It’s Lulu (1970–1971, 1973) was a British television variety series starring Scottish singer and entertainer Lulu. Airing on BBC One, the program marked Lulu’s return to the small screen after her success at the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest, where she tied for first place with the song Boom Bang-A-Bang. The series solidified her status as a major entertainment figure in the UK.
Produced by the BBC, It’s Lulu spanned two distinct runs. The initial run, broadcast from July 11, 1970, consisted of 17 episodes, each 45 minutes in length. A second, shorter run of 10 episodes, also 45 minutes each, aired in 1973. The series featured a blend of musical performances, comedic sketches, and appearances by a diverse array of guest stars.
The series was broadcast during a period of significant change in British society and popular culture. The early 1970s saw the rise of glam rock, progressive rock, and other evolving musical genres. Television variety shows remained a dominant form of entertainment, and Lulu contributed to this landscape by showcasing both established and emerging talent. The program’s format reflected the era’s preference for light entertainment programming that appealed to a broad audience.
Each episode of Lulu typically followed a similar structure. Lulu, backed by the Alyn Ainsworth Orchestra and the Dougie Squires Dozen dancers, performed a selection of songs, both her own hits and popular covers. The show interspersed her musical numbers with comedic interludes, often featuring prominent guest comedians. This mix of music and comedy gave the program a fast-paced, dynamic feel that held viewers’ attention. The inclusion of numerous guest stars, both musical and comedic, broadened the show’s appeal and introduced viewers to a variety of performers.
A significant aspect of Lulu‘s success lay in the range of talent it featured. The impressive roster of guest stars included comedic giants such as Ronnie Corbett, Ronnie Barker, Marty Feldman, Peter Cook, and Dudley Moore, as well as musical icons like Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, The Kinks, The Hollies, and Stevie Wonder. The blend of established stars and up-and-coming acts created a vibrant atmosphere and provided a platform for emerging artists.
The show’s reception by contemporary critics and audiences was generally positive. Reviews praised Lulu’s energetic performances and her ability to connect with viewers. The variety of guest stars also drew positive attention, ensuring that each episode offered something for different tastes.
It’s Lulu‘s legacy lies in its representation of a specific moment in British entertainment history. The series captures the vibrant and diverse musical and comedic landscape of the early 1970s. It also highlights Lulu’s versatility as a performer, demonstrating her ability to engage audiences through both song and light comedic interaction. Although Lulu has not achieved the lasting cult status of some other variety shows from the era, it remains a significant entry in Lulu’s career and a valuable record of the television landscape of its time.
