It's That Man Again - Revision history

Kurt at 05:03, 10 February 2023

2023-02-10T05:03:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:03, 10 February 2023
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	~~{{Short description\|BBC radio show (1939–1949)}}~~
	{{About\|the radio programme\|the film adaptation\|It's That Man Again (film){{!}}''It's That Man Again'' (film)}}		{{About\|the radio programme\|the film adaptation\|It's That Man Again (film){{!}}''It's That Man Again'' (film)}}
	{{Redirect\|ITMA}}		{{Redirect\|ITMA}}
	~~{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2014}}~~
	~~{{Use British English\|date=July 2014}}~~
	{{italic title}}		{{italic title}}
	{{Infobox radio show		{{Infobox radio show
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	\| image_size = 325		\| image_size = 325
	\| alt = A group of performers in 1940s clothes, dressed warmly for a visit to northern Scotland		\| alt = A group of performers in 1940s clothes, dressed warmly for a visit to northern Scotland
	\| caption = The ''ITMA'' cast at rehearsal during a visit to the Home Fleet at [[w:Scapa Flow\|Scapa Flow]], January 1944		\| caption = The ''ITMA'' cast at rehearsal during a visit to the Home Fleet at [[Scapa Flow\|Scapa Flow]], January 1944
	\| format = [[w:Sketch comedy\|Sketch comedy]]		\| format = [[Sketch comedy\|Sketch comedy]]
	\| runtime = 30 minutes		\| runtime = 30 minutes
	\| country = United Kingdom		\| country = United Kingdom
	\| home_station = {{ubl\|[[w:BBC National Programme\|BBC National Programme]]\|[[w:BBC Home Service\|BBC Home Service]]}}		\| home_station = {{ubl\|[[BBC National Programme\|BBC National Programme]]\|[[BBC Home Service\|BBC Home Service]]}}
	\| syndicates = {{ubl\|[[w:BBC Forces Programme\|BBC Forces Programme]]\|[[w:BBC Light Programme\|BBC Light Programme]]\|[[w:BBC Radio 4 Extra\|BBC Radio 4 Extra]]}}		\| syndicates = {{ubl\|[[BBC Forces Programme\|BBC Forces Programme]]\|[[BBC Light Programme\|BBC Light Programme]]\|[[BBC Radio 4 Extra\|BBC Radio 4 Extra]]}}
	\| starring = [[Tommy Handley]]		\| starring = [[Tommy Handley]]
	\| announcer =		\| announcer =
	\| writer = [[w:Ted Kavanagh\|Ted Kavanagh]]		\| writer = [[Ted Kavanagh\|Ted Kavanagh]]
	\| producer = [[w:Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]		\| producer = [[Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]
	\| rec_location = {{ubl\|London (s 1, 7–12)\|Bristol (s 2)\|[[w:Bangor, Gwynedd\|Bangor]], Wales (s 3–6)\|[[w:Llandudno\|Llandudno]], Wales (s 5, one show)\|Manchester (Specials)}}		\| rec_location = {{ubl\|London (s 1, 7–12)\|Bristol (s 2)\|[[Bangor, Gwynedd\|Bangor]], Wales (s 3–6)\|[[Llandudno\|Llandudno]], Wales (s 5, one show)\|Manchester (Specials)}}
	\| first_aired = {{Start date\|1939\|07\|12\|df=y}}		\| first_aired = {{Start date\|1939\|07\|12\|df=y}}
	\| last_aired = {{End date\|1949\|01\|06\|df=y}}		\| last_aired = {{End date\|1949\|01\|06\|df=y}}
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	}}		}}

	'''''It's That Man Again''''' (commonly contracted to '''''ITMA''''') was a [[w:BBC\|BBC]] [[w:radio comedy\|radio comedy]] programme which ran for twelve series from 1939 to 1949. The shows featured [[Tommy Handley]] in the central role, a fast-talking figure, around whom all the other characters orbited. The programmes were written by [[Ted Kavanagh]] and produced by [[w:Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]. Handley died during the twelfth series, the remaining programmes of which were immediately cancelled: ''ITMA'' could not work without him, and no further series were commissioned.		'''''It's That Man Again''''' (commonly contracted to '''''ITMA''''') was a [[BBC\|BBC]] [[radio comedy\|radio comedy]] programme which ran for twelve series from 1939 to 1949. The shows featured [[Tommy Handley]] in the central role, a fast-talking figure, around whom all the other characters orbited. The programmes were written by [[Ted Kavanagh]] and produced by [[Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]. Handley died during the twelfth series, the remaining programmes of which were immediately cancelled: ''ITMA'' could not work without him, and no further series were commissioned.

