Entertaining the Troops: 1939–1945 (Shire Library)

By: Kiri Bloom Walden

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Synopsis: This book explores the foundation and work of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) and other entertainment organisations such as CEMA and Stars in Battledress. These organisations ensured that troops in all theatres of the Second World War were visited by big bands, ballet stars, Shakespearian actors and the most famous popular entertainers of the day in order to raise morale. Many of Britain's biggest stars cut their teeth performing on makeshift stages to homesick soldiers, sailors and airmen and women during the war years, with famous performers including Laurence Olivier, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Vera Lynn, Margot Fonteyn and members of The Goons. This book also details the alternative arrangements made when the entertainment organisations couldn't come – the forces often put on their own shows, with pantomimes and plays written and performed by POWs being a prime example.

Book Quality:: Publisher Quality
ISBN-13:: 9781784423520
Related ISBNs:: 9781784423513
Publisher:: Bloomsbury Publishing
Date of Addition:: 08/22/19
Copyrighted By:: N/A
Adult content:: No
Language:: English
Has Image Descriptions:: No
Categories:: History, Military, Nonfiction, Biographies and Memoirs, Social Studies
Submitted By:: Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:: This is a copyrighted book.