Author and playwright  David Slattery Christy, talks to us about his grandfather, Reg Pratley.

Reg's story shines a light on the social history of the early 20th Century.  From growing up in a sleepy Oxfordshire village via a short spell in the Royal Navy, Reg Pratley ended up managing one of the largest and  most prestigious travelling fairgrounds in England.  His story is part Mills and Boon romance, part Boy's Own Adventure and part historical drama. 

We also learn about David's new play about Ivor Novello and his leading ladies discussing the closure of the theatres - in 1939!   Who better to document this episode than David, the man who was the Novello advisor to the Gosford Park movie?   And all sorts of other topics are also covered, from the design of a department store to the Music Hall life of Dan Leno and the late Roy Hudd.

Mainly, though, this episode is about Reg Pratley, a remarkable character who literally ran away to join the fair and never looked back.   

We hope you enjoy Reg's story and that you'll share, rate and review us so that more people can "meet" him.

Guest's fantasy dinner party guests:

Dan Leno
Reg Pratley
Gloria Swanson
Joan Crawford
Roy Hudd
Ivor Novello


For additional information :

https://www.carterssteamfair.co.uk/:
https://www.londonsongfestival.org/concerts-1
https://www.christyplays.co.uk/
https://www.bookdepository.com

https://twitter.com/DSCAuthor
https://twitter.com/CartersFair
https://www.facebook.com/danlenoaroyaljester


Music:
Additional Music and SFX from https://www.zapsplat.com
Music composed by Adam A. Johnson

Episode Produced & Edited  By: 
Jacob Taylor


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