Val Parnell’s Startime

1 9 5 6 – 1 9 6 0 (UK)

This showcase series – initially called Val Parnell’s Variety Startime – from the theatrical impresario and managing director of Associated Television featured variety stars in a Thursday night slot.

Artists who appeared on the show included Al Martino, Gracie Fields, Petula Clark, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, Adam Faith, Alma Cogan, Shirley Jones, Winifred Atwell, Dickie Valentine, Mel Torme, Rosemary Squires, Arthur Haynes, Lionel Blair, The Dallas Boys, Emile Ford, Jewell and Warriss and Bob Monkhouse.

Born Valentine Charles Parnell in London on 14 February 1892, he began working as an office boy for a music-hall circuit at the age of 13. By 1945, he had risen through the ranks to become managing director of the Moss Empires theatre circuit and was in direct control of some of London’s most prestigious theatres, including the London Palladium.

As Managing Director from January 1956 of Associated Television (ATV) – holder of the London weekend and the Midlands weekday franchises – Parnell held responsibility for all of the company’s productions, but with his showbusiness background, he naturally took a personal interest in its variety output, the production of which he had already been involved with at ATV before taking up his post.

Parnell resigned from the ATV board in 1966 to retire to France. He died of a heart attack on 22 September 1972.