SET in the middle of the Blitz, Radio Times tells the amusing story of a group of BBC broadcasters trying to entertain a nation.

Starring television and West End star Gary Wilmot, the cast keep the audience in hysterics throughout. Grinning girls dancing in flowery dresses have the audience hooked from the first song as they spring around on stage with wide eyes and fluttering eyelashes, encouraging us all to join them in having a jolly good time.

The multi-talented cast cleverly creep between roles – acting on stage, moving props and playing instruments and a large variety of musical numbers keep the performance upbeat, without neglecting the relationships between characters or storyline.

With the infant BBC television service stifled at the outbreak of war in 1939, closed down for defence reasons, it was left to radio to bring information and entertainment to those at home and the forces abroad.

Radio stations broadcast bizarre programmes to boost listeners’ morale during the war, including on-air golf lessons, a BBC dancing club, keep fit, radio allotment and even community whistling.

Radio Times sees the BBC broadcasters struggle against strict restrictions to create an entertaining programme, broadcast live to the nation, and in front of an audience.

Using items to assist in creating sounds to accompany the programme, Jeeps, played by Christian Edwards, simultaneously honked horns and clapped coconut shells between his knees. The shy, awkward sound assistant is in love with attractive singer Amy, played by Vivien Carter, but is not confident enough to tell her how he feels.

Olive, played by Anna-Jay Casey, is torn between two men - her long-term partner Sammy Shaw (Gary Wilmot) and old flame, Gary Strong (Darren Bennett). She is desperate for Sammy to show his affectionate, romantic side, but the cheeky, carefree comedian is too preoccupied with the show to even notice that he is in danger of losing her.

As an air-raid siren signals the end of the first half and a stop to the live broadcast, the audience is advised to take shelter as the bombs are heard exploding overhead.

BBC producer Heathcliffe Bultitude (Andrew C Wadsworth) comes out of his stiff, uptight, rule abiding shell during the second half, and has the audience in tears of laughter during various dancing and singing routines.

But Wilmot is the real star of the show with his charisma, charm and comedy timing.

His big moment comes near the end, as he delivers a believable, emotional speech in an attempt to win back Olive – his voice shaking and tears smearing his face, the audience is silent in anticipation of her response.

With a big ending, the audience is left uplifted and smiling, thoroughly entertained by the faultless performance.


Tickets for the show, which runs until September 24, are priced £15.50 - £27 and are available from the box office on 01635 46044 or online at watermill.org.uk.