Advantages: Diverse shows that appeal across the spectrum Disadvantages: The mix can be a little strange at times.
...listen to. Exceptionally better when there is nothing to watch on the TV, which in all honesty really covers most times of the day and night. If you mss the show you can also listen on-line via the BBC iPlayer. A great way to spend 90 minutes.
... more
I always find it surprising as to the diversity of Radio 2, the schedule on any given night could contain a short half hour program about Folk music and another night a program about Theatre organs can be heard, I have listened to both and realised there is more to life than listening to such stations as Happy FM (or Capital) that tend to play the same record over and over again every two hours. Besdes these stations appear to be aimed at someone about 15 years younger than myself anyway.
Radio 2 on the other hand caters for people of my age and boy they certainly deliver, I always tend to be in the car coming home or going somewhere when Elaine Paige is broadcasting. Sometimes the journey can be from hell at worst and other times just damn right boring. So to experience the diversity that Radio 2 offer on a Sunday is a bonus and makes the journey just that little more bearable.
Presenter Elaine Paige is a star in her own right and has won numerous awards from her appearances in hit shows such as Cats, Chess as well as Jesus Christ Superstar, so in my humble opinion a show about musicals, film and theatre has probably the best host it can get to front a very energetic production. Naturally the show is all about the music from whatever medium and this is obviously the focal point. The music that is played is always balanced and never in your face. For example the opening song from the Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard could be played before the Imperial Death March from Star Wars; such is the mix of music that is played. Recently there have been an increase in music from the movies being played and in my mind this has opened up the show to a new audience and this is what got me hooked as well.
An extremely good example of the varied scope of music that is aired was was last Sunday's show; towards the end the song Send in The Clowns was played. Yet I thought I recognised the singer but couldn't be sure. It turned out to be Judi Dench! A couple of songs later Elvis was singing Jailhouse Rock. The mix of music they play isn't strange at all just to some this could be considered ecclectic, when listening you just accept what is being played and listen to it. It is quite easy to get pulled into it as well as you do start to sing the word or hum the more well known songs too. In this show it isn't at all strange to listen to Madonna performing the signature tune from Evita, followed up by Harry Secombe performing a song from Oliver. If this was show on Capital FM or Heart then it would be, but here it is pitched at the correct level and is totally spot on.
Of course for a show that runs for 90 minutes you can't have non-stop music. Throughout the show there are interviews with performers from new and upcoming shows to renowned to renowned actors and actresses who have played in the theatre for years and are more well known to theatre goers than say cinema goers for what they do. A good example is John Barrowman who fits into the category nicely, who through Doctor Who and Torchwood has managed to bridge the gap between television and theatre. In a recent interview he said that people he meets after at the Stage Door only came to see him because he is Captain Jack! He also said it's funny to see these people of all ages come back again because they enjoyed the experience so much the first time. From this interview my other half suggested we go and see a show and naturally she chose which one, we booked to see Jersey Boys in the West End and go a the end of March. Looking forward to it immensely as the last show we saw together was The Rat Pack some two years ago.
This attitude is also championed by Paige as there is a number of segments throughout the show that voice mails are played that advertise local productions of amateur groups that have produced a show. So in about a 20 second window you have someone like Verity from Sevenoaks telling everyone about the stage production of Joseph and where it's being performed. Personally I like the fact that this is done as it gives the opportunity for people to find out about local productions, and yes I am happy to put my hand up to that as well to that statement. Quite appropriately the section is called Break-A- Leg. It is dome in a very professional manner, although the show is energetic, it is never in your face and never crosses the line at all.
There are also competitions held that have a varied range of prizes from two tickets to a show of your choice to a Theatre weekend in London fully paid. Sometimes it is just Theatre Vouchers that are won as the bigger prizes are kept for times of the year such as Valentines Day or Christmas.
It is also Paige's bubbly personality that comes across well when listening; she has an amazing knowledge of Directors and Producers, I suspect this is mainly due to the fact that she has previously worked with a number of the guests that appear on the show a number of times, but always manages to bring the best of them out when interviewed. You also get the impression that she is immensely enjoying what she is doing as well as she tends to speak to her Producer between the songs. Her Producer is Malcolm Prince, who has great chemistry with her and even gets to choose a record throughout the show under the section Malcolm's Big One! This is usually in the final part of the show where a big end of show number is played to finish on.
