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If you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.uk
Kevin Bishop is a veteran television producer and director whose career spans decades at the BBC. Starting behind the scenes in theatre and variety, he went on to work with some of Britain’s most iconic performers, directing and producing shows including French and Saunders, A Bit of Fry and Laurie, The Kenny Everett Show, Wogan, the Royal Variety Show, and the Eurovision Song Contest. Across his career, he has overseen hundreds of live broadcasts and worked closely with stars ranging from Victoria Wood and Elton John to Liza Minnelli, Terry Wogan, and Shirley Bassey.
In this episode of Variety, Adam Sternberg sits down with legendary TV producer and director Kevin Bishop for a rare behind-the-scenes look at British television history. Kevin reflects on his early love of theatre, his first backstage jobs, and the winding path that led him to the BBC, where he helped shape some of the most influential comedy and variety shows of the last 50 years.
The conversation covers Kevin’s experiences working with comedy greats like Victoria Wood, French and Saunders, Fry and Laurie, Roy Bremner, and Larry Grayson, as well as producing and directing ten Royal Variety Shows. Kevin breaks down how acts were chosen, how running orders were built, and why egos were rarely a problem. He also shares memorable moments involving Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Shirley Bassey, Rowan Atkinson, and Bob Monkhouse.
Adam and Kevin then turn to Eurovision, including the UK’s 1997 win, the challenge of hosting the contest in Birmingham in 1998, the last-ever Eurovision with a live orchestra, and the night Dana International won in a moment that helped redefine representation on the world stage. The episode wraps with reflections on the BBC, the meaning of variety entertainment, and Kevin’s question for a future guest.
00:00 Introduction and Kevin Bishop’s career overview
01:00 Working with comedy legends and spotting future stars
02:25 Early passion for theatre and first backstage jobs
04:00 Breaking into television and first producing roles
06:08 Queen Mother’s 90th birthday gala and Royal Variety Shows
07:56 Booking acts and running order decisions
10:07 Rehearsals, live orchestras, and handling big stars
11:31 Starstruck moments and working with Larry Grayson
13:54 Live TV pressure, mistakes, and editing fixes
15:37 Wogan, Eurovision, the BBC, and the meaning of variety
The Variety Show is a celebration of the extraordinary people who bring live performance to life. Each week, host Adam Sternberg sits down with a dazzling range of guests – from magicians to contortionists, gospel singers to tap dancers to uncover the real stories behind their craft. How do artists decide to dedicate their lives to performing? What inspires them, challenges them, and keeps them coming back to the stage? Through intimate conversations, Variety gives listeners a behind-the-curtain look at the journeys, passions, and influences that shape today’s performers. Whether you’re a fan of live entertainment, a lover of the arts, or simply curious about the paths less traveled, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on the world of performance.
If you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.uk