 20s and early 30s. It broke up suddenly at the end of 1933, when he emigrated to South America to escape the Nazis. He lived the rest of his life in Buenos Aires and died, in 1978.

• Cleopatra Had a Jazz Band - Sam Ash

• Laugh Clown Laugh - Fred Warring

• The World is Waiting for Sunshine - Isham Jones

• California Here I Come - Al Jolson

• Dapper Dan - Jack Buchanan and the Trix Sisters

• How'd You Like to Spoon with Me - Angela Lansbury

Barry Humphries celebrates recording stars of the first half of the 20th Century.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Among the films mentioned is the 1917 film Cleopatra. It is one of the best examples of a pre-code film, but sadly it has now been completely lost.

In this particular programme, Barry also recognises the achievements of Australian actors (including Annette Kellerman) during the early days of cinema.

Music in this episode includes:

• I'm Going to Get Lit Up (When the Lights Go on in London) - Carroll Gibbons and the Savoy Hotel Orpheans. The song was used during the Second World War to alert the French resistance that the Allied Invasion was imminent.

• Du Bist Mein Greta Garbo - by Dajos Bella and band. The title means You Are My Greta Garbo. The band of Hungarian born violinist Dajos Bella was one of the most popular in Berlin during the 20s and early 30s. It broke up suddenly at the end of 1933, when he emigrated to South America to escape the Nazis. He lived the rest of his life in Buenos Aires and died, in 1978.

• Cleopatra Had a Jazz Band - Sam Ash

• Laugh Clown Laugh - Fred Warring

• The World is Waiting for Sunshine - Isham Jones

• California Here I Come - Al Jolson

• Dapper Dan - Jack Buchanan and the Trix Sisters

• How'd You Like to Spoon with Me - Angela Lansbury

Barry Humphries celebrates recording stars of the first half of the 20th Century.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry says: “I'm delighted to say that I've received notification that the country of my birth has decreed, that all references to the years prior to 1934 are to receive the suffix B.B. – meaning Before Barry. ?

1934 was also the year that:

• Flash Gordon and Donald Duck first appeared.

• In a referendum, Germans voted for Hitler to become the Fuhrer - a new, unique Government position, which combined both the roles of Reich Chancellor and Head of State, giving him control over German's affairs. Barry says, “it's perhaps worth noting that, as history shows, referendums can be troublesome things. ?

• Samuel Goldwyn purchased the film rights to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz for Forty Thousand Dollars from the estate of L. Frank Baum.

• Percy Shaw patented the cat's eye road safety device.

• Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express was first published.

• The Flying Scotsman became the first steam locomotive to be officially recorded at 100 miles per hour.

• P.L. Travers' first children's story Mary Poppins, James Hilton's Goodbye Mr Chips and P.G. Wodehouse's first full-length Jeeves story, were also published.

Prog. 3 selected Music Playlist (not necessarily in order) includes:

• An earful of Music – Rudy Vallee

• Easy Come Easy Go – Al Bowlly

• What a Difference a Day Made – Denny Dennis

• Ain't It Gorgeous – The Western Brothers

• With my Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming – Greta Keller

• I'm on a See-Saw – John Mills & Louise Brown, accompanied by the Saville Theatre Orchestra. That track was recorded in London, on 19th December 1934 (long before John Mills was given a Knighthood in recognition of his serious dramatic roles in countless movies from the 1940s onwards).

• I Only Have Eyes for You – Ben Selvin, from the musical Dames.

• The Girl with the Ironing Board – Joan Blondell, from the musical Dames.

• With My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock – George Formby -

1934 was also the year Elgar died and, towards the end of the programme, Barry plays a recording of Elgar conducting 'Elergy for String Orchestra' on 11th April 1933 at Abbey Road Studio No. 1, a year before he died.

Barry Humphries celebrates the music from the year of his birth, 1934.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry says: `I'm delighted to say that I've received notification that the country of my birth has decreed, that all references to the years prior to 1934 are to receive the suffix B.B. - meaning Before Barry.`

• Flash Gordon and Donald Duck first appeared.

