Beside the Seaside - Programme, 1958
Title
Beside the Seaside - Programme, 1958
Date
26 May 1958
Description
Full programme for Beside the Seaside by Leslie Sands, starring George Formby.
What's the story?
Set in the sitting room of a typical seaside boarding house, Beside the Seaside starred popular entertainer George Formby in one of his rare non-singing roles.
During the 1930s and 40s Formby was a huge star. According to the website for the George Formby Society, by 1939 Formby was the highest paid entertainer in the UK, earning over £100,000 a year (equivalent to £3 million in 2019).
Also, according to the website, during World War Two Formby entertained an estimated three million allied servicemen and women throughout Europe and the Middle East.
Although still popular, by 1958 when this play was presented Formby’s best years were certainly behind him and his health was deteriorating. Three years later in 1961 Formby died from a massive heart attack.
According to contemporary reports, 100,000 people lined the streets of Warrington on the day of his funeral.
During the 1930s and 40s Formby was a huge star. According to the website for the George Formby Society, by 1939 Formby was the highest paid entertainer in the UK, earning over £100,000 a year (equivalent to £3 million in 2019).
Also, according to the website, during World War Two Formby entertained an estimated three million allied servicemen and women throughout Europe and the Middle East.
Although still popular, by 1958 when this play was presented Formby’s best years were certainly behind him and his health was deteriorating. Three years later in 1961 Formby died from a massive heart attack.
According to contemporary reports, 100,000 people lined the streets of Warrington on the day of his funeral.
Type
Programme
Location of item
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Rights
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Contributor
Researcher: David Longford