	''ITMA'' was a character-driven comedy whose satirical targets included [[official]]dom and the proliferation of minor wartime regulations. Parts of the scripts were rewritten in the hour before the broadcast, to ensure topicality. ''ITMA'' broke away from the conventions of previous radio comedies, and from the humour of the [[music hall]]s. The shows used numerous [[sound effect]]s in a novel manner, which, alongside a wide range of voices and accents, created the programme's atmosphere.		''ITMA'' was a character-driven comedy whose satirical targets included [[official]]dom and the proliferation of minor wartime regulations. Parts of the scripts were rewritten in the hour before the broadcast, to ensure topicality. ''ITMA'' broke away from the conventions of previous radio comedies, and from the humour of the [[music hall]]s. The shows used numerous [[sound effect]]s in a novel manner, which, alongside a wide range of voices and accents, created the programme's atmosphere.
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	[[File:The Laugh!- the Recording of the Radio Comedy 'itma', London, England, UK, 1945 D24424.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.4\|alt=Photograph taken at a live performance, featuring two performers at the front of the stage backed by the band and conductor\|Handley (centre) introduces Ann Rich, a new singer for ''ITMA''; [[Charles Shadwell (musician)\|Charles Shadwell]] conducts the orchestra in the background.]]		[[File:The Laugh!- the Recording of the Radio Comedy 'itma', London, England, UK, 1945 D24424.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.4\|alt=Photograph taken at a live performance, featuring two performers at the front of the stage backed by the band and conductor\|Handley (centre) introduces Ann Rich, a new singer for ''ITMA''; [[Charles Shadwell (musician)\|Charles Shadwell]] conducts the orchestra in the background.]]
	According to Foster and Furst ''ITMA'' was "entirely new, breaking away from the conventions of both radio and music hall comedy".{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}} It relied on Handley's quick-fire delivery of the humour, with his "near-miraculous technique".{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}} The writer and producer John Fisher, in his examination of 20th century comedians and comedy, highlights ''ITMA''{{'}}s "speed of delivery, its quick-fire succession of short scenes and verbal non-sequiturs, all breaking away from the traditional music hall sketch orientation of ''Band Waggon''".{{sfn\|Fisher\|2013\|p=167}} The broadcasts had an average of eighteen-and-a-half minutes of dialogue into which Kavanagh would attempt to write one hundred laughs—an average of a laugh every eleven seconds.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}}{{sfn\|Curran\|Seaton\|2002\|p=133}} Between the comic scenes there were usually two musical interludes in each ~~show:~~ the first purely orchestral and the second featuring a song from the current resident singer.{{sfn\|Kavanagh\|1975\|pp=47 & 54; 73 & 77; 123 & 129}}		According to Foster and Furst ''ITMA'' was "entirely new, breaking away from the conventions of both radio and music hall comedy".{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}} It relied on Handley's quick-fire delivery of the humour, with his "near-miraculous technique".{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}} The writer and producer John Fisher, in his examination of 20th century comedians and comedy, highlights ''ITMA''{{'}}s "speed of delivery, its quick-fire succession of short scenes and verbal non-sequiturs, all breaking away from the traditional music hall sketch orientation of ''Band Waggon''".{{sfn\|Fisher\|2013\|p=167}} The broadcasts had an average of eighteen-and-a-half minutes of dialogue into which Kavanagh would attempt to write one hundred laughs—an average of a laugh every eleven seconds.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}}{{sfn\|Curran\|Seaton\|2002\|p=133}} Between the comic scenes there were usually two musical interludes in each sho the first purely orchestral and the second featuring a song from the current resident singer.{{sfn\|Kavanagh\|1975\|pp=47 & 54; 73 & 77; 123 & 129}}

