Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio — A Celebration Of Christmas

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Roy Castle (BBC Radio 2, Arts Centre Group)
Episode Date: November 28, 2025
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Setting: Live recording at Wembley Conference Centre, London
Theme: A festive celebration featuring music, poetry, gospel, humor, and storytelling from the Golden Age of Radio and beyond, emphasizing the joy and communal spirit of Christmas.

Overview

This special holiday episode, hosted by Roy Castle on behalf of the Arts Centre Group and BBC Radio 2, gathers a vibrant collection of artists, musicians, choirs, and family members to honor Christmas through song, story, comedy, and reflection. The event blends secular and sacred traditions, classic carols, and original performances. Highlighting the sense of togetherness, artistic collaboration, and the Christian message at the heart of Christmas, the episode evokes nostalgia for the communal listenings of radio’s golden era, while also featuring new, live energy.

Key Segments and Highlights

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene

Host: Roy Castle

• Begins with a sentimental reflection on Christmas:

  “A time above all for remembering the miracle of the baby at Bethlehem without whom there would never have been a Christmas... Christmas is a time for celebration.” (00:30)

• Sets a festive, inclusive atmosphere, promising music, sketches, and contributions from notable artists.

2. Musical Performances and Christmas Carols

• Lorna Washington – "12 Days of Christmas"

  • Lively rendition with audience participation.
  • Repeated joyful refrains and slightly muddled but playful lyrics showcase a communal, spontaneous vibe. (09:57–14:47)

• London Community Gospel Choir

  • Introduced as “the most exciting choir we could find” (18:35).
  • Traditional gospel numbers, showcasing exuberant vocals and themes of praise and thanksgiving.
  • Notable moment:

    “You took me through the good and the bad? Best friend I ever had. And you lead me to the promised land.” (20:07)

• David Grant (standing in for Alvin Stardust) – Christmas Ballad

  • Sings about Christmas memories and loneliness, capturing both melancholy and hope. (24:02–27:35)

3. Comedy and Storytelling: The Shepherd’s Tale

• Humorous, dramatized re-imagining of the nativity from the shepherds’ perspective. (27:44–34:43)
  • Comic dialogue about lost sheep and confusion upon meeting the angel Gabriel and witnessing the arrival of multitudes of angels.
  • Roy Castle as narrator:

    “It always happens to me, sir. Yeah, well, it must be the look of your face. Boy, they’re very choosy animals, sheep. You can’t blame me for that.” (28:01)

  • Moves from comedy to awe as the shepherds witness the heavenly host and the proclamation of Christ’s birth.

4. Guest Performances

• Donna Johnson

  • Warm, emotional solo reflecting on absent loved ones at Christmas. (36:19–42:19)
  • Leads audience in festive singalong:
    • "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" (42:19)
    • "When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney", "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Jingle Bells", encouraging widespread audience participation and laughter (44:56–50:53).
  • Lighthearted banter about her “tinfoil” dress, showcasing the affectionate, comedic tone.

• Children’s Performances

  • Daniel Ludford Thomas and Victoria McLaughlin (“choir boy/girl of the year”) perform carols.
  • Roy Castle humorously discusses working with children, sharing anecdotes about his own (50:53).
  • Family ensemble: Daniel (trombone), Benjamin (reading a humorous introduction and piano piece), and Antonia (original piano composition titled “Norman”).
    • Playful, affectionate exchanges between Roy and his children, sharing the spotlight and poking fun at family music-making (55:32–62:44).

• Community Involvement

  • Audience urged to sing along and participate throughout, fostering an atmosphere of inclusion.

5. Gospel Uplift

• “Praise Him on the Trumpet” led by Lorna Washington, with support from Fiona Castle and the choir (66:24–68:27).
• “Come Home My Child” – moving gospel invitation (68:32–73:52).
• Roy Castle:

  “Don’t you hear I call I am here. I can see every tear that falls, every tear that falls on your eyes, my child.” (71:09)

6. Poetic Reflection

• Evelyn Lay reads a Lewis Carroll Christmas poem (81:59–83:26), invoking childhood wonder and the central Christian message:

  “Still the joyful sound – Peace on earth, Good will to men; Yet the hearts... was childlike be where such heavenly guests abide...” (83:09)

7. Standout Performers and Songs

• Mary o’ Hara – Delicate, spiritual songs, including “Sweet Child of Glory” and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young”, delivering timeless blessings:

  “May God bless and keep you always / May your wishes all come true / May you always do for others and let others do for you...” (75:18–79:19)

• Cliff Richard (special guest):

  • Sentimental reflection on loving Christmas, sharing the joy of lights, the city, and above all, faith.
  • Medley including “Blow Ye a Trumpet”, and “He’ll Wait Another Christmas Day” (92:41–95:48).
  • Soulful rendition of “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, recalling a moving moment from a past gospel show (96:25–100:13).

