STROLLING along Middle Street in Brigthton recently, I took the opportunity to take a look at the work currently being undertaken by Matsim Properties to repair the stunning roof of the Hippodrome, as a first step to restoring the theatre to its former glory.

On returning home I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane and browse through my collection of  treasured Hippodrome programmes. 

The name of Max Miller, Brighton's own Cheeky Chappie, frequently crops up as you might expect, but one programme that particularly caught my attention was Bernard Delfont's fifth Brighton Summer Show, Let's Be Happy, which opened on July 4,1960.

What a bill! Who remembers The King Brothers, whose  hits included White Sports Coat and Standing On The Corner? 

Roy Castle was known as Mr Versatility and for good reason. He was a comedian, singer, dancer, trumpeter and guitarist, as well as playing a stooge in Jimmy James' famous "elephant in the box" sketch. 

How do you follow that?  Well, what about Tommy Cooper with a "magical mix-up". Tommy was one of many comedians who learnt their trade at London's famous Windmill Theatre, and had already appeared in two Royal Variety Performances.

Top of the bill? None other than that tall, dark and handsome singer, Frankie Vaughan. He had recently flown back from America where he had made a film with Marilyn Monroe called Let's Make Love. Frankie had many hit discs including Green Door, Give Me the Moonlight and Garden of Eden.  Supporting acts in Let's Be Happy included Claire Warner, The Brighton Belles, The Three Kims and opera singer Adele Leigh. 

I wonder if any of your readers remember seeing what must have been a great show.

Jack Strutt

Brighton