• In a referendum, Germans voted for Hitler to become the Fuhrer - a new, unique Government position, which combined both the roles of Reich Chancellor and Head of State, giving him control over German's affairs. Barry says, `it's perhaps worth noting that, as history shows, referendums can be troublesome things.`

• Samuel Goldwyn purchased the film rights to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz for Forty Thousand Dollars from the estate of L. Frank Baum.

• Percy Shaw patented the cat's eye road safety device.

• Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express was first published.

• The Flying Scotsman became the first steam locomotive to be officially recorded at 100 miles per hour.

• P.L. Travers' first children's story Mary Poppins, James Hilton's Goodbye Mr Chips and P.G. Wodehouse's first full-length Jeeves story, were also published.

• An earful of Music - Rudy Vallee

• Easy Come Easy Go - Al Bowlly

• What a Difference a Day Made - Denny Dennis

• Ain't It Gorgeous - The Western Brothers

• With my Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming - Greta Keller

• I'm on a See-Saw - John Mills & Louise Brown, accompanied by the Saville Theatre Orchestra. That track was recorded in London, on 19th December 1934 (long before John Mills was given a Knighthood in recognition of his serious dramatic roles in countless movies from the 1940s onwards).

• I Only Have Eyes for You - Ben Selvin, from the musical Dames.

• The Girl with the Ironing Board - Joan Blondell, from the musical Dames.

• With My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock - George Formby -

Barry also takes a few moments to talk about the first and last time he kissed Audrey Hepburn: 'I met Audrey Hepburn only once but it was a very significant encounter. We had mutual friends and I was at a charity evening at a grand hotel in New York, which was attended by Audrey but I couldn't see her there. I finally glimpsed her as I left, but I was in a lift and door was slowly closing. She saw me across the lobby, ran towards the lift and was just in time to give me a kiss on the lips through the closing door. It was the first time I kissed Audrey Hepburn and the last.

And the programme features a number of songs composed by Oscar Levant (George Gershwin's great friend) who was also the author or a number of amusing autobiographies.

Prog. 4 selected music playlist (not necessarily in order) includes:

• Swanee - Al Jolson - Jolson made his name in the era before singers in theatres were amplified, hence his booming vocal on records.

• Make Yourself a Happiness Pie - Al Bowlly

• Learn to Croon - Bing Crosby

• The Music Goes Around - BBC Dance Orchestra

• Clap Yo' Hands - Whispering Jack Smith

• Blame it on My Youth - Bob Crosby (brother of Bing)

• I'm Stepping Out with Memory Tonight - Chick Henderson

• Do Do Do - George Gershwin at the piano (instrumental)

• I'm Wax Within Your Hands - Lucie Manheim

• Out of Sight - Kay Thompson

• The Cats Duet - Hinge & Bracket

• 10 Cents a Dance - Hutch (Leslie Hutchinson) - this song was written to be sung by a woman. Hutch's version puts an entirely different spin on the song's meaning and was very decadent for the era in which it was recorded. He was known to take female and male lovers -

Barry Humphries celebrates early recording stars.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry also takes a few moments to talk about the first and last time he kissed Audrey Hepburn: 'I met Audrey Hepburn only once but it was a very significant encounter. We had mutual friends and I was at a charity evening at a grand hotel in New York, which was attended by Audrey but I couldn't see her there. I finally glimpsed her as I left, but I was in a lift and door was slowly closing. She saw me across the lobby, ran towards the lift and was just in time to give me a kiss on the lips through the closing door. It was the first time I kissed Audrey Hepburn and the last.

And the programme features a number of songs composed by Oscar Levant (George Gershwin's great friend) who was also the author or a number of amusing autobiographies.

Prog. 4 selected music playlist (not necessarily in order) includes:

• Swanee – Al Jolson – Jolson made his name in the era before singers in theatres were amplified, hence his booming vocal on records.

