It’s fast. It’s furious. It’s got laughs, songs, tap dancing and violin case-wielding gangsters! It’s been called ‘A love letter to the 1930s’, and Pia Zammit wants to find out more about The Great Big Radio Show! So she goes to the source and meets up with both the author of the book and lyrics – Philip Glassborow, and also the director and one-time creator of a couple of the roles in this musical , Polly March. We also get a bit more than we bargained for, as Kate Middleton makes an appearance too. Intrigued? Read on…

Let’s set the scene. It’s 1933 and we’re in New York. The Great Big Radio Show! (GBRS) is America’s top-rated variety programme and due to go out live at 8pm. But the star of the show has not turned up. What to do?

The producer, his PA, the bandleader and host have to find a singer to take her place, while the main sponsor of the show decides to stay on and watch the show. Could things get worse? Oh, yes, they do.

The author of the book and lyrics, Philip Glassborow says how the GBRS was born.

“There’s a wonderful musical called 42nd Street, set backstage on Broadway, and also that marvellous behind-the-scenes movie about Hollywood, Singin’ in the Rain.  So we decided to make a show celebrating radio!

“It was the heyday of American broadcasting, when the big shows went out ‘live’ with star singers, famous bands, comedians and, of course, the ever-present commercials... ‘And now, a word from our sponsor…’

“The music from the 1930s, the art deco designs, the style, elegance and romance of that era, the carefree wit and sophistication of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. I love all that, and that’s what inspired me above all.”

Glassborow is keen to add that the musical is performed in ‘real time’.

“It’s Saturday night, the big broadcast is about to start, and while the show is actually on the air, the bandleader has to find a replacement star singer. The clock is ticking. It races along with the energy of a steam train.

“When we presented it in New York, the cast was astonished to find how this atmosphere keeps building to create a kind of gleeful magic. Somehow the show becomes far more than the sum of its parts and takes on a crazy momentum of its own.”

I ask March why she chose this particular musical.

“Oh it chose me!” she laughs. “Originally the show was a long one-act, called Good Evening Friends and I played Little Polly Appletree (yes, she was named after me). Polly was a sort of Shirley Temple on radio – but actually a sharp, wisecracking 40-plus-year-old off the radio. That was fun. Then, in the next version, Polly became America’s Teenage Singing Sweetheart. And I became Myrtle, the producer’s PA. Yet again, a deadpan, wisecracking New Yorker.

“The 1930s is probably my favourite period. Art deco design has always attracted me. It’s the heyday of the glamorous, huge cast musical and Busby Berkeley and tap!

“On the flip side of the coin you have the great depression, speakeasies and violent gangsters like Al Capone ruling the streets. The musicals and glamour took you away from that sad and difficult world.”

From left, Alan Montanaro, Katherine Brown as his PA and the bandleader and host Joseph Zammit in The Great Big Radio Show!

Katherine Brown plays Myrtle – the part originated by March.

Kate Middleton’s grandmother was a Glassborow and so am I. So we are indisputably on the same family tree

“Kath’s coping extremely well with the stress of knowing that the director created her role and is sitting in the corner of the rehearsal room… watching.

“She’s a great Myrtle and I love what she’s brought to it. Katherine has such a wonderful voice – I now wish Myrtle had more to sing.

“But as that isn’t really my strength, the role was carefully structured so that I was not allowed to sing more than the audience could handle!”

Does March have a favourite song in this musical?

“Am I allowed to say I love them all? Is that cheating?” she sighs.

“OK, well, probably the gangsters’ song Me and My Stradivarius. You see, Philip has written some wonderful patter songs, with agonising puns, and they flourish well in this duet with Big Louie and Two-Gun. I love words and all the songs in this musical are strong on the words, the story and the feelings. Oh I do love them all!”

Glassborow and March have worked on several major radio drama series together, as well as theatre shows.

“The first time we worked together was in a touring theatre company in England. Polly came in to replace another actress at very short notice. With virtually no rehearsal time, Polly learnt a leading role overnight and then stole the show the next day with a fabulous performance,” Glassborow says.

“Of course, Polly has been an integral part of The Great Big Radio Show since heaven-knows-when. One character is named after her, and Myrtle was written specially for her. Polly March is part of its DNA – written all through like Blackpool rock. I’m so thrilled she’s now directing it!

“She’s a trouper. An absolute professional to her fingertips and her sense of style is solid gold. It’s only because I’d trust her with my life that we’re allowing this production of the musical,” he grins.

I know, because March whispered this in my ear, that Glassborow has a Kate Middleton story to tell.

“Kate Middleton’s grandmother was a Glassborow and so am I,” he reveals. “So we are indisputably on the same family tree. Sadly we’re not ‘kissing cousins’, which would be lovely because she’s absolutely gorgeous, but we are related by marriage.

“My wife, Lizzie, is still waiting to be made a countess – but that could take a while... As a matter of fact, Lizzie’s father is a knight in his own right, although not a Knight of Malta! Lizzie used to go to garden parties at Buckingham Palace, until she married me and became a commoner!”

Philip and Lizzie will be travelling to Malta to watch the GBRS. This is their first-ever trip to Malta and “we absolutely cannot wait!” Glassborow says excitedly.

“I’ve been longing to visit the islands ever since I can remember. I’m absolutely fascinated by the history, especially the connections with St Paul. Years ago I made a film about St Paul and I’d be thrilled to visit the sites associated with him.”

• The Great Big Radio Show is being staged at the Manoel Theatre on October 17-19 and 24-26 at 8pm. Tickets may be obtained by phone on 2124 6389, e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or online at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.