Greasepaint and Cordite by Andy Merriman
Once the Second World War had broken out, it soon became clear that morale would be crucial in the military effectiveness of our armed forces. And so was born the Entertainment National Services Association, or ENSA - to send the nation's best singers, dancers, musicians and comedians, from Noel Coward to Gracie Fields, to entertain the troops, however far away they might be. Over the course of the war ENSA gave their first break to such postwar stars as Tommy Cooper and Frankie Howerd, as well as enshrining the young Vera Lynn forever as the forces' sweetheart. When Allied troops landed in Normandy in 1944, George Formby followed close behind, while a distinguished troupe under Laurence Olivier was performing Shakespeare to British soldiers in Hamburg within weeks of the German surrender. Now, Andrew Merriman has talked to surviving ENSA veterans from Vera Lynn to Dame Beryl Grey, to piece together the extraordinary adventures of the ordinary men and women sent out across the world - even to inhospitable, dangerous Burma - whose contribution to the war effort was song, dance and laughter.
'Casts a revealing light on its starry cast' Independent 'Affectionate and admiring history.' -- John Preston Daily Mail 'Books of the Year' 'A delightful tale' Military History Monthly 'The story of how ENSA lifted the morale of our troops during the Second World War, often putting themselves in some danger, not least in the Far East.' Choice Magazine 'Merriman's colourful book aims to rebalance attitudes to the association through anecdotal evidence, first-hand accounts from surviving participants and by sketching in the wider historical context. Ensa was a heroic enterprise even if it was often ramshackle in organisation and erratic in its execution. Then again so as everything else at the time. After all there was a war on.' -- Neil Norman Daily Express 'This book has many stories in which the importance of entertainment shines through.' -- Craig Brown Mail on Sunday
ANDY MERRIMAN's other books for Aurum are acclaimed biographies of Hattie Jacques and Margaret Rutherford. He lives in London.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781781311622 |
| ISBN 10 | 1781311625 |
| Title | Greasepaint and Cordite |
| Author | Andy Merriman |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Quarto Publishing PLC |
| Year published | 2014-02-06 |
| Number of pages | 320 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |