Broadcast monthly on ITV, this lavish variety show from Rediffusion featured television and music stars alongside circus acts, including elephants, acrobats, bears, clowns, jugglers, magic acts and trapeze and high-wire acts.
It was produced in the gigantic Studio Five at Wembley and, as a co-production with the US network CBS, it was produced using two sets of cameras – one in 405-line monochrome for the UK viewers and another in 525-line colour for US transmission.
The other advantage of US input was that the show could call on major stars from the other side of the Atlantic.
Hosts included Merv Griffin, Tony Randall, Woody Allen, Eddie Albert, Trini Lopez, Jack Carter, Bill Dana and Allan Sherman, assisted by hostesses Frances Dean, Jenny Hanley and Jenny White. The circus Ringmaster was Frank Foster.
When Woody Allen hosted, he had to box with a kangaroo (pictured). Plainly terrified, Woody lost on points.
It was produced in the gigantic Studio Five at Wembley and, as a co-production with the US network CBS, it was produced using two sets of cameras – one in 405-line monochrome for the UK viewers and another in 525-line colour for US transmission.
The other advantage of US input was that the show could call on major stars from the other side of the Atlantic.