	The storylines for each week were thin, and the programme was written to have Handley at the centre interacting with a cast of recurring characters, all of whom had their own catchphrase or phrases.{{sfn\|Hendry, "Morale and Music"}}{{sfn\|Curran\|Seaton\|2002\|p=133}} The catchphrases were used deliberately to help the listening public to identify which of the characters was speaking.{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=35}} The programme was [[Live radio\|broadcast live]] each week and many of the show's numerous [[sound effect]]s were done live alongside the actors.{{sfn\|Barfe\|2009\|p=36}} For ''ITMA'' a sound effect was not a shorthand way of setting a scene for a listener,{{efn\|For example, at the time BBC Radio used a seagull as a shorthand way of letting listeners know the action was taking place at the seaside or on a cliff top.{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=57}}}} but "as a means of punctuating the rapid progress of events ... doing the work of words, and permitting an extraordinarily economical drama for a medium that relies on words—and sounds", according to the academic [[Peter Davison (professor)\|Peter Davison]].{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=57}} The variety of characters and sounds was key to Kavanagh, who wrote that he wanted:		The storylines for each week were thin, and the programme was written to have Handley at the centre interacting with a cast of recurring characters, all of whom had their own catchphrase or phrases.{{sfn\|Hendry, "Morale and Music"}}{{sfn\|Curran\|Seaton\|2002\|p=133}} The catchphrases were used deliberately to help the listening public to identify which of the characters was speaking.{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=35}} The programme was [[Live radio\|broadcast live]] each week and many of the show's numerous [[sound effect]]s were done live alongside the actors.{{sfn\|Barfe\|2009\|p=36}} For ''ITMA'' a sound effect was not a shorthand way of setting a scene for a listener,{{efn\|For example, at the time BBC Radio used a seagull as a shorthand way of letting listeners know the action was taking place at the seaside or on a cliff top.{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=57}}}} but "as a means of punctuating the rapid progress of events ... doing the work of words, and permitting an extraordinarily economical drama for a medium that relies on words—and sounds", according to the academic [[Peter Davison (professor)\|Peter Davison]].{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=57}} The variety of characters and sounds was key to Kavanagh, who wrote that he wanted:
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	The first series of ''ITMA'' was planned to be a trial run of six shows of 45-minute duration, broadcast fortnightly. They began on 12 July 1939, performed at a BBC [[Recording studio\|sound facility]], either at [[Maida Vale Studios]],{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=3}} or [[St. George's Hall, London\|St. George's Hall]].{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=31}} The shows were broadcast live on the [[BBC National Programme]] at 8.15 pm.{{sfn\|"It's That Man Again". ''The Radio Times''}} The programme was set on a ship able to broadcast radio programmes, with Handley as the station controller and presenter. He was accompanied by Cecilia Eddy, Eric Egan and Sam Heppner. The show included a quiz hosted by [[Lionel Gamlin]].{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=31}}{{sfn\|"It's That Man Again". ''The Radio Times''}}		The first series of ''ITMA'' was planned to be a trial run of six shows of 45-minute duration, broadcast fortnightly. They began on 12 July 1939, performed at a BBC [[Recording studio\|sound facility]], either at [[Maida Vale Studios]],{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=3}} or [[St. George's Hall, London\|St. George's Hall]].{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=31}} The shows were broadcast live on the [[BBC National Programme]] at 8.15 pm.{{sfn\|"It's That Man Again". ''The Radio Times''}} The programme was set on a ship able to broadcast radio programmes, with Handley as the station controller and presenter. He was accompanied by Cecilia Eddy, Eric Egan and Sam Heppner. The show included a quiz hosted by [[Lionel Gamlin]].{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=31}}{{sfn\|"It's That Man Again". ''The Radio Times''}}

	In an article in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' that accompanied the first programme, Worsley described the premise of the ~~show:~~ Handley "gets hold of a ship, equips it with a transmitter and studio, and sails the Seven Seas scattering broadcast culture (Handley brand) and 'commercials' (any brand)".{{sfn\|Worsley\|1939\|p=10}} Music was provided by the Jack Harris Band, who had been performing at London hotspots, including the [[Café de Paris (London)\|Café de Paris]] and the [[London Casino]].{{sfn\|Worsley\|1939\|p=10}} With a tense international situation in mid-1939, Kavanagh was careful to avoid writing in political jokes, or any material too topical or sensitive. Handley was known to keep to a script, with little or no [[ad-libbing]] to worry the producers.{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=3}}{{sfn\|Took\|1981\|p=23}}		In an article in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' that accompanied the first programme, Worsley described the premise of the sho Handley "gets hold of a ship, equips it with a transmitter and studio, and sails the Seven Seas scattering broadcast culture (Handley brand) and 'commercials' (any brand)".{{sfn\|Worsley\|1939\|p=10}} Music was provided by the Jack Harris Band, who had been performing at London hotspots, including the [[Café de Paris (London)\|Café de Paris]] and the [[London Casino]].{{sfn\|Worsley\|1939\|p=10}} With a tense international situation in mid-1939, Kavanagh was careful to avoid writing in political jokes, or any material too topical or sensitive. Handley was known to keep to a script, with little or no [[ad-libbing]] to worry the producers.{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=3}}{{sfn\|Took\|1981\|p=23}}

