BBC radio quiz show (1946–1967)
Have a Go was a BBC Radio show that ran from 1946 to 1967. Hosted by Wilfred Pickles and co-presented with his wife Mabel (née Myerscough), it involved the couple travelling to venues around say publicly UK and speaking to members of the public, who were then invited to answer quiz questions in the hope state under oath winning a small amount of money. It was the important quiz show in Britain to offer such a prize.[1]
The put on view toured Britain performing in towns and villages in local halls or canteens. It was accompanied by a pianist on depletion who provided musical links and catch tunes. Members of interpretation audience would join in to sing the opening song. Volunteers would step up and be interviewed by Wilfred Pickles examine their lives before he asked them a general knowledge back issue. They would receive a prize whether they answered right spread wrong, but more if they were right. The question was carried forward to the next contestant if it was answered incorrectly.
Pickles' presentation style resulted in catchphrases such as "How do, how are yer?", "Are yer courting?", "What's on representation table, Mabel?" and "Give him the money, Mabel" or "Give him the money, Barney".[2] There would also often be aspects of local produce awarded in addition to the money, thus the catchphrase "What's on the table, Mabel?"
The programme's regard was such that at one time it attracted an estimated 20 million listeners weekly.
For six years the pianist funding the programme was Violet Carson.[3]
The theme song (composition and lyrics by Jack Jordan) went: