Friday Night is Music Night - A Handful of Songs: A Tribute to Lionel Bart

Join Barbara Windsor on Christmas Eve as she celebrates the 80th anniversary of the birth of composer Lionel Bart. Everybody knows a Lionel Bart song - A Handful Of Songs, Living Doll, From Russia With Love, Far Away, Happy Endings, 'Fings Ain't What They Used To Be, As Long As He Needs Me and Consider Yourself - to name just few. Recorded at Lionel's beloved Hackney Empire, Barbara presents this very special concert. And joining Barbara on stage is a glittering array of stars from stage and screen - Russ Abbot, Kerry Ellis, Bradley Walsh, Lee Mead, Eastender's Samantha Womack, Emma Barton and national treasure, Bernard Cribbins. Plus the Children from the Sylvia Young Stage School, including the West End's current Artful Dodger Joe Wolstenholme and Capital Voices - not forgetting the 70 piece BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Richard Balcombe. The show features songs from Lionel's vast repertoire including his musicals Blitz, Maggie May, Twang and of course, Oliver. And for a festive treat, Bernard Cribbins takes us back to the days of Jackanory with...... what else could it be but a story. And there's chance to hear from the cast in the interval too, as Radio 2 went to rehearsals and chatted with them all about the making of tonight's show. A Handful Of Songs - A Special Friday Night Is Music Night Tribute to a Great British genius - Lionel Bart - from Hackney Empire on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine with Barbara Windsor on BBC Radio 2 as we remember Lionel.