top of page

The Roosters Concert Party on Radio

Radio broadcasts featuring The Roosters or troupe members on BBC Home & Empire services (including live broadcasts of stage shows) plus Continental English-language commercial broadcasts to Britain from Radio Luxembourg, Normandy, Paris & Lyons.

Trying to include as much detail as possible without full access to BBC archives I will note where it is known if programmes survive where known. For clarity, those titles in RED are known to no longer survive in the archives and those in GREEN are confirmed to be in broadcaster or private collections. Where it is not confirmed one way or the other the title will remain white but chances are the vast majority of programmes are lost as very little early broadcasting was retained by the BBC. For example when they thought of doing a ten year anniversary of broadcasting in 1932 they hoped to repeat some early shows only to find they hadn't kept any! So everything prior to 1932 is red and lost for started and even after this keeping copies of recorded shows was very intermittent through the 30s and 40s so sadly there is not much record of early radio comedy. 

The commercial stuff from Radio Luxembourg, Radio Normandy, Radio Paris & Radio Lyons was handled in a slightly different way as the English-language programmes were made by IBC (International Broadcasting Company) from 1931 in the Portland Place, London studio on shellac 78s which were then sent over to the Continent for broadcast. Sadly it appears no archive was kept of these in London even though the IBC studio is still there after a few changes of hands. Some of the records would have been kept at the broadcast stations for repeats but there doesn't appear to have been any serious attempts to catalogue and archive these pre-war and they were rather fragile. Once the war started the stations were taken over by the Nazi's for propaganda purposed (Lord Haw Haw broadcast from Luxembourg} so any English-language entertainment records would have been destroyed by the Nazis at this time. However, although rare, some of these old IBC records do turn up in private hands from time to time so some of them at least appear to have be been taken home back in the day! There's little way of knowing what survives where though.

Roosters Radio: Text

Sat, 20/10/1923 BBC London 2LO (Between 19:00 and 21:50)

Two sets with the 2LO Dance Orchestra playing between the sets.

7 :- News; Weather Report; Lady Baddeley, "Fleet-street Week for Bart's"; Mr. John Merchant, "Esperanto"; 2LO Dance Band; "Rooster's Concert Party"; 2LO Dance Band; "Rooster's Concert Party".


Sat, 15/12/1923 BBC London 2LO (Between 20:50 and 21:30)

(Simultaneous broadcast to Newcastle 5NO)

The Roosters' Concert Party.


Sat, 03/01/1924 BBC London 2LO (Between 20:30 and 21:30)

(Simultaneous broadcast to Cardiff 5WA)

The Roosters' Concert Party.

The Roosters Break their Shell; Concerted, "Home, Sweet Home", The Roosters; Dialect Monologue, "The First Pipe", Percy Merriman; Humorous Trio, "Hoodoo", Septimus Hunt, Arthur Mackness, and Percy Merriman; Duet, "Where My Caravan has Rested", Septimus Hunt and Arthur Mackness; Humorous Song, "I Love Me", William Mack; Duet, "Singing", Arthur Mackness and George Western; Humorous Trio, "A Venturesome Life". Septimus Hunt, Arthur Mackness, and Percy Merriman; "Carry On", William Mack and Percy Merriman; Song at the Piano, "I'm Tickled to Death I'm Single", George Western; Humorous concerted, "Fancy versus Fact", The Roosters.


Tue, 22/01/1924 BBC London 2LO (19:30-20:30)

(Simultaneous broadcast to Bournemouth 6BM)

The Roosters' Concert Party -

(1) The Roosters again break their shell;

(2) concerted - "I Want a Girl" (the Roosters);

(3) tenor solo - "In Love" (Arthur Mackness);

(4) humorous song - "Tuneful Tradesmen" (William Mack);

(5) concerted - "Gutter Merchants" (the Roosters);

(6) vocal duet - "Parted" (Arthur Mackness and Septimus Hunt);

(7) character studies from Dickens (Percy Merriman);

8) song at the piano - "You Never Know" (George Western);

(9) baritone solo - "Why Shouldn't I" (Septimus Hunt);

(10) A Pirate Trio (Arthur Mackness, William Mack, and Percy Merriman).


Wed, 06/02/1924 BBC London 2LO 21:00-21:30

The Roosters' Concert Party.

(1) Mr. Arthur Mackness and Mr. George Western - Comedy Duet, "Just Keep on Dancing" (Mayert and Paul); (2) Mr. William Mack - Humorous Song, "Scenes" (Grey);

(3) Mr. Arthur Mackness, tenor, "All Mine Alone" (Phillips);

(4) Mr. George Western - " A Vegetarian Rhapsody" (Grey);

(5) Mr Arthur Mackness and Mr. Septimus Hunt - Duet, "Tenor and Baritone" (Lane Wilson);

(6) Concerted "New Songs for Old" (Henry).


Sat, 23/02/1924 BBC London 2LO (19:30-21:30)

The 2LO Light Orchestra. The Roosters Concert Party.

  1. Concerted, “Sentimental Moon” (Hooper & Eckerley)… The Roosters

  2. Baritone Solo, “Watercress” (Larivay)… Septimus Hunt

  3. George Western and a Piano

  4. Concerted, “Dirty Work’ {Lee & Western)

  5. Impressions of well-known actors… Percy Merriman

  6. Duet, “The Lovers’ (Lane Wilson)… Arthur Mackness and Septimus Hunt

  7. A Rooster Grand-Guignol (Percy Merriman)


Sat, 12/04/1924 BBC London 2LO (20:00-20:30)

Half An Hour with the Roosters Concert Party


Mon, 12/05/1924 BBC Aberdeen 2BD (20:10-20:40 then 21:45-22:30)

The Roosters Concert Party -

(1) "The Roosters Break Their Shell"

(2) The Roosters - "A Bovine Barcarolle" (concerted);

(3) Monologues - "Hallo" and "The Single Hair";

(4) Tenor Solo - Selected;

(5) The Roosters - "The Pom, the Pug and the Pekinese" (concerted);

(6) Duet - "Keep on Never Minding";

(7) The Roosters - "Italia de Lingo" (concerted)

Continued 1 hour later as below…


Mon, 12/05/1924 BBC Aberdeen 2BD (21:45-22:30)

The Roosters Concert Party –

  1. Concerted, “Wung Lung Tu”… (Gideon)

  2. Some Short Stories (Percy Merriman)

  3. Baritone Solo, Selected (Septimus Hunt)

  4. Humorous Burlesque, “The Minstrel Boy” (William Mack)

  5. Incredible Happenings (The Roosters) Merriman

  6. George Western at the Piano

  7. Duet, “Watchman, what of the Night?” (Mackness & Hunt)

  8. A Grand Guignol (The Roosters) Merriman

  9. Concerted, “New Songs for Old” (The Roosters)


Tue, 13/05/1924 BBC Radio Glasgow 5SC (20:00-21:00)

The Roosters-

(1) Concerted- "The Future Variety Show";

(2) A Grand Guignal;

(3) Tenor Solo;

(4) A Venturesome Trio;

(5) Duet- "The Lovers";

(6) Mr. George Western (piano);

(7) Concerted "The Glorious Days To Be"


Wed, 14/05/1924 BBC Newcastle 5NO (19:45-21:15)

Music Gay and Serious - The Roosters Concert Party -

(1) "The Roosters Break Their Shell"

(2) The Roosters - "Pierrot Land" (concerted);

(3) Monologue - "An Old Bachelor";

(4) Humorous Song - "A Business Man";

(5) Baritone - Selected;

(6) The Roosters - "Spring Punions" (concerted);

(7) George Western (piano);

(8) Tenor Solo;

(9) Original Sketch - "Telling the Tale";

(10) Duet - "The Two Beggars";

(12) Humorous Song - "The Man Without a Past";

(13) The Roosters - "Down by the Wangaroo" (concerted);

(14) Dicken's Character studies;

(15) An Eastern Trio - "Hoodoo"