	The fourth episode of ''ITMA'' was broadcast on 30 August. When the [[Second World War]] broke out on 3 September, the remainder of the series was cancelled.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=32}}{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=4}}{{efn\|The pre-war broadcasts of ''ITMA'' comprised one series with four programmes, from 12 July 1939 to 30 August 1939.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|pp=27–28}}}} The show had been of limited success,{{sfn\|Took\|1981\|p=23}} and Worsley thought it was likely to have been "another broadcasting flop".{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=4}}		The fourth episode of ''ITMA'' was broadcast on 30 August. When the [[Second World War]] broke out on 3 September, the remainder of the series was cancelled.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=32}}{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=4}}{{efn\|The pre-war broadcasts of ''ITMA'' comprised one series with four programmes, from 12 July 1939 to 30 August 1939.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|pp=27–28}}}} The show had been of limited success,{{sfn\|Took\|1981\|p=23}} and Worsley thought it was likely to have been "another broadcasting flop".{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=4}}

Kurt: /* Sophie Tuckshop */

2022-12-21T19:39:50Z

Sophie Tuckshop

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 21 December 2022
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	===Sophie Tuckshop===		===Sophie Tuckshop===
	{{Quote box \|bgcolor=#e6e6ff\|salign=center \| quote =<big>'''Sophie Tuckshop'''</big><br>Played by Hattie Jacques<br>Series 11–12<br>Catchphrase: ''... but I'm all right now''.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=45}}\|\|align=right\| width=30%}}		{{Quote box \|bgcolor=#e6e6ff\|salign=center \| quote =<big>'''Sophie Tuckshop'''</big><br>Played by [[Hattie Jacques]]<br>Series 11–12<br>Catchphrase: ''... but I'm all right now''.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=45}}\|\|align=right\| width=30%}}

	Sophie Tuckshop was a replacement for a less successful character, Ella Phant. Jokes about the latter's size did not work well on radio because the light and girlish voice of the performer, Hattie Jacques, did not suggest a heavyweight.{{sfn\|Kavanagh\|1975\|p=136}} She described Sophie as "a terrible child who never stopped eating, with the inevitable sickening results".{{sfn\|Kavanagh\|1975\|p=136}}		Sophie Tuckshop was a replacement for a less successful character, Ella Phant. Jokes about the latter's size did not work well on radio because the light and girlish voice of the performer, Hattie Jacques, did not suggest a heavyweight.{{sfn\|Kavanagh\|1975\|p=136}} She described Sophie as "a terrible child who never stopped eating, with the inevitable sickening results".{{sfn\|Kavanagh\|1975\|p=136}}

Kurt: /* External links */

2022-12-21T19:38:54Z

External links

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:38, 21 December 2022
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	==External links==		==External links==
	~~{{Commons category\|It's That Man Again}}~~
	* {{BBC Programme}}		* {{BBC Programme}}
	* {{BBC Online\|liverpool/localhistory/journey/stars/tommy_handley/itma.shtml\|''It's That Man Again''}}		* {{BBC Online\|liverpool/localhistory/journey/stars/tommy_handley/itma.shtml\|''It's That Man Again''}}

Kurt at 17:36, 11 August 2022

2022-08-11T17:36:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 11 August 2022
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	\| image_size = 325		\| image_size = 325
	\| alt = A group of performers in 1940s clothes, dressed warmly for a visit to northern Scotland		\| alt = A group of performers in 1940s clothes, dressed warmly for a visit to northern Scotland
	\| caption = The ''ITMA'' cast at rehearsal during a visit to the Home Fleet at [[Scapa Flow]], January 1944		\| caption = The ''ITMA'' cast at rehearsal during a visit to the Home Fleet at [[w:Scapa Flow\|Scapa Flow]], January 1944
	\| format = [[Sketch comedy]]		\| format = [[w:Sketch comedy\|Sketch comedy]]
	\| runtime = 30 minutes		\| runtime = 30 minutes
	\| country = United Kingdom		\| country = United Kingdom
	\| home_station = {{ubl\|[[BBC National Programme]]\|[[BBC Home Service]]}}		\| home_station = {{ubl\|[[w:BBC National Programme\|BBC National Programme]]\|[[w:BBC Home Service\|BBC Home Service]]}}
	\| syndicates = {{ubl\|[[BBC Forces Programme]]\|[[BBC Light Programme]]\|[[BBC Radio 4 Extra]]}}		\| syndicates = {{ubl\|[[w:BBC Forces Programme\|BBC Forces Programme]]\|[[w:BBC Light Programme\|BBC Light Programme]]\|[[w:BBC Radio 4 Extra\|BBC Radio 4 Extra]]}}
	\| starring = [[Tommy Handley]]		\| starring = [[Tommy Handley]]
	\| announcer =		\| announcer =
	\| writer = [[Ted Kavanagh]]		\| writer = [[w:Ted Kavanagh\|Ted Kavanagh]]
	\| producer = [[Francis Worsley]]		\| producer = [[w:Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]
	\| rec_location = {{ubl\|London (s 1, 7–12)\|Bristol (s 2)\|[[Bangor, Gwynedd\|Bangor]], Wales (s 3–6)\|[[Llandudno]], Wales (s 5, one show)\|Manchester (Specials)}}		\| rec_location = {{ubl\|London (s 1, 7–12)\|Bristol (s 2)\|[[w:Bangor, Gwynedd\|Bangor]], Wales (s 3–6)\|[[w:Llandudno\|Llandudno]], Wales (s 5, one show)\|Manchester (Specials)}}
	\| first_aired = {{Start date\|1939\|07\|12\|df=y}}		\| first_aired = {{Start date\|1939\|07\|12\|df=y}}
	\| last_aired = {{End date\|1949\|01\|06\|df=y}}		\| last_aired = {{End date\|1949\|01\|06\|df=y}}