• Make Yourself a Happiness Pie - Al Bowlly

• Learn to Croon – Bing Crosby

• The Music Goes Around – BBC Dance Orchestra

• Clap Yo' Hands – Whispering Jack Smith

• Blame it on My Youth – Bob Crosby (brother of Bing)

• I'm Stepping Out with Memory Tonight - Chick Henderson

• Do Do Do - George Gershwin at the piano (instrumental)

• I'm Wax Within Your Hands – Lucie Manheim

• Out of Sight - Kay Thompson

• The Cats Duet – Hinge & Bracket

• 10 Cents a Dance – Hutch (Leslie Hutchinson) – this song was written to be sung by a woman. Hutch's version puts an entirely different spin on the song's meaning and was very decadent for the era in which it was recorded. He was known to take female and male lovers -

Barry Humphries celebrates early recording stars.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In this programme, Barry Humphries celebrates early recording stars – those who were among the first to exploit the wonders of the new technologies of amplifying and recording sound.

Barry also takes a few moments to talk about the first and last time he kissed Audrey Hepburn: 'I met Audrey Hepburn only once but it was a very significant encounter. We had mutual friends and I was at a charity evening at a grand hotel in New York, which was attended by Audrey but I couldn't see her there. I finally glimpsed her as I left, but I was in a lift and door was slowly closing. She saw me across the lobby, ran towards the lift and was just in time to give me a kiss on the lips through the closing door. It was the first time I kissed Audrey Hepburn and the last.

And the programme features a number of songs composed by Oscar Levant (George Gershwin's great friend) who was also the author or a number of amusing autobiographies.

Prog. 4 selected music playlist (not necessarily in order) includes:

• Swanee – Al Jolson – Jolson made his name in the era before singers in theatres were amplified, hence his booming vocal on records.

• Make Yourself a Happiness Pie - Al Bowlly

• Learn to Croon – Bing Crosby

• The Music Goes Around – BBC Dance Orchestra

• Clap Yo' Hands – Whispering Jack Smith

• Blame it on My Youth – Bob Crosby (brother of Bing)

• I'm Stepping Out with Memory Tonight - Chick Henderson

• Do Do Do - George Gershwin at the piano (instrumental)

• I'm Wax Within Your Hands – Lucie Manheim

• Out of Sight - Kay Thompson

• The Cats Duet – Hinge & Bracket

• 10 Cents a Dance – Hutch (Leslie Hutchinson) – this song was written to be sung by a woman. Hutch's version puts an entirely different spin on the song's meaning and was very decadent for the era in which it was recorded. He was known to take female and male lovers -

Barry Humphries celebrates early recording stars.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In this programme, Barry Humphries celebrates early recording stars – those who were among the first to exploit the wonders of the new technologies of amplifying and recording sound.

Barry also takes a few moments to talk about the first and last time he kissed Audrey Hepburn: 'I met Audrey Hepburn only once but it was a very significant encounter. We had mutual friends and I was at a charity evening at a grand hotel in New York, which was attended by Audrey but I couldn't see her there. I finally glimpsed her as I left, but I was in a lift and door was slowly closing. She saw me across the lobby, ran towards the lift and was just in time to give me a kiss on the lips through the closing door. It was the first time I kissed Audrey Hepburn and the last.

And the programme features a number of songs composed by Oscar Levant (George Gershwin's great friend) who was also the author or a number of amusing autobiographies.

Prog. 4 selected music playlist (not necessarily in order) includes:

• Swanee – Al Jolson – Jolson made his name in the era before singers in theatres were amplified, hence his booming vocal on records.