(15) Humorous Duet - "Muddled Riddles";

(16) The Roosters - "New Songs for Old" (concerted)


THUR, 15/05/1924 BBC Manchester 2ZY (21:00-21:30)

“The Roosters Break Their Shell” Merriman & Western

  1. Concerted, “Never Say Die” (The Roosters) Merriman & Western

  2. Monologues [“The Blackest Man I Know” Grey

          [“I Forget” Lea

  1. Baritone Solo, Selected (Septimus Hunt)

  2. An Eastern Trio, “Hoodoo” (Septimus Hunt, Arthur Mackness & Percy Merriman) Henry


Fri, 16/05/1924 BBC Birmingham 5IT (19:15-20:00 then 20:45-21:30)

19:15:- Concert Party Night - The Roosters Concert Party -

"The Roosters Break Their Shell" Merriman & Western

The Party

(1) "Who's Dat a-calling ?";

PERCY MERRIMAN

(2) "Potted Geography";

SEPTIMUS HUNT

(3) Baritone Solo;

The Party

(4) Grand Guignol;

(5) "A Topical Skit";

(6) "A Fine Old English Gentleman";

BREAK IN PROGRAMME FOR: 20:00- The Rev. A.E. Forrest on "New Books Worth Reading"

20.45:-

The Roosters Concert Party

(7) "Gutter Merchants";

ARTHUR MACKNESS

(8) Tenor Solo;

(9) Monologue;

GEORGE WESTERN at the Piano

(10) Piano Solo;

The Party

(11) Concerted Item, - "Down With the Whole Darn Lot";

ARTHUR MACKNESS & SEPTIMUS HUNT

(12) Duet - "Parted";

WILLIAM MACK

(13) Humorous, "And Yet I Don't Know";

The Party

(14) Rustic Scene - "How Time Flies";


Sat, 17/05/1924 BBC Bournemouth 6BM (20:10-20:40 then 21:05-21:30)

Variety Night: The Roosters Concert Party

“The Roosters Break Their Shell” Merriman & Western

Concerted, “Home Sweet Home” Merriman & Western

Monologue, “The Student” (Percy Merriman)

Duet, “Singing” (Arthur Mackness & George Western)

Original Sketch, “The Quarrels” (The Roosters) Merriman

George Western at the Piano

Concerted, “A Simple Melody”

Continued 25 minutes later after musical break as below…


The Roosters Concert Party

Concerted, “Fairyland”

Humorous Duet, “How Time Flies” (William Mack & Percy Merriman)

Concerted, “Over and Over Again”

Duet, “Tenor & Baritone” (Arthur Mackness & Septimus Hunt)

Humorous Sketch,”Scenes” (William Mack)

Concerted, “So We Go On”





Tue, 20/05/1924 BBC London 2LO (19:50-20:20)

The Roosters -

(1) "The Roosters Break Their Shell"

(2) Duet - "Keep on Never Minding";

(3) Impressions of Famous Actors;

(4) Baritone Solo;

(5) Burlesque - "The Minstrel Boy";

(6) The Roosters - "New Songs for Old" (concerted)


Wed, 18/06/1924 BBC London 2LO (20:00-22:00)

An Evening of Army Reminiscences he "Roosters" Concert Party -

Song, Story and Chorus arranged for Broadcasting by Percy Merriman, and Presented by The Roosters Concert Party.
Assisted by The Wireless Orchestra, conducted by Dan Godfrey, Junr.

A. - Blighty
1. Reveille - Physical Jerks and Cookhouse.
2. "Fall In!" The Sergeant-Major has his Innings. Song, "The Company Sergeant-Major" (Sanderson).
3. A Route March. Songs on the Road, "Tipperary," "Farmer's Boy," "John Brown's Knapsack," "Poor Old Joe," etc.
4. Kit Inspection - An Original "Roosters" Burlesque.
5. Rest Time. A few Army Jokes and a Glossary of Army Slang.
6. In a Y.M.O.A. Tent - A Typical Concert.
7. "Last Post " and "Lights Out."

B. - Active Service
1. France - Scenes from the Trenches.
2. The Italian Front.
3. The Eastern Campaign.
4. A "Roosters" Sketch - "Sick Parade."
5. Letters Up.
6. Blighty Again.


Wed, 23/07/1924 BBC London 2LO (20:00-22:00)

Dance Evening;

The Berkeley Dance Band

With Interludes at 20:30 & 21:30 by

The Roosters Concert Party


Sat, 02/08/1924 BBC Cardiff 5WA (19:55-21:30)

Popular Night: The "Roosters" Concert Party -

“The Roosters Break Their Shell”

The “Roosters”

Concerted, "On and On";

WILLIAM MACK

Humorous Sketch, Selected

ARTHIR MACKNESS & GEORGE WESTERN

Duet, "Keep On Never Minding";

The “Roosters”

Concerted, "A Fine Old English Gentleman";

PERCY MERRIMAN

Monologues, “Grave and Gay”

SEPTIMUS  HUNT

Baritone Solo, Selected

The "Roosters"

Original Sketch, “Quarrels” Merriman;

GEORGE WESTERN

Songs at the Piano;

8.50 - Septimus Hunt, Arthur Mackness and Percy Merriman

An Eastern Trio, "Hoodoo";

William Mack

Humorous Sketch, Selected

Arthur Mackness and Septimus Hunt

Vocal Duet, "Parted";

William Mack and Percy Merriman

A Bovine Barcarolle;

The "Roosters"

Concerted, "Sentimental Moon";

Percy Merriman

Monologues;

The "Roosters"

Concerted, "Spring Punions";

The “Roosters”

A Rustic Scene, "Sunny Old Somerset".


Mon, 04/08/1924 BBC London 2LO (20:00-22:00)

Simultaneous Broadcast to all stations

"A Summer Souffle" - Miss Winifred Fisher (light soprano), Miss Gladys Newth (soubrette), Mr Dennis Noble (baritone), Mr. Layton and Mr. Johnstone; the Roosters Concert Party; "2LO" Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Dan Godfrey, jun.

A B.B.C. Recipe
Suitable for a Holiday Evening's Entertainment.
(With apologies to Mrs. Beeton.)
S.B. to all Stations.
Ingredients:
1 Light Soprano in Henley frock Winifred Fisher
1 Soubrette ditto .. Gladys Newth
Baritone in white flannels Dennis Noble
Syncopated Songsters-I Brace Layton and Johnstone
1 Popular Concert Party "The Roosters"
Essence of Ivory and Catgut-1 Peck.
1 Small Orchestra ............"2LO's"
1 Conductor, complete with Baton Dan Godfrey, Junr.
A Head Chef P. Merriman Sundry popular music, stories and back-chat.

Take first a thin layer of Orchestra, carefully tuned. Before completing the layer, add a flavour of Concert Party with a small dash of Soubrette. Continue with successive layers of Orchestra, securing as much variety in flavour as possible by adding one by one others of the ingredients as fancy may suggest. Shake in a soupcon of Navy or Army and add a suspicion of "Mr. Everyman." Use a moderate-sized Studio and stir the mixture as briskly as possible to a delicate froth. Garnish plentifully with comedy and serve to the minute.
This dish will be found suitable for consumption at home or out-of-doors.