Kurt at 16:42, 11 August 2022

2022-08-11T16:42:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:42, 11 August 2022
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	}}		}}

	'''''It's That Man Again''''' (commonly contracted to '''''ITMA''''') was a [[BBC]] [[radio comedy]] programme which ran for twelve series from 1939 to 1949. The shows featured [[Tommy Handley]] in the central role, a fast-talking figure, around whom all the other characters orbited. The programmes were written by [[Ted Kavanagh]] and produced by [[Francis Worsley]]. Handley died during the twelfth series, the remaining programmes of which were immediately cancelled: ''ITMA'' could not work without him, and no further series were commissioned.		'''''It's That Man Again''''' (commonly contracted to '''''ITMA''''') was a [[w:BBC\|BBC]] [[w:radio comedy\|radio comedy]] programme which ran for twelve series from 1939 to 1949. The shows featured [[Tommy Handley]] in the central role, a fast-talking figure, around whom all the other characters orbited. The programmes were written by [[Ted Kavanagh]] and produced by [[w:Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]. Handley died during the twelfth series, the remaining programmes of which were immediately cancelled: ''ITMA'' could not work without him, and no further series were commissioned.

	''ITMA'' was a character-driven comedy whose satirical targets included [[official]]dom and the proliferation of minor wartime regulations. Parts of the scripts were rewritten in the hour before the broadcast, to ensure topicality. ''ITMA'' broke away from the conventions of previous radio comedies, and from the humour of the [[music hall]]s. The shows used numerous [[sound effect]]s in a novel manner, which, alongside a wide range of voices and accents, created the programme's atmosphere.		''ITMA'' was a character-driven comedy whose satirical targets included [[official]]dom and the proliferation of minor wartime regulations. Parts of the scripts were rewritten in the hour before the broadcast, to ensure topicality. ''ITMA'' broke away from the conventions of previous radio comedies, and from the humour of the [[music hall]]s. The shows used numerous [[sound effect]]s in a novel manner, which, alongside a wide range of voices and accents, created the programme's atmosphere.

Kurt: 1 revision imported

2022-07-21T03:26:01Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:26, 20 July 2022
(No difference)

