Sunday Night At The London Palladium

The Beatles made their debut on the television show Val Parnell’s Sunday Night At The London Palladium on 13 October 1963. Three months later they made their return.

The difference in The Beatles’ profile between then and now was huge, illustrated not least by their fee having gone from £250 to £1,000. The show was made by Associated TeleVision (ATV), and invariably attracted huge viewing figures.

Much of the day was spent in rehearsals at the Palladium, with The Beatles topping the bill during the live show, which was broadcast from 8.25pm to 9.25. The group took part in a short skit with compère Bruce Forsyth, and closed the show with a five-song set.

The songs performed were ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’, ‘This Boy’, ‘All My Loving’, ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ and ‘Twist And Shout’.

Also on the bill were singer Alma Cogan and comedian Dave Allen. The Beatles joined them and Forsyth on a revolving carousel at the end of the show where they waved goodbye to the tune of Startime.

This was the first time The Beatles met Alma Cogan. After the show she invited them back to her flat at 44 Kensington High Street, which she shared with her mother and younger sister. The Beatles, used to making a quick exit from venues, arrived before Cogan, who was busy getting changed in her dressing room back at the Palladium.

Last updated: 13 January 2012
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  1. Paul Griggs Thursday 16 December 2010

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