My Aunt Mabel

In this episode we’ll dive into two of Mabel’s most important and popular shows - the Buggins Family and the English Family Robinson. They represent two entertainment genres that we take for granted today - the sitcom and the soap opera - and Mabel was at the forefront of it all.One media expert has said the Bugginses were ‘the forerunner of virtually every soap and sitcom family that’s ever been’. Listen in to find out how Mabel blazed a trail for comedians such as Catherine Tate.

In this episode we’ll look at how Mabel broke into broadcasting, how she fought her corner 100 years ago to ensure she was paid equally - becoming a no-nonsense negotiator in the process - and her seemingly infinite creative output.

In this episode we’ll look at how a determined Mabel Constanduros became a national treasure on the BBC but was airbrushed from history; her difficult personal life and its tragic moments; her stuffy, humdrum husband, and; her extraordinary trip to 1930s Hollywood.

This podcast series, My Aunt Mabel, will explore the life and work of Mabel Constanduros in the early decades of the BBC. She lived from 1880 -1957 and was a prolific writer and actress for radio, film and theatre, becoming one of the most creative forces in British radio for three decades.Across the next four episodes, you’ll hear about the highs of Mabel's pioneering professional life and the lows of her personal life with its tragic moments.You’ll also hear how she fought her corner 100 years ago to be paid equally, how she led the way in two entertainment genres that we take for granted today, and how she dealt with fame and her celebrity status.Over 6 decades have passed since Mabel’s death but you’ll notice many parallels with today’s media world and wider society.If entertainment and its place in society interest you, you’ll enjoy this podcast.