en>Tim riley: /* Performers */ Singer ulc - see FAC

2022-07-11T18:53:49Z

Performers: Singer ulc - see FAC

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:03, 10 February 2023
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	~~{{Short description\|BBC radio show (1939–1949)}}~~
	{{About\|the radio programme\|the film adaptation\|It's That Man Again (film){{!}}''It's That Man Again'' (film)}}		{{About\|the radio programme\|the film adaptation\|It's That Man Again (film){{!}}''It's That Man Again'' (film)}}
	{{Redirect\|ITMA}}		{{Redirect\|ITMA}}
	~~{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2014}}~~
	~~{{Use British English\|date=July 2014}}~~
	{{italic title}}		{{italic title}}
	{{Infobox radio show		{{Infobox radio show
Line 11:		Line 8:
	\| image_size = 325		\| image_size = 325
	\| alt = A group of performers in 1940s clothes, dressed warmly for a visit to northern Scotland		\| alt = A group of performers in 1940s clothes, dressed warmly for a visit to northern Scotland
	\| caption = The ''ITMA'' cast at rehearsal during a visit to the Home Fleet at [[w:Scapa Flow\|Scapa Flow]], January 1944		\| caption = The ''ITMA'' cast at rehearsal during a visit to the Home Fleet at [[Scapa Flow\|Scapa Flow]], January 1944
	\| format = [[w:Sketch comedy\|Sketch comedy]]		\| format = [[Sketch comedy\|Sketch comedy]]
	\| runtime = 30 minutes		\| runtime = 30 minutes
	\| country = United Kingdom		\| country = United Kingdom
	\| home_station = {{ubl\|[[w:BBC National Programme\|BBC National Programme]]\|[[w:BBC Home Service\|BBC Home Service]]}}		\| home_station = {{ubl\|[[BBC National Programme\|BBC National Programme]]\|[[BBC Home Service\|BBC Home Service]]}}
	\| syndicates = {{ubl\|[[w:BBC Forces Programme\|BBC Forces Programme]]\|[[w:BBC Light Programme\|BBC Light Programme]]\|[[w:BBC Radio 4 Extra\|BBC Radio 4 Extra]]}}		\| syndicates = {{ubl\|[[BBC Forces Programme\|BBC Forces Programme]]\|[[BBC Light Programme\|BBC Light Programme]]\|[[BBC Radio 4 Extra\|BBC Radio 4 Extra]]}}
	\| starring = [[Tommy Handley]]		\| starring = [[Tommy Handley]]
	\| announcer =		\| announcer =
	\| writer = [[w:Ted Kavanagh\|Ted Kavanagh]]		\| writer = [[Ted Kavanagh\|Ted Kavanagh]]
	\| producer = [[w:Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]		\| producer = [[Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]
	\| rec_location = {{ubl\|London (s 1, 7–12)\|Bristol (s 2)\|[[w:Bangor, Gwynedd\|Bangor]], Wales (s 3–6)\|[[w:Llandudno\|Llandudno]], Wales (s 5, one show)\|Manchester (Specials)}}		\| rec_location = {{ubl\|London (s 1, 7–12)\|Bristol (s 2)\|[[Bangor, Gwynedd\|Bangor]], Wales (s 3–6)\|[[Llandudno\|Llandudno]], Wales (s 5, one show)\|Manchester (Specials)}}
	\| first_aired = {{Start date\|1939\|07\|12\|df=y}}		\| first_aired = {{Start date\|1939\|07\|12\|df=y}}
	\| last_aired = {{End date\|1949\|01\|06\|df=y}}		\| last_aired = {{End date\|1949\|01\|06\|df=y}}
Line 28:		Line 25:
	}}		}}

	'''''It's That Man Again''''' (commonly contracted to '''''ITMA''''') was a [[w:BBC\|BBC]] [[w:radio comedy\|radio comedy]] programme which ran for twelve series from 1939 to 1949. The shows featured [[Tommy Handley]] in the central role, a fast-talking figure, around whom all the other characters orbited. The programmes were written by [[Ted Kavanagh]] and produced by [[w:Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]. Handley died during the twelfth series, the remaining programmes of which were immediately cancelled: ''ITMA'' could not work without him, and no further series were commissioned.		'''''It's That Man Again''''' (commonly contracted to '''''ITMA''''') was a [[BBC\|BBC]] [[radio comedy\|radio comedy]] programme which ran for twelve series from 1939 to 1949. The shows featured [[Tommy Handley]] in the central role, a fast-talking figure, around whom all the other characters orbited. The programmes were written by [[Ted Kavanagh]] and produced by [[Francis Worsley\|Francis Worsley]]. Handley died during the twelfth series, the remaining programmes of which were immediately cancelled: ''ITMA'' could not work without him, and no further series were commissioned.