Newcomers to the show are catered, if not welcomed, for as well as Paige gives the details of all the songs after they've been played and on occasion reminisces about either working on the show or knowing the people that were there as performers or working back stage. These stories are enjoyable to listen to and provide an aspect of a person's life that is truly something that only a person who has experienced that moment can share.
Overall this show does a lot to sell the experience of going to the Theatre to see a stage musical or show and it does this by bringing the music and performers to you. From the interviews you really get an impression of the amount of work that hoes into a stage or film production with getting the lighting, sound, costumes and everything else to the right place at the right time and most importantly on the right person. It does sell the medium of musicals and stage shows, but does it in a manner that is interesting and actually quite curious. By the end of the broadcast you do tend to feel a spring in your step just by listening to the show and does add a unique bounce the rest of your Sunday. This show is a fully breathing, dimensional production that has something to offer everyone as the chances are that you'll know most of the music being played anyway.
Elaine Paige broadcasts from 1300 to 1430 on a Sunday afternoon and is an absolute pleasure to listen to. Exceptionally better when there is nothing to watch on the TV, which in all honesty really covers most times of the day and night. If you mss the show you can also listen on-line via the BBC iPlayer. A great way to spend 90 minutes.
Advantages: Variety of music, interesting presenters Disadvantages: Still has a reputation for only being for 'oldies'. Evening schedule is not great.
I am 22 years old, and I have to say that whenever I give anyone a lift in my car I make sure that my radio dial is NOT on Radio 2. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent radio station, but it still has the reputation for being the station for older people, while Radio 1 is supposed to be for us youngsters.
Radio 2 is trying hard to shake off this image and make itself more marketable for the younger generation. Forthcoming events include Robbie ... ...is playing a live session on Ken Bruce's show and there is a wider range of music now, with a high proportion of the music coming from today's charts.
WHERE TO FIND RADIO 2
-------------------------------------
For anyone looking to pick up Radio 2, it can be found on 88-91FM on your radio, but you can also pick it up online. The website www.bbc.co.uk/radio2 has plenty of information about the schedule and presenters and gives you the opportunity ...
Caru 08.12.2003
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BBC Radio 2
Advantages: Great music, good chat Disadvantages: Its a sign you're getting older
...in this breakfast show. The BBC describe it as follows. "Five wise-cracking chums set out every morning to show the world they know how to party! Terry, Pauly, Fran, Deadly and Boggy bring you a taste of the better things in life plus great music, news and travel information". I would describe it as inane babble for a gentle morning wake up. Basically the show is exactly the same as when I used to beg Mum to turn it off, but now I love it. Lots of ... ...a current schedule visit the BBC web site. To give you an idea of the sort of programmes to expect here are a few from this week. The Brit Awards; Reggae Roots; Melodies for You; Your 100 Best Tunes; Big Band Special; The Funk Story and Kirsty Macoll's Cuba. There is always a good variety and I particularly enjoyed a recent series on Punk Music, although I tend to steer away from the real easy-listening features. ~~ Weekends ~~ Weekends offer a variety ...
KathrynE 14.03.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BBC Radio 2
Advantages: Easy listening, good mix, excellent presenters Disadvantages: Evening times :(
Throughout my school days, my college days and now my present existence, I have been laughed at, told I’m stupid and my sanity questioned along with my “cool” factor. Why? Well, its because I like to listen to Radio 2, you know, that “un cool” station. It all began, like many here, thanks to my Mother having the station on before school, after school and practically whenever she was home. I vowed never to listen to it ... ...listen to Radio One and bang my head to wicked dance music. Then I gave in. Radio 2 has the best mix of music I think you will find. I like the older types of music, Chicago and Reo Speedwagon as well as the likes of Shaggy, Robbie and the rest. I can get this mix on Radio Two and that’s why I listen. Its easy listening music, all throughout the day. I do turn off at nighttime because the Jazz programmes don’t quite do it for me. I also ...
Spency 08.08.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BBC Radio 2
Advantages: Constant and varied entertainment Disadvantages: 50 yards of bad reception through the Mersey Tunnel
...but when you consider that BBC Radio 2 has been rated by 95% of Ciao Authors, who am I to argue. Not only the most listened to radio station in the UK, but recent winners of the Sony award for best radio station, Radio 2 offers a wide and diverse cross section of entertainment.
Where can I begin in order to explain the attraction of what used to be considered the station of the aged and infirm (unless I have become aged and infirm without my family ... ...in your 'teens or your 'ties, there is something for everyone. My four kids range from 4 to 13, the four year old sings along to all the jingles whilst the teenage element enjoy the comedy elements and also get to hear the original versions of songs they thought were new! Lets face it, the current Number One single in the UK is currently Gerri Halliwells version of 'It's Raining Men', a hit for The Weathergirls almost 20 years ago!