Sat, 20/09/1924 BBC Cardiff 5WA (20:20-20:50)

Popular Night: The Roosters

“The Roosters Break Their Shell” Merriman & Western

Concerted, “Never Say Die” Merriman & Western

WILLIAM MACK & GEORGE WESTERN

Duet, “You Never Know” Western

Concerted, “Koolaloo”

ARTHUR MACKNESS

Tenor Solo, Selected

PERCY MERRIMAN in

Dickens Sketches

Arthur Mackness & George Western

Duet, “Just Keep On Dancing”

Concerted, “Fancy and Fact”


Sat, 04/10/1924 BBC Bournemouth 6BM (19:30-19:55 then 20:10-20:30 then 20:50-21:10 then 21:20-21:30)

Concert Party Night: The Roosters Concert Party (interspersed with segments of The Wireless Orchestra)

19:30 The Roosters

“The Roosters Break Their Shell” Merriman & Western

Concerted Number, “Never Say Die” Merriman & Western

Septimus Hunt (baritone)

Selected

20:10 The Roosters

Arthur Mackness & Geo. Western

Selected

Humorous Sketch… William Mack

Concerted Number… “A Fine Old English Gentleman”

20:50 The Roosters

Monologues… Percy Merriman

Concerted, “So We Go On and On”

21:20 The Roosters

Selected Items


Sat, 11/10/1924 BBC London 2LO (19:30-21:30)

Simultaneous Broadcast to all stations

The Roosters Concert Party will repeat, in response to many requests, their Army Reminiscences. assisted by the Wireless Orchestra, S.B. to all stations. Characters performed by Arthur Mackness, Percy Merriman, George Western, Septimus Hunt, William Mack.

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES:

1. Reveille: Roll Call and Physical jerks (William Mack & Percy Merriman)

2. Fall In: The Sergeant-Major has His Innings (Percy Merriman)

3. Battalion Orderly Room (George Western)

4. A Route March: Songs and Talk on the Road (Percy Merriman)

5. Cookhouse: The Usual Scramble (Wiliam Mack)

6. A (S)Kit Inspection: Doge and Swinger in Trouble Again (Percy Merriman)

7. In a Y.M.C.A. Tent: A typical Army concert (Percy Merriman)

8. Lights Out (Percy Merriman)


Sat, 08/11/1924 BBC London 2LO (19:30-21:30)

The "Roosters" Concert Party and the Wireless Orchestra, Conducted by Dan Godfrey Jnr. Arthur Mackness, tenor; Septimus Hunt baritone; Percy Merriman, causeur; William Mack, humorist; George Western, piano.

A Song Cycle: The Fall of Tyre A. Crank; A General Hub-Hub;  For Wheel or Woa; A Few Handel Bars; A Song of the Mud-Guards; Iwosh; (H)Airs from Barbery; Bobbed or Shingled!; Simon the Celery; Dan Godrey Jnr. as a Light ving Conductor - The Old Plaid Shawl (A Wrap sody); Whose Zoo; What Opus!; A Furniture Suite in A Flat, O.N. Hyre; Chair, Boys, Chair!; A Tale Sofa; Pass Down the Car, Pet; The Dinner Waggoner; Dan Godfrey Jnr, Makes More Overtures; The Milkmaid's Dilemma - A Knocked-Urn!; A Fugue-ood Stories; Every Little Yelps.


Tue, 11/11/1924 BBC London 2LO (21:40-22:00)

Simultaneous Broadcast to all stations

The Roosters Concert Party – “Some Army Reminiscences”

Producer, Percy Merriman. Armistice Night broadcast.


Tue, 09/12/1924 BBC London 2LO (19:30-21:30)

"A Day in the Country" - The Roosters and Orchestra.


Sat, 27/12/1924 BBC London 2LO (19:30-21:30)

The Roosters in original pantomime "Old Mother Two Shoes" or "Dick Riding Hood and his Goose" (alternatively "Cinderella, or the Army Boot"), in four un-seens, S.B. to other stations. The Wireless Orchestra. "The Roosters" comprise Arthur Mackness (tenor), Septimus Hunt (baritone), Percy Merriman (entertainer), Willam Mack (humorous entertainer), George Western (pianist and entertainer).



Sat, 16/02/1925 BBC London 2LO (19:30-21:30)

Roosters: Arthur Mackness (tenor), Septimus Hunt, Percy Merriman (humorous entertainer); George Western (pianoforte and entertainer), and the Wireless Orchestra - Selection, conducted Dan Godfrey.

Peep Show -

(1) The Roosters - "Morsel of Vaudeville" (concerted);

(2) The Roosterss Army Reminiscences - "Battalion Orders" and "The S-kit Inspection" (concerted);

(3) Wireless Orchestra - "Old Army Airs";

(4) The Roosters - "At the Fair" (concerted);

(5) The Roosters - "A Touch of Grand Guignol" (concerted);

(6) The Roosters - "The Frozen Tadpole" (concerted);

(7) The Roosters - "The Clutching Toothpick" (concerted);

(8) The Roosters - "An Old Time Nigger Entertainment" (concerted);


Mon, 23/03/1925 BBC London 2LO (19:30-21:30)

The Roosters Concert Party and the Wireless Orchestra, conducted by Mr Dan Godrey, jun.


Fri, 03/07/1925 BBC London 2LO (20:30-22:00)

"An hour (or so) in an Estaminet" with John Henry and "the Roosters" Concert Party, followed by Orchestral Solos.  (Continental relay)


Tue, 07/07/1925 BBC London 2LO (20:00-22:00)

Simultaneous Broadcast to all stations

Weekly Dispatch – Wireless Ballet Programme

Mavis Bennett, Beatrice Harrison, D. de Groot, Irene Scharrer, Helena Millais, John Henry, Vivian Foster, The Roosters Concert Party, The Wireless Orchestra.


Sat, 01/08/1925 BBC London 2LO (21:00-22:00)

"The Roosters" in a medley of summer sport, assisted by the Wireless Orchestra:

(1) TENNIS; (2) CROQUET; (3) UP-RIVER; (4) CRICKET; (5) POLO; (6) THE TURF; (7) SWIMMING AND BOWLS; (8) THE TRACK; (9) GOLF; (10) SUMMER BEVERAGES.

A Sports Medley. This will be a medley based on summer sports. The titles of one or two items will serve to indicate the general nature of the entertainment. The first item, for example, is Tennis, furnished in teh programme with the sub-title "The Lengleu Trail or the Shaven Lawn (the little mower and how much it is)." The fourth item will deal with Cricket - "Hobb's Choice - hundreds and thousands; song, - O Willow, Waly; sketch, The Wicket World, or a Blob on the Escuteon." The fifth item, "Polo and Franscesca," explains itself.


Mon, 24/08/1925 BBC Cardiff 5WA (21:00-22:00)

A Good Egg - The Roosters' Concert Party -

(1) "The Roosters Break Their Shell" (Merriman and Western).

(2) Concerted - "Bingo Farm";

(3) Mr Arthur Mackness and George Western, duet, "Singing" (Hyton);

(4) Concerted - "Hoodoo" (Henry);

(5) Mr. George Western in Humour at the Piano;

(6) an Army Chorus - "Old King Cole";

(7) Mr. John Snowden (Solo Vioncello) - Sonata in G (Henry Eccles, arr. Salmon);

(8) the Concert Party - Concerted "Bambaloula" (Arthurs and Ellis);

(9) Mr. William Mack in Mirthful Moments;

(10) Mr. Arthur Mackness and Mr. Septimus Hunt, duet, "The Two Beggars" (Lane Wilson), A Pirate Trio (Henry);

(11) Concerted, "Same Old Moon" (Novello);

(12) Mr John Snowden - "Elegie" (Faure); and "Berceuse" (Rimsky-Korsakov)


Tue 25/08.1925 BBC Birmingham 5IT (15:45-16:45)

The Roosters Concert Party; Arthur Mackness (Tenor), Septimus Hunt (Baritone), Percy Merriman (Entertainer), William Mack (Humourist), George Western (Pianist and Entertainer), in Selections from their Repertoire.


Wed, 26/08/1925 BBC Manchester 2ZY (20:00-20:30)

The Roosters Concert Party

Arthur Mackness (Tenor); Septimus Hunt (Baritone); Percy Merriman (Entertainer); William Mack (Humorist); George Western (Pianist and Entertainer).
In Selections from their Repertoire.

Two Interludes by the "Brighter Manchester" Dance Band.

Relayed from the State Cafe.


