ENSA in Barham During WW2

The Entertainments National Service Association otherwise known as ENSA was formed in September 1939 by Basil Dean and the first overseas show given by ENSA was headed by Gracie Fields and took place on November 15th 1939 in front of the theatre in Douai, France.

Between 1939 and 1946, ENSA put on 2,656,565 performances to servicemen and women and civilians. Many of the shows took the headlines such as the Sadlers Wells Ballet, the Halle Orchestra and Springtime Follies which went to Gibraltar starring John Geilgud, Michael Wilding, Bea Lillie, Edith Evans, Elizabeth Welch, Phyllis Stanley and Jeanne de Casalis. Other who entertained the Forces overseas were Noel Coward, Joyce Grenfell, Gracie Fields, Laurence Olivier and Vivian Leigh.

However, a number of smaller shows referred to as 'four handers' played their part in entertaining isolated military units in the UK. These usually consisted of a comedian/vocalist, a pianist and two dancers. At the same time, small groups of entertainers were sent to factories to boost the morale of the people working long hours. These were very popular with the artistes as they were well-fed by the canteen!

Occasionally when no suitable venue could be found for a 'four hander' show, they have been known to have also entertained in village halls and pubs.

Although ENSA was disbanded in July 1946 it became, in many ways, the role model for today's Combined Services Entertainment (CSE) which is now part of the Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC).