Hal Lashwood's Alabama Jubilee
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Television |
| Founded | March 6, 1958 |
| Founder | Hal Lashwood |
| Fate | Renamed and later replaced |
| Successor | Rooftop Rendezvous (after Alabama Jubilee), The Magic of Music (after Minstrels) |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Variety television shows |
Hal Lashwood's Alabama Jubilee was a variety program broadcast on Australian television, hosted by Hal Lashwood from 1958 until 1961 on ABC Television. The series was essentially a minstrel show featuring some performers in blackface makeup and was renamed Hal Lashwood's Minstrels in 1960.
Hal Lashwood's Alabama Jubilee
The show debuted in Sydney on 6 March 1958, with episodes airing on Thursdays in Sydney and Fridays in Melbourne. Created by Lashwood and produced by Harry Pringle, it was broadcast every two weeks, alternating with Cafe Continental, a program showcasing a variety of ethnic performances.
At times, the series followed broadcasts of Amos'n'Andy. Memorable episodes include the inaugural one featuring Reg Quartley as Tambo, a live transmission from Sydney Stadium on 5 June 1958, and anniversary specials that hosted performers such as baritone Ron Williams and jazz vocalist Bettie Fisher. Additional guest artists comprised Roy Giles, Noel Melvin, Babs MacKinnon, James Wilson, and Nellie Small.
Eventually, the series was succeeded by Rooftop Rendezvous, after which Lashwood moved on to star in another variety show titled Shower of Stars.
Cast
- Hal Lashwood
- Syd Heylen
- Jimmy Hanlon
- Peggy Mortimer
- Neil Williams
- Jack Kersh
Hal Lashwood's Minstrels
Running from July 1960 until August 1961 on ABC, Hal Lashwood's Minstrels took over from its predecessor and was later replaced by The Magic of Music. This half-hour variety program featured notable guests including Heather Pitt, Jack Allan, Wilma Reading, the Three Escorts, Eddie Calvert, Dave Wheeler, Jack Allen, and Noeleen Batley.
A particularly noteworthy episode aired on 24 December 1960, showcasing Paul Robeson delivering a Christmas greeting to children from various cultural backgrounds alongside performances of holiday songs. Other guest appearances included Al Kenny, Stan Penrose, Jimmy Haines, C. Ray Smith, and Patti Markham.
In 1961, an album entitled Hal Lashwood's Minstrels was launched, expanding the show's presence into the music industry.
Cast
- Hal Lashwood as Mr Interlocutor
- Sydney Heylen as Bones
- Reg Quartley as Tambo
- Jack Kerh as Mr Dixie
- Peggy Mortimer as Miss Carolina
- Nell Williams as Mr Melodry
- Jack Allen – accompanied by the Swanee River Boys (Django Kahn, Neville Thomas, Ron Webber)
Reception
In 1963, Max Harris of The Bulletin criticized ABC's variety offerings, citing programs like Hal Lashwood Minstrels as examples of ineffective investments. He observed that these productions did not engage audiences as successfully as ABC’s drama series The Outcasts, which achieved considerable national acclaim. This contrast prompted the broadcaster to shift focus toward producing higher-quality content.