Thu, 27/08/1925 BBC Glasgow 5SC (20:30-20:45 then 21:00-22:00)

20:30:- "The Roosters' Concert Party - S.B. To Dundee;

20:45:- The Station Orchestra - "Florodora"; "The Quaker Girl";

21:00:- The Roosters in selections from their Repertoire - S.B. to Belfast and Edinburgh.


Fri, 28/08/1925 BBC Aberdeen 2BD (20:00-20:40 then 21:20-22:00)

Music & Humour

MABEL CONSTANDUROS (Entertainer)

THE ROOSTERS CONCERT PARTY

ARTHUR MACKNESS (Tenor)

SEPTIMUS HUNT (Baritone)

PERCY MERRIMAN (Entertainer)

WILLIAM MACK (Humourist)

GEORGE WESTERN (Pianist & Entertainer)

The “2BD” REPERTORY COMPANY

20:00 THE CONCERT PARTY

In Selections from their Repertoire

20:40 MABEL CONSTANDUROS

“On the Doorstep”

“Fits”

“The Story of the Flood”

20:55 “THE CAVE MAN SPIRIT”

A Face in one Episode

By H.A. Gurney

Sarah (A Middle-aged Woman, Sharp and Aggressive)… Grace Wilson

Henry (A Middle-aged man, Meek and Mild)… G.R. Harvey

Dudley ( A Young Man)… William Dundas

Jane (A Servant)…}

Telephone Operator…} Daisy Moncur

Directed by William Dundas

21:10 MABEL CONSTANDUROS

“Miss Hicks Makes a Call”

“A Spoiled Romance”

21:20 THE CONCERT PARTY

In Further Selections from their Repertoire


Sat, 29/08/1925 BBC Newcastle 5NO (21:00-22:00)

From Newcastle the "The Roosters' Concert Party

ARTHUR MACKNESS (Tenor); SEPTIMUS HUNT (Baritone);
PERCY MERRIMAN (Entertainer);
WILLIAM MACK (Humorist);
GEORGE WESTERN (Pianist and Entertainer).
In Selections from their Repertoire.


Sat, 12/09/1925 BBC London 2LO (21:00-22:00)

The Roosters will give an hour's entertainment from the London station to-night.


Tue, 29/09/1925 BBC London Call 2LO (20:30-22:40)

Simultaneous Broadcast to all stations except 5YX

Concert organised by means of a competition conducted by the weekly paper “Tit-Bits” with a prize of £1,000 and this programme is based on the result. The artists will be Miss Carmen Hill, Mr. John Coates, Mr. Robert Radford, Miss Daisy Kennedy, Mr. Maurice, De Groot, John Henry, The Roosters Concert Party, and the 2LO Military Band. (The Roosters Concert are the first act on from 20:30, being given from Birmingham).


Wed, 11/11/1925 BBC London 2LO (21:45-22:15) Armistice Day Broadcast (Most programmes with an Armistice theme or message on this day).

The Roosters in "Some Army Reminiscences."


Wed, 09/12/1925 BBC London 2LO (20:00-20:40) (Jewish theme to most programmes this day?)

The Roosters in "Some Reminiscences of Jerusalem."


Mon, 21/12/1925 BBC Manchester 2ZY (20:30-22:00)

The "Roosters" Concert Party will be broadcast again from Manchester.


Wed, 24/02/1926 BBC London 2LO (20:00-20:50)

The "Roosters" in Nigger Minstrelsey. A village concert presided over by the 'Vicar of Mirth'. With Mr Stephen Wearing (pianoforte), the Savoy Augmented Symphonic Orchestra, and Miss Dorothy Varick (entertainer at the piano).


Fri, 26/02/1926 BBC London 2LO (20:45-21:50)

"A Village Concert" by William Mack and Percy Merriman. Presided over by "the Vicar of Mirth," supported by the "Roosters" Concert Party and others.


Sat, 13/03/1926 BBC London 2LO (20:00-22:00)

The "Roosters" Concert Party will give an entertainment.


Thu, 15/04/1926 BBC London 2LO (20:00-21:00)

The Roosters Concert Party


Tue, 06/04/1926 BBC Manchester 2ZY (20:30-22:00)

SOME ORIGINAL FARE

Provided by The Roosters Concert Party


Thur, 15/04/1926 BBC London 2LO (20:00-21:00)

The Roosters Concert Party

in a Request Programme.
ARTHUR MACKNESS.
SEPTIMUS HUNT.
PERCY MERRIMAN.
WILLIAM MACK
GEORGE WESTERN.


Tue, 27/04/1926 BBC Daventry 5XX (National Programme) (20:50-21:00)

"The Roosters".


Thu, 20/05/1926 BBC London 2LO (20:30-21:30)

The "Roosters"


Thu, 22/07/1926 BBC London 2LO (21:00-21:30)

"The Vicar at the Jumble Sale," Lawrence Anderson and the Roosters.


Mon, 13/09/1926 BBC Newcastle 5NO (20:00-20:30)

The Roosters Concert Party, including Arthur Mackness (tenor), Septimus Hunt (baritone), Percy Merriman (entertainer), William Mack (humorist), and George Western (pianist and entertainer).


Tue, 14/09/1926 BBC Aberdeen 2BD (21:00-21:30)

The Roosters Concert Party; Arthur Mackness (tenor), Septimus Hunt (baritone), Percy Merriman (entertainer), William Mack (humorist) and George Western (pianoforte and entertainer).


Wed, 15/09/1926 BBC Glasgow 5SC (16:30-17:15 then 17:15-18:00)

The Roosters Concert Party; Arthur Mackness (tenor), Septimus Hunt (baritone), Percy Merriman (entertainer), William Mack (humorist) and George Western (pianoforte and entertainer).

Then immediately after;

17.15:- Children - "The Roosters" with the aid of Auntie and the Uncles will provide a special Children's Corner.


Sat, 18/09/1926 BBC Cardiff 5WA (20:00-21:00)

The Roosters Concert Party including Arthur Mackness (tenor) Septimus Hunt (baritone), Percy Merriman (entertainer). William Mack (humorist) and George Western (pianist and entertainer) selections from their repertoire.


Thu, 04/11/1926 BBC Midland Regional Programme (?) (19:30-20:15)

Nottingham Armistice Service

The Roosters Concert Party. It was also the BBCs birthday celebration week in broadcasting (4 years). The Roosters would do another Armistice concert a week later, on Armistice Day, in London (See below entry)


Thu, 11/11/1926 BBC London 2LO (19:30-20:00)

"The Roosters" Concert Party. Armistice Day broadcast

ON the three last occasions of the Armistice Night programme listeners have had the pleasure of hearing the Army Reminiscences of that cheery little band, the ' Roosters.' This party must be almost the last of the original Army troupes extant, and wherever they perform this feature of their entertainment-the scenes and humours of army life in war time - is continually asked for. The idea of these reminiscences originated with Arthur Mackness, the tenor of the party. Most of the material was subsequently entrusted to the pen of Percy Merriman, two of the scenes being written by William Mack and one by George Western. The effects by which the Army sounds and scenes have been brought so vividly to the ears of listeners are managed by the ' Roosters' themselves, with the help of old Army friends, find much curiosity has been aroused among listeners as to how the effect of an army on the march can be so excellently presented, but the ' Roosters ' like to preserve a ' Brer Rabbit' attitude on this professional secret.
On Armistice night this year the 'Roosters' will once again give one of the Army scenes- a typical Y.M.C.A. concert of the 1914-1918 period complete with Padre, piano (with a past), good-hearted but amateur performance and a generally ribald audience.


Tues, 01/02/1927 BBC London 2LO (19:45-20:45)

There will be an entertainment by the "Roosters" Concert Party.


Sat, 19/02/1927 BBC London 2LO (15:15-18:00)

Children - Programme by The Roosters. (Children's Corner)


Mon, 28/02/1927 BBC Daventry 5XX (National Programme) (21:45-23:15)

"The Roosters".


Tue, 01/03/1927 BBC London 2LO (21:35-22:45)

The "Roosters".


