The need to audition is a common obstacle in many a performer's career; but for comics hoping to secure BBC airtime from the 1940s onwards, they could be particularly demanding - and with little chance of success.
A once much-loved British comedy sketch has acclaimed cult status on the continent whilst fading into obscurity in its home nation. This is the story of Freddie Frinton and Dinner For One.
Sid Field is perhaps the single greatest and most influential comic the western world has ever produced - but there's a very good chance you've never heard of him until now.
The off-screen sitcom legend Arthur Lowe could be no less self-important than his on-screen characters, but in real life he also sought to sail the ocean blue...
