Starlight Days

Cecil Madden was a pioneer at the birth of television and one of the legendary Fools on the Hill. He produced and broadcast the world's first ever television programme "Here's Looking at You" from Alexandra Palace. During the second world war, when television was suspended, he broadcast daily and nightly radio shows to the forces. Vera Lynn became the forces sweetheart by singing on his show "Starlight" and slept in the crowded theatre to ensure she never missed a show because of the nightly bombing raids. He was the last person to speak to Glenn Miller before he died and tried to persuade him not to fly in such bad weather. He shepherded Bing Crosby around London through the adoring crowds while V2 bombs flew overhead. He discovered the ten year old Petula Clark who came to the show to send a message to her soldier uncle and gave an impromptu performance with the full orchestra. He also discovered and named the Beverley Sisters. Front cover image: 1941 Cecil Madden on the roof of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly. He lived underground in the star dressing room as Head of Overseas Entertainment after his office at Broadcasting House was destroyed by a bomb.