• Make Yourself a Happiness Pie - Al Bowlly

• Learn to Croon – Bing Crosby

• The Music Goes Around – BBC Dance Orchestra

• Clap Yo' Hands – Whispering Jack Smith

• Blame it on My Youth – Bob Crosby (brother of Bing)

• I'm Stepping Out with Memory Tonight - Chick Henderson

• Do Do Do - George Gershwin at the piano (instrumental)

• I'm Wax Within Your Hands – Lucie Manheim

• Out of Sight - Kay Thompson

• The Cats Duet – Hinge & Bracket

• 10 Cents a Dance – Hutch (Leslie Hutchinson) – this song was written to be sung by a woman. Hutch's version puts an entirely different spin on the song's meaning and was very decadent for the era in which it was recorded. He was known to take female and male lovers -

Barry Humphries celebrates early recording stars.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In this episode, Barry is yacht-sitting for Dame Edna. The Ocean Widow is moored, just off the coast of Skye. Aboard, his rigged up a kind of alternative ‘Radio Caroline'. Yet, instead of broadcasting the sound of the future, Barry's ‘Radio Phyllis' plays reassuring songs from the past.

The Abdication Crisis of 1936 (and other early 20th century scandals) provide the spine of this new four-part series. You may recall, 1936, was the year in which a member of the Royal Family said ‘Goodbye to All That' and then ran off to live abroad with an American divorcee. This sent shock waves through the British Establishment.

Featured artists include in this episode include: Marion Harris (‘Jazz Baby'), Isham Jones (‘Life Begins When You're in Love'), Van Philips (‘Goodbye to All That'), Elsie Carlisle (‘Little White Lies'), and Douglas Byng (‘Mexican Minnie') -

BARRY SAYS: “I'm delighted to be back on the wireless with my new four-part series. Of all the things I do, this is my favourite. I've only be granted the use of Dame Edna's yacht - The Ocean Widow - because she's in South America, plumping up her little Mexican Love Nest. I understand that my vintage music series is now actually considered rather ‘edgy', in comparison to mainstream shows. Personally, I suspect that this may have something to do with the needles involved.

Barry Humphries uncovers a treasure trove of forgotten songs from the early 20th century

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry Humphries is delighted to be back on the wireless with his personal selection of culturally thrilling songs from the first half of the 20th century. His turntable time machine spins at a rate of 78 r.p.m. to transport listeners back to a time of royal scandal, global pandemics, panic buying, racial tension, hung parliaments and European hostility. `Thank goodness we live in less turbulent times,` he says.

In this episode, Barry is yacht-sitting for Dame Edna. The Ocean Widow is moored, just off the coast of Skye. Aboard, his rigged up a kind of alternative ‘Radio Caroline'. Yet, instead of broadcasting the sound of the future, Barry's ‘Radio Phyllis' plays reassuring songs from the past.

The Abdication Crisis of 1936 (and other early 20th century scandals) provide the spine of this new four-part series. You may recall, 1936, was the year in which a member of the Royal Family said ‘Goodbye to All That' and then ran off to live abroad with an American divorcee. This sent shock waves through the British Establishment.

Featured artists include in this episode include: Marion Harris (‘Jazz Baby'), Isham Jones (‘Life Begins When You're in Love'), Van Philips (‘Goodbye to All That'), Elsie Carlisle (‘Little White Lies'), and Douglas Byng (‘Mexican Minnie') -

BARRY SAYS: `I'm delighted to be back on the wireless with my new four-part series. Of all the things I do, this is my favourite. I've only be granted the use of Dame Edna's yacht - The Ocean Widow - because she's in South America, plumping up her little Mexican Love Nest. I understand that my vintage music series is now actually considered rather ‘edgy', in comparison to mainstream shows. Personally, I suspect that this may have something to do with the needles involved.

Barry Humphries uncovers a treasure trove of forgotten songs from the early 20th century

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Featured artists in this episode include: Jack Hylton ('Why Don't Somebody Tell Me These Things'), Elsie Carlise ('Little White Lies'), Arthur Hall ('The Flapper Wife'), Lord Caresser ('Edward VIII'), Florie Forde ('Girls, Study Your Cookbook')...

The early 20th century was full of sandal. It seems that, despite the strict standards of the era, under the surface, practically everyone was at it in one way or another!

