The Queen and Prince Philip were treated to an evening of non-stop entertainment at the Royal Variety Performance in 1962 at the Palladium.
There was find singing from two female vocalists; Eartha Kitt and Cleo Laine; comedy from Norman Vaughan as compere, from Mike and Bernie Winters, and Dickie Henderson, while a surprise hit was the astounding juggling of Rudy Cardenas.
The end of the show belonged to the Americans. First Sophie Tucker in an emotional appearance; a hard act to follow, but who can upstage Bob Hope? The master of comedy soon had the audience fully with him, aided by Edie Adams, brought the house down.
Sophie Tucker, 'The Last of the Red Hot Hot Mommas', was given a huge ovation at the 1962 show. She was overwhelmed, but knew it was a fitting tribute. "I worked forty years for this night and I reckon I earned it, It was in 1922 that I made my first appearance in a Royal Variety Show. Tonight they loved it, they loved it, they loved it. The Queen and Prince Philip were wonderful to me. We had some good laughs together."
Eartha Kitt was disconcerted by being told not to look at the Queen during her act. Ms Kitt had hoped to direct her song at the Royal Box when uttering the words 'Would you think it a bore when I shoved you the door.'
"I'm disappointed I can't look at the Royal Box as I sing" she said, "I like to bring people into my act, but it seems it is just not done here. It's not a naughty song - I don't sing naughty songs!"