Wed, 13/04/1927 BBC Manchester 2ZY (22:00-23:00)

Roosters Concert Party.


Tue, 19/04/1927 BBC Daventry 5XX (National Programme) (20:00-21:00)

The "Roosters".


Thu, 21/04/1927 BBC London 2LO (20:00-21:00)

"The Roosters".


Sat, 04/06/1927 BBC London (Call 2LO) (Part 1: 14:45-15:55, Part 2: 16:15-17:30)

2.45 Lord Riddell's Concert to celebrate the centenary of the Printers' Pension Corporation, relayed from Royal Albert Hall: Part 1. Band of the Royal Scots Guards; Imperial Stadium Choir; Essie Ackland, the "Roosters" Concert Party, Selections from heir Repertoire; Hughes Macklin (tenor);

4.14 Concert: Part 2. The Band; Guarda Hall (soprano); (flute obbligato by Sergt. A.E. Lumley-Holmes)' the "Roosters" Concert Party; Robert Easton and the Stadium Male Voice Choir. Speech by Lord Riddell. Military Tattoo music, as performed at the Imperial Stadium, Wembley, with the Imperial Stadium Choir. Edward C. Holmes (piano), Stanley Curtis (organ).


Thu, 21/07/1927 BBC London 2LO (19:45-20:45)

The "Roosters" Concert Party will give an entertainment which will be broadcast from the London and other stations of the British Broadcasting Corporation to-night at 7.45 p.m.


Fri, 11/11/1927 BBC London 2LO and BBC Daventry (Call 5XX) (18:45-19:15) (Armistice Day)

The Roosters Concert Party. Armistice Night broadcast.


Tue, 22/11/1927 BBC London 2LO and BBC Daventry (Call 5XX) (21:40-22:30)

The Roosters in "Bachelors All," by Percy Merriman.


Fri, 09/03/1928 BBC Daventry 5GB (20:00-21:00)

The Roosters.


Mon, 28/05/1928 BBC Daventry 5GB (20:00-20:35)

The Roosters Concert Party in The Guard Room, by Percy Merriman. Arthur Mackness (tenor); Septimus Hunt (baritone); Percy Merriman (entertainer); William Mack (humorist); George Western (pianist and entertainer).


Tue, 28/08/1928 BBC Daventry 5XX (National Programme) (19:30-20:00)

Roosters Concert Party - Mr. Arthur Mackness (tenor); Mr. Septimus Hunt (baritone); Mr. Percy Merriman (entertainer); Mr. William Mack (humorist); Messrs. Kenneth and George Western (entertainers).


Fri, 14/12/1928 BBC London 2LO (National Programme) (19:45-20:00)

Simultaneous Broadcat on Daventry 5XX

The Roosters Concert Party.


Fri, 08/02/1929 BBC Cardiff 5WA (19:45-21:00)

The "Roosters" Concert Party

In a Pot Pourri of Their Own Original and Exclusive Numbers

The Party:
Arthur Mackness (Tenor), Septimus Hunt (Baritone), Percy Merriman (Entertainer), William Mack (Humorist), Kenneth and George Western (Entertainers)

George Western
Original Songs at the Piano

Kenneth Western intervenes

The Lead Swingers
An Original Army Sketch (Percy Merriman)

An Army Chorus
Kenneth and George Western Singing their own songs

Original Sketch, 'Light's Out' Percy Merriman
At the Piano: George Western

MORE TEAILS IN RADIO TIMES



Sat, 09/03/1929 BBC London 2LO (19:45-21:00)

Simultaneous Broadcast on Daventry 5XX (National Programme)

arranged by Allan Brown. The Roosters Concert Party: Arthur Mackness (tenor), Septimus Hunt (baritone), Percy Merriman (entertainer), William Mack (humorist), Kenneth and George Western (entertainers) : Alice Lilley (soprano); Allan Brown (organ); Grace Ivell and Vivian Worth will entertain; Barrington Hooper (tenor), relayed from the Kingsway Hall.


Fri, 06/09/1929 BBC Daventry 5XX (National Programme) (20:30-21:40)

Roosters Concert Party; Claude Hulbert and Enid Trevor; Teddy Brown (xylophonist); Cosmo Club Six; Stainless Stephen.


Sat, 07/09/1929 BBC Daventry 5GB (Regional Programme) (20:00-21:00)

The Roosters.

(From Birmingham)
Present An Hour of Music and Humour,
Including their original Army Sketch, ' THE LEAD SWINGERS ’

Wed, 03/10/1929 BBC Light Programme (13:15-14:15)

Music-Hall

Charles Harrison , Billy ('Uke') Scott, Peter Cavanagh , George Doonan , Anne Ziegler and Webster Booth, Dave and Joe O'Gorman
BBC Variety Orchestra, conducted by Charles Shadwell. Announcer, Norman Wooland. Producer, John Sharman.

*Charles Harrison alone, without other Roosters)*

Wed, 03/10/1929 BBC Light Programme (13:15-14:15)

Music-Hall

Charles Harrison , Billy ('Uke') Scott, Peter Cavanagh , George Doonan , Anne Ziegler and Webster Booth, Dave and Joe O'Gorman
BBC Variety Orchestra, conducted by Charles Shadwell. Announcer, Norman Wooland. Producer, John Sharman.

*Charles Harrison alone, without other Roosters)*

Roosters Radio: Text

Tue, 28/01/1930 BBC London 2LO (21:40-22:45)

Simultaneous Broadcast to Daventry 5XX (National Programme)

The Roosters Concert Party in an Army Snapshot, Tommy's Little Day, by Percy Merriman; Florence Marks (entertainer); Mische Motte, the five-voiced entertainer; Winnie Melville and Derek Oldham; B.B.C. Dance Orchestra.


Fri, 14/02/1930 BBC Daventry 5GB (Regional Programme) (19:30-20:30)

The Roosters Concert Party

An Hour of Light Entertainment (From Birmingham).


Sat, 28/06/1930 BBC National Programme Daventry (19:30-21:00)

Vaudeville

MABEL CONSTANDUROS and MICHAEL HOGAN (In ' Sweeping a Chimney ')
JOHN MONTAGUE (In Popular 'Cello Solos)
ELSIE OTLEY (Light Soprano)
THE ROOSTERS' CONCERT PARTY (In ' Tommy's Little Day.' By Percy Merriman )
ALBERT WHELAN (The Australian Entertainer)
RICHARD HAYWARD (Irish Songs)
HENRY C. FELix (Imitations)
ESTELLE ROSE (Character Comedienne)
JACK PAYNE and his B.B.C. DANCE ORCHESTRA


Sat, 02/08/1930 BBC National Programme (19:30-21:00)

The Roosters, in variations on an old Army Theme, by Percy Merriman and Frederick Pain; The Three Ginx (in harmony), Two Pairs, Claude Hulbert, Enid Trevor, Paul England; Pat Paterson; Ethel Dunford (light songs at the piano); Joseph Fiers, accordin solos; Leslie Weston (comedian); Fred Lewis, impersonator; B.B.C. Dance Orchestra.


Tue, 04/11/1930 BBC London Regional Programme (20:40-20:55)

The Roosters on Parade:- An excerpt from an old soldiers' Concert.

The Roosters Concert Party will take part in an old soldiers' concert organised by the St. Marylebone Branch of the British Legion, to be given in the small Queen's Hall on Tuesday, November 4th. The programme is entitled "The Roosters on Parade", and will be relayed to London Regional [BBC].


Mon, 22/12/1930 BBC National Programme (21:35-22:50) (repeated 25th on the Regional Programme, 21:50-22:50)

(1) The Maestros (in harmony)

(2) The Roosters, in Tommy's Christmas, by Percy Merriman

(3) Ella Retford (principal boy in this years’ pantomime, Alladin, at the Dominion Theare, London, in some of her pantomime hits)

(4) Mabel Constanduros and Michael Hogan in Mrs. Buggins's Birthday, supported by the Foursome in songs specially composed by George Posford.

