What was the Black and White Minstrel Show

A.� The Black and White Minstrel�Show was the most popular family entertainment show in its heyday, regularly attracting over 16 million viewers. Its racist implications were widely acknowledged in the late 1960s and 1970s and this ultimately led to the programme's demise.

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Q.� Where did it all start

A.� About 100 years after the 'Nigger Minstrel' entertainment tradition had begun, the convention was shown on television. This variety show was first screened on British television on 14 June 1958 and it stayed on air for over two decades.

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The show evolved from the Swanee River Trip Minstrel Radio Show. George Inns produced the 1957 television Minstrels (BBC2 September 1957) as part of the National Radio Show in London. It was formulated into a weekly 45-minute long show featuring Mississippi tunes and Country and Western songs.

The series was devised and produced by Inns and had musical appearances by George Mitchell and the Television Toppers Dance Troupe. The series showcased the Mitchell Minstrels, as well as entertainers�such as Tony Mercer, John Boulter and Dai Francis.

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Comedians such as Lesley Crowther, Stan Stennett and George Chisholm acted as 'fillers-in' between song routines. In 1961, the show won the Golden Rose of Montreux. It guaranteed an audience of 16 million, but frequently attracted 18 million. It established itself as the world's greatest musical variety show.

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The show featured white dancers and black-faced singers . This was believed to be visually striking, particularly when colour television was introduced in 1967.

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Q.� When did it end

A.� The show began to attract more and more critics despite the viewing figures. Many people were angry because it was at a time when very few black people were represented on television. On 18 May 1967, the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination delivered a petition to the BBC, signed by black and white people, requesting the programme be taken off screen. Despite the controversy, the programme continued until July 1978. Its removal coincided with the demise of the popularity of variety shows on British television.

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By Katharine MacColl