A BBC light entertainment show broadcast from 1975 to 1979, filmed in a big top at various British seaside resorts. Originally the big top belonged to various circuses, but in later seasons, the BBC bought its own to be the venue. The programme was developed by producer Michael Hurll.
Seaside Special (Season 1)
Blackpool (Episode 1)
Air date: 1975-07-05
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: The first of a new series of variety shows featuring artists appearing at Britain's seaside resorts starring Ken Dodd with The Diddymen. Special guests Dana and Wild Honey. Introduced by David Hamilton and featuring New Edition.
Great Yarmouth (Episode 2)
Air date: 1975-07-12
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Starring Peters and Lee, with special guests Billy Dainty, Alan Randall, Frank Carson, Stu Francis, Cool Breeze and introduced by Noel Edmonds, featuring New Edition.
Blackpool (Episode 3)
Air date: 1975-07-19
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Special guests - Mike and Bernie Winters, The Three Degrees, Peter Gordeno and New Edition. With hosts David Hamilton and Paul Melba.
Poole (Episode 4)
Air date: 1975-07-26
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Starring Cilla Black and her guests Paul Jones, Don MacLean, the Brother Lees, and from clubland, Ronnie Dukes and Ricki Lee.
Great Yarmouth (Episode 5)
Air date: 1975-08-02
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Guest star Dick Emery, with Sacha Distel with Clodagh Rodgers, Little and Large and Norman Caley. Introduced by Noel Edmonds and featuring New Edition.
Torbay (Episode 6)
Air date: 1975-08-09
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Hosts - Noel Edmonds and Val Doonican, with guests Windsor Davies and Don Estelle, Ronnie Corbett, Lynn Rogers, Peter Hudson, Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee, John Inman, Mike Read, David Hamilton and Tony Blackburn.
Torbay (Episode 7)
Air date: 1975-08-16
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: With special guests ABBA, Lulu, Janet Brown, Kenneth McKellar, Mike Batt and Tony Blackburn.
Poole (Episode 8)
Air date: 1975-08-23
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: With guests Rolf Harris, The Bachelors, Stuart Gillies, Bernie Clifton, Johnny More, Rita Morris and Tony Blackburn, featuring New Edition.
Torbay (Episode 9)
Air date: 1975-08-30
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Guest starring Roy Hudd and Keith Harris with Tessie O'Shea, Lena Zavaroni, Derek Dene and Jon Britain.