(5) Walford Hyden and his Orchestra  


Sat, 10/01/1931 BBC National Programme (19:30-21:00)

The Roosters Concert Party; Arthur Mackness, Albert Howe (entertainer), Percy Merriman (entertainer), Septimus Hunt (baritone), William Mack (humorist), and Percy Merriman (at the piano); Allan Brown (organ), relayed from the Kingsway Hall.

Arranged By: Allan Brown

Tenor: Albert Howe

Entertainer: Percy Merriman

Baritone: William Mack

Captain Posh: Arthur Mackness

Sergeant Scrounge: Septimus Hunt

Private Miker: Albert Howe

Private Dodge: Percy Merriman

Private Swinger: William Mack

This was Howe's last performance, he died the next day when he slipped off a tram and banged his head.


Sat, 21/03/1931 BBC Cardiff Regional Programme (19:30-20:15)

The Roosters Concert Party; Arthur Mackness, William Mack, Percy Merriman, Charles Harrison, Robert Carr and Frederick Pain, relayed from the Central Hall, Bristol.

Subaltern: Arthur Mackness

Sergeant-Major: Robert Carr

Privates:

Percy Merriman

William Mack

Charles Harrison

Frederick Pain

Percy Merriman



Mon, 13/04/1931 BBC National Programme (19:50-21:00)

(1) Those Four Chaps (Bobby Comber, Paul England, Claude Hulbert, and Eddie Childs)

(2) Yvette Darnac, in light ballads

(3) Ronald Frankau (entertainer)

(4) The Roosters, in The Old Comrade's Re-union, by Percy Merriman

(5) Jack Payne and his B.B.C. Dance Orchestra

(6) Ethel Lodge, in Mrs. Spifkins Goes An Outing, by Nora Hudson Lewis

(7) Clapham and Dwyer in Another Spot of Bother


Sat, 20/06/1931 BBC Cardiff Regional Programme (5WA) (15:30-16:00 then 16:15-16:45)

The Roosters Concert Party; William Mack, Percy Merriman, Frederick Pain, Septimus Hunt, Arthur Mackness, and Wilfrid Liddiatt, relayed from the Pavilion, Bath.

15:30

  1. The Roosters Calling… Merriman and Pain

  2. Come Round London… Ager

  3. Pot Pourri

  4. Trio (Arthur Mackness, Percy Merriman and William Mack)

The Girls Take Command… Harmon and Pain

  1. Duet, (Arthur Mackness and Sptimus Hunt)

Selected

  1. The Roosters

Waiters… Mack and Pain

16:15 (continued after Interval, Gramophone Records played between 16:00-16:15).

“The Censor”

Original Army Sketch by Merriman and Russell

List of characters;

Officer… William Mack

Sgt.-Major… Septimus Hunt

Privates… Percy Merriman, Arthur Mackness, Frederick Pain, Wilfrid Liddiatt


Wed, 01/07/1931 BBC National Programme (21:35-22:30)

The Roosters Concert Party, with Arthur Mackness, Septimus Hunt, William Mack, Percy Merriman, Wilfrid Liddiatt, and Frederick Pain, in a series of Army reminiscences, by Percy Merriman.


Sat, 14/11/1931 BBC National Programme (19:30-20:45)

The Roosters in Tommy's Rest Time, by Percy Merriman; Bobby Comber (comedian); Mabel Marks (entertainer at the piano); Trevor Watkins, in light ballads; Lena Chisholm and Ord Hamilton, in something new; Tommy Handley (comedian); B.B.C. Dance Orchestra will play throughout the programme.


Fri, 20/11/1931 BBC Midland Regional Programme (20:15-21:15)

The Roosters Concert Party, with Arthur Mackness (tenor), Percy Merriman (entertainer), Charles Harrison (comedian), Septimus Hunt (baritone), William Mack (humorist), Frederick Pain (at the piano), replayed form the B.T.H. (Rugby) Ex-Serviceman Association Reunion, at the Cooperative Hall, Rugby.

THE Roosters Concert Party was formed during the War, in Salonika in March, 1917. Eighteen artists were selected from the troops, and the party was named after
Camp Commandant Captain Roose, who inaugurated a party fund with a gift of £5. Before the Roosters left Salonika they had given seventy performances. They went to Egypt and toured in the desert, giving twenty-one shows in twenty-eight days. At Christmas they presented Cinderella in Army Boots in the old theatre there. Performances were also given in Jordan Valley, Jericho, Cairo, and Alexandria. The Party returned to England in 1919.


Sat, 05/12/1931 BBC Midland Regional Programme (19:30-20:30)

ARTHUR MACKNESS (Tenor)
PERCY MERRIMAN (Entertainer)
CHARLES HARRISON (Comedian)
SEPTIMUS HUNT (Baritone)
WILLIAM MACK (Humorist)
FREDERICK PAIN (at the Pianoforte)
From THE CENTRAL HALL, BIRMINGHAM


Sat, 19/03/1932 BBC Midland Regional Programme (19:20-20:30)

The Roosters Concert Party

From The Central Hall, Walsall


Thu, 24/03/1932 BBC London Regional Programme (21:15-22:10)

The Roosters present their well-known sketch "In Khaki", a series of Army reminiscences, by Percy Merriman, with Percy Merriman, Arthur Mackness, Septimus Hunt, William Mack, Charles Harrison, and Frederick Pain.


Mon, 13/06/1932 BBC National Programme (20:00-21:00)

Vaudeville - The Roosters Concert Party.

In one of their Old-time Lighthearted Vaudeville Hours. The programme will include the popular item "The Skit Inspection," by Percy Merriman.


Tue, 13/09/1932 BBC Midland Regional Programme (20:00-21:00)

The Roosters, in selections from their repertoire, including a new and original Army sketch, the Recruiting Depot, on the occasion of the Annual Hospital Carnival Week, from the Scala Theatre, Nottingham.



Tue, 15/11/1932 BBC Midland Regional Programme (20:30-21:25)

The Roosters, in more Reminiscences, at the Anual Reunion Dinner of the City of Birmingham Gas Department Staff Ex-Service Association, relayed from the Recreation Room, Council House, Birmingham.


Mon, 21/11/1932 BBC National Programme (20:00-21:00)

The Roosters: Percy Merriman, Arthur Mackness, Septimus Hunt, William Mack, Charles Harrison, and Ferderick Pain, in a programme including a relay from Little Giggleswick by Frederick Pain and the Recruiting Depot, by Percy Merriman.


Sat, 28/01/1933 BBC Midland Regional Programme (19:20-20:20)

The Roosters Concert Party

will present a Programme of Solos and Concerted Numbers including one of their original Army sketches
From The Central Hall, Coventry


Sat, 19/08/1933 BBC Midland Regional Programme (16:15-17:15)

The Roosters Concert Party, relayed from the Leicestershire and Rutland British Legion Rally and Fete at Syston, Leicester.


Fri, 13/10/1933 BBC Midland Regional Programme (20:00-21:00)

The Roosters Concert Party, from the Central Hall, Coventry. In aid of The Widows' and Orphans' Fund of the National Union of Railwaymen.


Sat, 28/10/1933 BBC Western Regional Programme (19:30-20:00)

Relayed from The Central Hall, Bristol
' THE ROOSTERS ' CONCERT PARTY
ARTHUR MACKNESS; SEPTIMUS HUNT; WILLIAM MACK ; PERCY MERRIMAN ; WILFRID LIDDIATT ; FREDERICK PAIN


Sat, 04/11/1933 BBC Midland Regional Programme (19:15-20:15)

The Roosters Concert Party in a programme of selected favourites, relayed from the Central Hall, Walsall.


Sat, 20/11/1933 BBC National Programme (20:15-21:00)

The Roosters: Arthur Mackness, Septimus Hunt, William Mack, Percy Merriman, Charles Harrison and Frederick Pain in a programme of vaudeville items, concluding with an army route march with a military band led by Charles Leggett.


