Santa's Grotto

When Christmas approaches the Mediatheque offers something to warm the hearts of sentimental traditionalists and bitter cynics alike. From festive greetings relayed by George Formby to decorating the Christmas tree with Robert Maxwell, our yuletide collection embraces royalty, striking Santas and chargrilled Christmas pudding.

Christmas 2008 saw us paying homage to the British yuletide TV specials of the past. You'll find old favourites from Morecambe & Wise and the Carry On team alongside rarer treats from Cilla Black, Tommy Cooper, Val Doonican and the Crazy Gang (not forgetting Rod Hull & Emu!). So join us as we succumb to a nostalgic, credit crunch-defying surge of festive kitsch.

Simon McCallum
Curator – Mediatheque

Five to Try

The Crazy Gang's Party (1957)
The Gang’s all here for festive frolics in a hugely popular show devised by Bud Flanagan.

Carry on Christmas (1969)
Hawtrey, James, Windsor and co. offer a cheeky take on Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Tommy Cooper's Christmas (1973)
Magic, music and sketches with the kooky comedian, with appearances by Sacha Distel and Clodagh Rogers.

Cilla (1974)
The Liverpudlian lovely is joined by David Essex and the Wombles for a special Boxing Day broadcast.

Rod Hull and Emu Sing a Christmas Song (1976)
Rolf Harris joins Rod and Emu for a seasonal singalong (with a little help from 300 excitable schoolchildren).

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