	''ITMA'' was a character-driven comedy whose satirical targets included [[official]]dom and the proliferation of minor wartime regulations. Parts of the scripts were rewritten in the hour before the broadcast, to ensure topicality. ''ITMA'' broke away from the conventions of previous radio comedies, and from the humour of the [[music hall]]s. The shows used numerous [[sound effect]]s in a novel manner, which, alongside a wide range of voices and accents, created the programme's atmosphere.		''ITMA'' was a character-driven comedy whose satirical targets included [[official]]dom and the proliferation of minor wartime regulations. Parts of the scripts were rewritten in the hour before the broadcast, to ensure topicality. ''ITMA'' broke away from the conventions of previous radio comedies, and from the humour of the [[music hall]]s. The shows used numerous [[sound effect]]s in a novel manner, which, alongside a wide range of voices and accents, created the programme's atmosphere.
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	[[File:The Laugh!- the Recording of the Radio Comedy 'itma', London, England, UK, 1945 D24424.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.4\|alt=Photograph taken at a live performance, featuring two performers at the front of the stage backed by the band and conductor\|Handley (centre) introduces Ann Rich, a new singer for ''ITMA''; [[Charles Shadwell (musician)\|Charles Shadwell]] conducts the orchestra in the background.]]		[[File:The Laugh!- the Recording of the Radio Comedy 'itma', London, England, UK, 1945 D24424.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.4\|alt=Photograph taken at a live performance, featuring two performers at the front of the stage backed by the band and conductor\|Handley (centre) introduces Ann Rich, a new singer for ''ITMA''; [[Charles Shadwell (musician)\|Charles Shadwell]] conducts the orchestra in the background.]]
	According to Foster and Furst ''ITMA'' was "entirely new, breaking away from the conventions of both radio and music hall comedy".{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}} It relied on Handley's quick-fire delivery of the humour, with his "near-miraculous technique".{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}} The writer and producer John Fisher, in his examination of 20th century comedians and comedy, highlights ''ITMA''{{'}}s "speed of delivery, its quick-fire succession of short scenes and verbal non-sequiturs, all breaking away from the traditional music hall sketch orientation of ''Band Waggon''".{{sfn\|Fisher\|2013\|p=167}} The broadcasts had an average of eighteen-and-a-half minutes of dialogue into which Kavanagh would attempt to write one hundred laughs—an average of a laugh every eleven seconds.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}}{{sfn\|Curran\|Seaton\|2002\|p=133}} Between the comic scenes there were usually two musical interludes in each ~~show:~~ the first purely orchestral and the second featuring a song from the current resident singer.{{sfn\|Kavanagh\|1975\|pp=47 & 54; 73 & 77; 123 & 129}}		According to Foster and Furst ''ITMA'' was "entirely new, breaking away from the conventions of both radio and music hall comedy".{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}} It relied on Handley's quick-fire delivery of the humour, with his "near-miraculous technique".{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}} The writer and producer John Fisher, in his examination of 20th century comedians and comedy, highlights ''ITMA''{{'}}s "speed of delivery, its quick-fire succession of short scenes and verbal non-sequiturs, all breaking away from the traditional music hall sketch orientation of ''Band Waggon''".{{sfn\|Fisher\|2013\|p=167}} The broadcasts had an average of eighteen-and-a-half minutes of dialogue into which Kavanagh would attempt to write one hundred laughs—an average of a laugh every eleven seconds.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=28}}{{sfn\|Curran\|Seaton\|2002\|p=133}} Between the comic scenes there were usually two musical interludes in each sho the first purely orchestral and the second featuring a song from the current resident singer.{{sfn\|Kavanagh\|1975\|pp=47 & 54; 73 & 77; 123 & 129}}