• Unconventional Carol Arrangements

  • “O Little Town of Bethlehem” with new melody, blending tradition and modernity (100:25–103:44).

8. Grand Finale

• Mass medley brings together all the show’s performers: BBC Concert Orchestra, choirs, family, soloists, and special guests (104:08–end).
• Traditional carols, including “Once in Royal David’s City,” with a rousing, joyful conclusion.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Roy Castle, on revisiting the Christmas story:

  “Taking a fresh look at a very familiar story can sometimes help you to see new meaning in it.” (35:38)

• Cliff Richard, on Christmas:

  “It’s really nice to be here. I love Christmas. I love Christmas trees. I love snow. I love gold. I love tinsel. I even love Oxford Street and Regent Street. … But most of all I love Jesus the Lord.” (93:08)

• Mary o’ Hara (singing Bob Dylan):

  “May you build a ladder to the stars and climb on every rung / May you stay forever young.” (78:41)

• Roy Castle, humor with family:

  “On this occasion, I’ve broken both rules [about children and animals]. Say hello to Benjamin.” (55:32)

• Funny moment, Roy Castle and son:

  “So let’s just see how far he’s got. Here he is. Daniel. Hi, Daniel. I often wondered why you chose to play the trombone...” Daniel: “Well, you see, there’s one main difference really between the trumpet and the trombone. What’s that? The spelling.” (50:53-53:55)

Major Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | Highlights | |-----------|--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | 00:30 | Roy Castle - Opening Reflection | Christmas spirit and meaning | | 09:57 | Lorna Washington - “12 Days of Christmas” | Festive singalong | | 18:35 | London Community Gospel Choir Introduced | Gospel music performance | | 24:02 | David Grant - Christmas Ballad | Solos about memory, hope | | 27:44 | Shepherds Nativity Sketch | Humorous storytelling | | 36:19 | Donna Johnson – Solo & Singalong | Emotional performance, audience participation| | 50:53 | Children and Castle Family Musicians | Musical comedy & talent | | 66:24 | Lorna Washington & Fiona Castle - “Praise Him on the Trumpet” | Gospel praise | | 75:18 | Mary o’ Hara – Spiritual Ballad/Forever Young | Poignant, spiritual moments | | 81:59 | Evelyn Lay – Lewis Carroll Reading | Classic poem, Christmas message | | 92:41 | Cliff Richard – Reflections & Medley | Christmas love, faith, music | | 96:25 | “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” | Emotional gospel | | 104:08 | Finale Medley – All Performers | Communal, jubilant finish |

Tone and Atmosphere

• Warmth and Humor: Roy Castle’s hosting is marked by geniality, quick wit, and gentle jokes, especially in his interactions with family and children.
• Inclusivity: Repeated invitations to sing along and joyful encouragement for audience participation.
• Nostalgia: Frequent allusions to family-centered radio traditions and the Golden Age of Radio, as well as the enduring appeal of classic carols and spirituals.
• Faith and Reflection: The Christian message is celebrated through music, narrative, and poetry, but without excluding secular joy. Performers share personal and communal appreciation for Christmas, often focusing on unity, remembrance, and hope.

Final Notes

This episode is a lush, joy-filled celebration of Christmas combining nostalgic tradition with contemporary touches and humor. It offers a rich blend of carols, gospel, comedy sketches, heartfelt reflections, and family warmth, making it both a loving homage to the Golden Age of Radio and a sincere, spirited celebration of the season’s meaning.

Closing Message:

“On behalf of everyone here, we’d like to send all of you a very special wish for a Christmas full of love, peace, and happiness. Happy Christmas.” (104:08)