If your tastes ...
whyted 14.05.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BBC Radio 2
Advantages: Much improved Disadvantages: Still some work to do
Over the past two years or so radio 2 has experienced a remarkable rennaissance. Once the erstwhile oldies station, playing Sir Cliff every second song, radio 2 has become dare I say it credible. So how has this dramatic transformation come about?
Most importantly radio 2's controllers have exacted a long overdue purge on the station's deadwood. For example the delivery of Ed "stewpot" Stewart's P45. He has been replaced in the all important drive ... ...and potentially damaging run-in with a guy called Charlie been a roaring success. I particularly enjoy the cruising section where he plays rock n'roll classics by the likes of Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Elvis seldom heard on the radio.
Perhaps the greatest success stories however have been those involving the introduction of people not only new to the station but new to radio in general. By this I refer to Jonathan Ross and Mark Lamarr. Jonathan ...
doctor_gonzo 14.01.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BBC Radio 2
Quality of reception
Quality of programming
Range of programming
How good are the presen...
Quality of information
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "BBC Radio 2"
Advantages: Easy to listen to. Disadvantages: None.
listening programme, for those of us who like the sound of "mellow" music, presented in a none too serious, if not light hearted manner.
Most people don't know that she is also a novelist, and is famous for using her own expressions, for instance she calls her partner "Much beloved" and is credited as being the first person to use the phrase "White Van Man".
She has a fan club, whos members call her Bunty Bagshaw for some reason. She has her own style of speaking, although very easy to understand, she uses her own variations of words, like "breastingtons" for boobs, and "Sainsbugs" for Sainsbury's.
The show itself is very much an easy listening one, you will not find heavy metal or punk played here, although you will hear bands like The Kinks, and the Rolling Stones from time to time.
Website:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows ...
Advantages: Free channels Disadvantages: Need good airel, covers 74% of UK can get frustrating, (lots more)
Up Anytime 1
TopUp Anytime 2
TopUp Anytime 3
TopUp Anytime 4
Nuts TV
GemsTV
GemsTV1
Lottery Extra
smileTV2
CBBC
CBEEBIES
CITV
BBC News
BBC Parliment
Sky News
Sky Sports News
Community
TeachersTV
TVX/REDHOT
TELETEXT
Teletext Holidays
Rabbit
Teletext Cars
Teletext On 4
BBC Red Button
Sky Text
4TVINTERACTIVE
301
302
303
TVTVDIGITAL
305
BBCRADIO 1
1 Xtra BBCBBCRadio2BBCRadio 3
BBCRadio 4
BBCRadio 5Live
BBCRadio 5Live Sports Xtra
BBC 6 Music
BBC 7
BBC Asian Network
BBC World Service
The Hits Radio
Smash Hits
Kiss
Heat
Magic
Smooth
Mojo
Kerrang!
talkSPORT
Clyde1
Premier Radio
Absoulute Radio
Heart
Features
You can do various things with Freeview. Firstly, you can search for an update which will find more channels, you can put subtitles on, Lock/Unlock channels (if you have children ...
AlexanderBanks 28.10.2008 (08.11.2008)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Freeview
Advantages: Free digital quality tv (when it works) Disadvantages: Poor signal and freezing
A one of charge for a free view box and free digital tv channels sounds very good doesnt it? I thought so my self and invested in a free veiw box but when i got it home i wasnt very impressed. It picked up all of the channels it said i was ment to recive which were:
BBC One, BBC Two, ITV 1, Channel 4 and five, ITV 2, ITV 3, ITV 4, BBC Three, Sky Three, BBC Four, E4, More4, Film4, UK History, UK Bright Ideas , Virgin 1 , Teachers TV, Community
News / Sport BBC News 24, Sky News, Sky Sports News, BBC Parliament
Kids CBBC, Cbeebies
Shopping QVC, Bid TV , Price-drop TV , Ideal World
Music The Hits, The Music Factory
RadioBBCRadio 1, BBCRadio2, BBCRadio 3 ,BBCRadio 4, BBCRadio 5 Live, BBCRadio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBCRadio 6, BBC 1Xtra, BBCRadio 7, TalkSport, BBC Asian Network, BBC World Service, Smash Hits, KISS ...
Crutcho 06.10.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Freeview