	The storylines for each week were thin, and the programme was written to have Handley at the centre interacting with a cast of recurring characters, all of whom had their own catchphrase or phrases.{{sfn\|Hendry, "Morale and Music"}}{{sfn\|Curran\|Seaton\|2002\|p=133}} The catchphrases were used deliberately to help the listening public to identify which of the characters was speaking.{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=35}} The programme was [[Live radio\|broadcast live]] each week and many of the show's numerous [[sound effect]]s were done live alongside the actors.{{sfn\|Barfe\|2009\|p=36}} For ''ITMA'' a sound effect was not a shorthand way of setting a scene for a listener,{{efn\|For example, at the time BBC Radio used a seagull as a shorthand way of letting listeners know the action was taking place at the seaside or on a cliff top.{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=57}}}} but "as a means of punctuating the rapid progress of events ... doing the work of words, and permitting an extraordinarily economical drama for a medium that relies on words—and sounds", according to the academic [[Peter Davison (professor)\|Peter Davison]].{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=57}} The variety of characters and sounds was key to Kavanagh, who wrote that he wanted:		The storylines for each week were thin, and the programme was written to have Handley at the centre interacting with a cast of recurring characters, all of whom had their own catchphrase or phrases.{{sfn\|Hendry, "Morale and Music"}}{{sfn\|Curran\|Seaton\|2002\|p=133}} The catchphrases were used deliberately to help the listening public to identify which of the characters was speaking.{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=35}} The programme was [[Live radio\|broadcast live]] each week and many of the show's numerous [[sound effect]]s were done live alongside the actors.{{sfn\|Barfe\|2009\|p=36}} For ''ITMA'' a sound effect was not a shorthand way of setting a scene for a listener,{{efn\|For example, at the time BBC Radio used a seagull as a shorthand way of letting listeners know the action was taking place at the seaside or on a cliff top.{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=57}}}} but "as a means of punctuating the rapid progress of events ... doing the work of words, and permitting an extraordinarily economical drama for a medium that relies on words—and sounds", according to the academic [[Peter Davison (professor)\|Peter Davison]].{{sfn\|Davison\|1982\|p=57}} The variety of characters and sounds was key to Kavanagh, who wrote that he wanted:
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	The first series of ''ITMA'' was planned to be a trial run of six shows of 45-minute duration, broadcast fortnightly. They began on 12 July 1939, performed at a BBC [[Recording studio\|sound facility]], either at [[Maida Vale Studios]],{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=3}} or [[St. George's Hall, London\|St. George's Hall]].{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=31}} The shows were broadcast live on the [[BBC National Programme]] at 8.15 pm.{{sfn\|"It's That Man Again". ''The Radio Times''}} The programme was set on a ship able to broadcast radio programmes, with Handley as the station controller and presenter. He was accompanied by Cecilia Eddy, Eric Egan and Sam Heppner. The show included a quiz hosted by [[Lionel Gamlin]].{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=31}}{{sfn\|"It's That Man Again". ''The Radio Times''}}		The first series of ''ITMA'' was planned to be a trial run of six shows of 45-minute duration, broadcast fortnightly. They began on 12 July 1939, performed at a BBC [[Recording studio\|sound facility]], either at [[Maida Vale Studios]],{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=3}} or [[St. George's Hall, London\|St. George's Hall]].{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=31}} The shows were broadcast live on the [[BBC National Programme]] at 8.15 pm.{{sfn\|"It's That Man Again". ''The Radio Times''}} The programme was set on a ship able to broadcast radio programmes, with Handley as the station controller and presenter. He was accompanied by Cecilia Eddy, Eric Egan and Sam Heppner. The show included a quiz hosted by [[Lionel Gamlin]].{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=31}}{{sfn\|"It's That Man Again". ''The Radio Times''}}

	In an article in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' that accompanied the first programme, Worsley described the premise of the ~~show:~~ Handley "gets hold of a ship, equips it with a transmitter and studio, and sails the Seven Seas scattering broadcast culture (Handley brand) and 'commercials' (any brand)".{{sfn\|Worsley\|1939\|p=10}} Music was provided by the Jack Harris Band, who had been performing at London hotspots, including the [[Café de Paris (London)\|Café de Paris]] and the [[London Casino]].{{sfn\|Worsley\|1939\|p=10}} With a tense international situation in mid-1939, Kavanagh was careful to avoid writing in political jokes, or any material too topical or sensitive. Handley was known to keep to a script, with little or no [[ad-libbing]] to worry the producers.{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=3}}{{sfn\|Took\|1981\|p=23}}		In an article in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' that accompanied the first programme, Worsley described the premise of the sho Handley "gets hold of a ship, equips it with a transmitter and studio, and sails the Seven Seas scattering broadcast culture (Handley brand) and 'commercials' (any brand)".{{sfn\|Worsley\|1939\|p=10}} Music was provided by the Jack Harris Band, who had been performing at London hotspots, including the [[Café de Paris (London)\|Café de Paris]] and the [[London Casino]].{{sfn\|Worsley\|1939\|p=10}} With a tense international situation in mid-1939, Kavanagh was careful to avoid writing in political jokes, or any material too topical or sensitive. Handley was known to keep to a script, with little or no [[ad-libbing]] to worry the producers.{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=3}}{{sfn\|Took\|1981\|p=23}}

	The fourth episode of ''ITMA'' was broadcast on 30 August. When the [[Second World War]] broke out on 3 September, the remainder of the series was cancelled.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=32}}{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=4}}{{efn\|The pre-war broadcasts of ''ITMA'' comprised one series with four programmes, from 12 July 1939 to 30 August 1939.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|pp=27–28}}}} The show had been of limited success,{{sfn\|Took\|1981\|p=23}} and Worsley thought it was likely to have been "another broadcasting flop".{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=4}}		The fourth episode of ''ITMA'' was broadcast on 30 August. When the [[Second World War]] broke out on 3 September, the remainder of the series was cancelled.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|p=32}}{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=4}}{{efn\|The pre-war broadcasts of ''ITMA'' comprised one series with four programmes, from 12 July 1939 to 30 August 1939.{{sfn\|Foster\|Furst\|1999\|pp=27–28}}}} The show had been of limited success,{{sfn\|Took\|1981\|p=23}} and Worsley thought it was likely to have been "another broadcasting flop".{{sfn\|Worsley\|1949\|p=4}}