Fri, 22/11/1933 BBC Empire Radio Programme (from Daventry 5XX) (15:50-17:20 GMT)

Programmes for India, Burma, Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States. From the Empire Transmitter, Daventry. Two of the following frequencies and wave-lengths will be used simultaneously, but the wavelengths may be changed in the course of each day's tranmissions. Announcements will be made at frequent intervals. :-

            Call Sign         Frequency                   Wave-length

            GSG                17,790 kc/s                 16.86m.

            GSF                 15,140 kc/s                 19.82m.

            GSE                 11,865 kc/s                 25.28m.

       or GSD                 11,750 kc/s                 25.53m.

            GSC                  9,585 kc/s                 31.30m.

       or GSB                   9,510 kc/s                 49.59m.

            GSA                  6,050 kc/s                 49.59m.

15:50:- "The Roosters Concert Party."


Fri,  24/11/1933 BBC Empire Radio Programme (from Daventry 5XX) (22:20-23:50 GMT)

"The Roosters Concert Party."


Sat, 24/02/1934 BBC Midland Regional Programme (19:15-20:00)

The Roosters Concert Party:

Relayed from
The Central Hall, Birmingham

Duet (ARTHUR MACKNESS AND SEPTIMUS HUNT)

Some Nonsense (CHARLES HARRISON AND WILLIAM MACK)

A Piano Diversion (FREDERICK PAIN)

Army Sketch, The Awkward Squad


Sat, 14/04/1934 BBC National Programme (20:00-21:00)

'The First Twelve Years - Radio Variety, 1922-1934': Norman Long; Helena Millais; the Roosters; John Henry; Tommy Handley; Mario de Pietro; Clapham and Dwyer; Elsie and Doris Waters; Anona Winn; Harry S. Pepper and Doris Arnold; the Carlyle Cousins;  Henry Hall and the B.B.C. Dance Orchestra; the Eight Step Sisters; the B.B.C. Theatre Orchestra, conducted by S. Kneale Kelley; John Watt (compere).


Sat, 30/08/1934 BBC West Regional (20:15 - 21:00) (Hull Daily Mail, Thur 09/08/1934, bit of history)

The Roosters Concert Party

(' Old Soldiers never die ')
In Selections from their repertoire
ARTHUR MACKNESS (tenor)
SEPTIMUS HUNT (baritone)
WILLIAM MACK (humorist)
WILFRID LIDDIATT (humorist)
PERCY MERRIMAN (entertainer)
FREDERICK PAIN (at the Piano)
Relayed from
The Victoria Pavilion, Ilfracombe


Fri, 09/11/1934 BBC National Programme (20:45-21:10)

The Famous War-time All-Male Concert Party “The Roosters”

Old Favourites - New Numbers, with Arthur Mackness (tenor); Septimus Hunt (baritone); Percy Merriman (entertainer); William Mack (humorist); Charles Harrison (comedian); Frederick Pain (at the pianoforte).

Re-appearance of the Famous Concert Party
Old Favourites-New Numbers
1917-1934 Still Growing! Old Soldiers Never Die
The Old Firm
ARTHUR MACKNESS, tenor SEPTIMUS HUNT, baritone
PERCY MERRIMAN, entertainer WILLIAM MACK, humorist
CHARLES HARRISON, comedian
FREDERICK PAIN, at the pianoforte
This indomitable little concert party, under the lead of Percy Merriman, still goes strong. It cheered the 60th (London) Division before their advance into the Bulgarian hills seventeen years ago; it followed them into Egypt and toured the desert entertaining the various battalions; it set up as a stock company in Jerusalem; and it made merry laughter echo along the Jordan valley as far as Jericho. It survived the war, but perhaps an even greater feat was to survive the peace.
It seems an astonishing thing that of its six present members Arthur Mackness, Percy Merriman, William Mack, and Charles Harrison all appeared with it in Salonica on that memorable first night. Septimus Hunt has been with it ever since the Armistice. Frederick Pain served in the front line in France with the 15th London (Civil Service) Rifles and took the place of George Western in the Roosters three years ago, when he left to found the famous Western Brothers.
Here they are again on the air - the Roosters, who took their name from the Commandant of Summerhill Camp Captain Roose, who sponsored them while Britain was at war. Old songs and new; the old spirit; burlesque and stunts. Old soldiers never die.


Sat, 01/12/1934 BBC West Regional Programme (19:45-20:30)

The Roosters Concert Party

(' Old Soldiers never die')
ARTHUR MACKNESS (tenor)
SEPTIMUS HUNT (baritone)
WILLIAM MACK (humorist)
CHARLES HARRISON (humorist)
PERCY MERRIMAN (entertainer)
FREDERICK PAIN (at the piano)
In Selections from their Repertoire
Relayed from The Central Hall, Bristol


Sat, 08/12/1934 BBC Midland Regional Programme (19:30-20:00)

The Roosters Concert Party

Relayed from The Town Hall, Birmingham
(On the occasion of the Centenary Celebration Concert of the Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society)
The famous old war-time concert party, ' The Roosters ', has been frequently ' on the air '. This concert is one of the Midland celebrations of the Centenary of the Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society. A meeting of members of the Society from all parts of the world is to be held at Nottingham, and there is to be a pilgrimage to the grave of Little John at Hathersage in Derbyshire


Tue, 19/03/1935 KUALA LUMPUR (BBC Empire Programme) (Call Sign ZGE, Wavelength 48.92m.) (Between 19:30 & 21:00) (GMT)

Humorous Sketch - The Recruiting Office (Parts 1 & 2)* The Roosters Concert Party.

(* the commercial record played rather than sketch newly performed)


Tue, 28/05/1935 BBC Regional Programme (20:00-20:20)

The Roosters: Arthur Mackness (tenor), Septimus Hunt (baritone), William Mack (entertainer), Percy Merriman (entertainer), Charles Harrison (entertainer), Frederick Payne* (pianist).

(*As written in The Times for this edition, but likely Frederick Pain)!


Fri, 06/09/1935 BBC West Regional Programme (20:00 - 20:59) (WESTERN MORNING NEWS CLIP, FRI 06/09/1935)

The Roosters Concert Party

Arthur Mackness (tenor), Septimus Hunt (baritone), Percy Merriman (entertainer), William Mack (humorist), Wilfrid Lidiatt (comedian), Frederick Pain (at the piano).

In a mélange of mirth, music, mummery and minstrelsy
Relayed from
The Princess Pier Pavilion, Torquay
ARTHUR MACKNESS (tenor) SEPTIMUS HUNT (baritone)
PERCY MERRIMAN (entertainer)
WILLIAM MACK (humorist)
WILFRED LIDDIATT (comedian) FREDERICK PAIN (at the piano)
This concert party originated in a scratch show given early in 1917 in the Balkans, where the members were attached to the 60th Division, which was afterwards moved to Palestine. They made such an immediate hit that their party soon became a permanent institution and their performances at Jerusalem were a source of great joy and satisfaction to the officers and men on that front. There were many War-time concert parties but this is one of the few to survive, many of the original members being still with the party.


Mon, 25/11/1935 BBC Midland Regional Programme (21:15-22:00)

Roosters Concert Party.

Relayed from The Town Hall, Birmingham
This valiant little concert party was formed in Salonika from members of the 17th London Regiment in 1917, and was called ' The Roosters ' as a compliment to Captain Roose, Commandant of the Camp. The Roosters ' followed the 60th London Division into Egypt and toured the desert, played for four months in Jerusalem, toured the Jordan Valley as far as Jericho, and gave shows in Cairo and Alexandria.
They first went on the air in 1923, and have been there on and off ever since..... Eighteen years, and still crowing.