BARRY SAYS: 'I recall that when my paternal grandparents sailed back to Britain, from Australia, for a special trip to be part of the festivities surrounding the Coronation in 1937, their journey involved spending months on a ship. That's months! Not days or hours. When they started their journey, the coronation was due to be that of Edward VIII, however, by the time they arrived in Britain, he had abdicated and his brother Bertie, was to be crowned as King George VI instead. They did manage to purchase, at a discount, a beautiful Edward VIII coronation souvenir mug.

Barry Humphries plays culturally thrilling songs from the first half of the 20th century.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

In this episode, Barry Humphries once again draws inspiration from the affair of Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson. The song ‘Edward VIII' by Lord Caresser, was the first to make reference to the 1936 scandal. Barry recalls how his grandparents sailed back to Britain, from Australia, to partake in the festivities surrounding the Coronation. When they started their journey, Edward VIII was due to be crowned. However, by the time they arrived in Britain, he had abdicated and it had been announced that his brother would become King George VI instead. The abdication of Edward VIII, in 1936, was supposedly the royal scandal to end all royal scandals.

Featured artists in this episode include: Jack Hylton ('Why Don't Somebody Tell Me These Things'), Elsie Carlise ('Little White Lies'), Arthur Hall ('The Flapper Wife'), Lord Caresser ('Edward VIII'), Florie Forde ('Girls, Study Your Cookbook')...

The early 20th century was full of sandal. It seems that, despite the strict standards of the era, under the surface, practically everyone was at it in one way or another!

BARRY SAYS: 'I recall that when my paternal grandparents sailed back to Britain, from Australia, for a special trip to be part of the festivities surrounding the Coronation in 1937, their journey involved spending months on a ship. That's months! Not days or hours. When they started their journey, the coronation was due to be that of Edward VIII, however, by the time they arrived in Britain, he had abdicated and his brother Bertie, was to be crowned as King George VI instead. They did manage to purchase, at a discount, a beautiful Edward VIII coronation souvenir mug.

Barry Humphries plays culturally thrilling songs from the first half of the 20th century.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Featured artists in this episode include: Marlene Dietrich ('Wo Ist Der Mann'), Ivy Benson's All Girl Band ('Jealousy'), Freddy Johnson ('Harlem Bound'), The Comedian Harmonists ('The Way with Every Sailor'), Jack Hylton ('That's My Weakness Now'), Ivy Benson's All Girl Band ('Jealousy'), Marion Harris ('They Go Wild Simply Wild Over Me'), Ted Weems ('She's Got It'), Al Bowlly ('Put Your Little Arms Around Me')...

Barry Humphries presents another selection of forgotten songs from the early 20th century.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry Humphries brings listeners more ear-catching, thought provoking, entertaining and neglected songs from the first half of the 20th century. In this series, Barry's musical selections are inspired by various early 20th century scandals. For instance, Barry recalls how the Nazis destroyed Magnus Hirshfeld's ground-breaking ‘Institut fur Sexualwissenschaft' in Berlin when they came to power. He also celebrates the recordings of African-American jazz musician, Freddy Johnson, who initially found greater freedom in Europe than America until the Nazis came after him. There's an intriguing insight into the life of the beautiful young Australian who captured the heart of a future King, until his parents got in the way. Plus, he remembers 'The Battle of the Saxes', when male dance bandleaders became very jealous of Ivy Benson's success on the radio in the 1940s...

Featured artists in this episode include: Marlene Dietrich ('Wo Ist Der Mann'), Ivy Benson's All Girl Band ('Jealousy'), Freddy Johnson ('Harlem Bound'), The Comedian Harmonists ('The Way with Every Sailor'), Jack Hylton ('That's My Weakness Now'), Ivy Benson's All Girl Band ('Jealousy'), Marion Harris ('They Go Wild Simply Wild Over Me'), Ted Weems ('She's Got It'), Al Bowlly ('Put Your Little Arms Around Me')...

Barry Humphries presents another selection of forgotten songs from the early 20th century.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Barry Humphries takes listeners on a trip back in time to early Hollywood.

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.