Wed, 05/02/1936 BBC Transmission 4 (BBC Empire Programme) (00.35-01:10) (GMT)

"The Roosters." The famous Army concert party in selections from their repertoire, including some War-time memories. Arthur Mackness (Tenor), Septimus Hunt (Baritone), Merriman (Entertainer), Charles Harrison (Comedian), Frederick Pain (Pianist).


Wed, 12/02/1936 BBC Transmission 2 (BBC Empire Programme) (19.05-19:35) (GMT?)

"The Roosters." The famous Army concert party in selections from their repertoire, including some War-time memories.


Thu, 25/06/1936 BBC Western Regional Programme (20:45-21:30)

The Roosters Concert Party

From the Victoria Pavilion, Ilfracombe
ARTHUR MACKNESS
(tenor at the Roosters initial performance in Greece)
SEPTIMUS HUNT
(baritone and Fierce Sergeant-Major-joined in 1919)

PERCY MERRIMAN
(entertainer at the Roosters initial performance in Greece)
WILLIAM MACK
(who made them laugh at the initial performance)
FRED LEWIS (impressionist)
FREDERICK PAIN (at the piano)


Sat, 20/11/1937 BBC Western Regional Programme (21:40-22:00)

West Country Visitors’ Book

The Roosters Concert Party from the Central Hall, Bristol
The cast includes :
Arthur Mackness (tenor)
Septimus Hunt (baritone)
Charles Harrison (comedian)
William Mack (humorist)
Percy Merriman (entertainer)
Frederick Pain (pianist)


Mon, 28/12/1936 BBC Regional Programme (20:20-21:00)

The Roosters: Yarns by Edward Nichol; music by C. Shanty; the B.B.C. Variety Orchestra, conducted by Charles Shadwell.


Tue, 09/02/1937 BBC Transmission 5 (for Singapore, BBC Empire Programme) (07:20-08:00) (GMT)

The following frequencies will be used: GSD 25.53M., GSC 31.32m., and GSB 31.55m.

'The Roosters. Hatched 1917 - still crowing 1937. This famous Army concert party will give selections from its repertoire.


Sat, 20/11/1937 BBC West of England (21:40-22:00)

The Roosters Concert Party


Sat, 08/01/1938 BBC National Programme (20:00-21:00)

Variety (Music Hall?) - with Vesta Victoria; Ross and Williams; John Rorke; the Gerard Singers; the Roosters; Leslie Weston; Michael Moore; chairman, Vernon Watson; the B.B.C. Variety Orchestra, conducted by Ernest Longstaffe.


Mon, 28/03/1938 BBC Regional Programme (21:15-22:00)

The Roosters Come of Age
(Formed Salonica, 1917)
Some pages from the history of this famous Army Concert Party, compiled from personal and official records, in which many of the numbers made popular to soldiers out East will be recalled
The following will take part
The Roosters of Today
*Arthur Mackness .
Septimus Hunt *William Mack Frederick Pain
*Charles Harrison *Percy Merriman
Bygone Roosters: *George Western Kenneth Western
*Gordon Marsh *Stanley Davis
* Original Roosters
The Roosters will also welcome as their guests:
General Sir John Shea , G.C.B., K.C.M.G., D.S.O. (late G.O.C.
60th Div.)
Captain G. U. B. Roose
Lt. H. H. Warren (Narrator)
The BBC Variety Orchestra
Conducted by Charles Shadwell
Produced by John Sharman
See page 11 for pictures and a message from Percy Merriman


Tue, 31/05/1938 BBC National Programme (21:40-22:10)

A Remembrance Concert

of The Eastbourne Combined Ex-Servicemen's Association with Entertainment by The Roosters,
Community Singing and An Epilogue from the Winter Gardens, Eastbourne
In commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the Battle of Jutland, the audience of ex-Servicemen are to be entertained at the Winter Gardens, Eastbourne, by ex-Servicemen-the famous Roosters Concert Party.
Lu-Col. Gwynne, President of the Association, will propose a silent toast in remembrance of those who were killed in the war, and he will call on a petty-officer to strike ' Four Bells ' on a bell that belonged to the late Admiral Lord Beatty 's flagship, H.M.S. Lion.


Fri, 14/07/1938 BBC WEST - START POINT - CLEVEDON (22:05-22:30)

The Roosters Summer Show.


Sat, 11/11/1939 BBC Home Service (18:30-19:30) (Armistice Day)

LOOKING BACK - a collection of recollections, 1914-1918, written by Dick Pepper, produced by Ernest Longstaffe, with the Roosters, Jack Warner, Fred Yule, Denis O'Neill and Randolph Sutton, Alan Howland, the B.B.C. Male Revue Chorus and the B.B.C. Variety Orchestra.


Tue, 27/05/1941 BBC Forces Programme (16:30-16:50)

The Roosters Parade

Devised by Percy Merriman
Being excerpts from the repertoire of the famous Roosters Concert Party with Louis Dare , Septimus Hunt , Frederick Pain , Charles Harrison ,
Herbert Aldridge , and Percy Merriman
BBC Variety Orchestra and Male
Revue Chorus
Produced and conducted by Brnest Longstaffe
Septimus Hunt , Frederick Pain , Charles Harrison , and, of course, Percy Merriman himself were original members of the little concert party formed in Salonika during the last war. The Roosters cheered the 60th (London) Division before their advance into the Bulgarian hills twenty-four years ago ; followed them into Egypt, set up as a stock company in Jerusalem ; made merry laughter echo along the Jordan valley as far as Jericho ; and have been famous ever since.


Tue, 11/11/1941 BBC Forces Programme (18:40-19:00)

The Roosters Concert Party.

Original concert party of the 60th London Division : Salonica-Egypt -Palestine


Sat, 28/03/1942 BBC Home Service & General Forces Network (15:30-16:00)

The Roosters.

Twenty-fifth anniversary. Some of the boys of the Old Brigade celebrate the first performance given by the original concert party of the 60th Division at Summer Hill Camp, Salonika, 1917. Script by Ray Sonin. Presented by Jacques Brown


Sat, 18/09/1943 BBC General Forces Network (Afternoon)

The Roosters' Concert Party. (See right)


Mon, 29/11/1943 BBC Forces Programme (12:30-13:00)

Break For Music

ENSA concert for war-workers, from a factory canteen. Jack Simpson and his Sextet, with Betty Kent. Guest artists, ' The Roosters ' concert party


Sat, 28/09/1946 BBC Light Programme (17:30-18:00)

The Stuff They Gave the Troops

A programme featuring the Roosters Concert Party with some of the entertainment they have given the troops in two wars


Tue, 13/01/1959 BBC Home Service (19:45-21:00)

Scrapbook for 1918

A retrospective on the world as it was in the last year of war. Includes Percy Merriman as speaker, also Leslie Sarony and Clarence Wright. (Recorded on 08/11/1958, Broadcast 13/01/1959)

Roosters Radio: Text

Desert Island Discs

Mon, 17/08/1964 BBC Home Service (13:10-13:40)

Percy Merriman was guest on this edition of Desert Island Discs (47 years after The Roosters formed)! Amongst his chosen records were 4 of the sketch records by his Roosters' Concert Party released on 78rpm in the late 20s and early 30s; Route March, Old Comrade's Reunion, A Village Concert, and Lights Out.
Only a 3 1/2-minute excerpt survives from this show in the BBC archives.
CHOSEN RECORDS;
1. CASTAWAYS FAVOURITE: Roosters Concert Party & Military Band - Route March
2. Edward German - Henry VIII Dances (Por Arte Orchestra, conducted by Malcolm Sargent)
3. Webster Booth - Roses of Picardy
4. The Roosters Concert Party - Old Comrades Reunion
5. Frank Chacksfield & His Orchestra - Autumn Concerto
6. Rooster Concert Party - A Village Concert
7. Palace Theatre Orchestra - Bric-a-Brac (Selection)
8. The Roosters Concert Party - Lights Out
His chosen luxury items were the Oxford 'Dictionary of National Biography' for book, and field glasses (binoculars) for item.

Roosters Radio: Video
bottom of page