The Victoria Wood Songbook

In 1974, while appearing on the TV talent show ‘New Faces', Victoria Wood was told she would never be a success. She went on to enjoy a 40-year career as a comedian, writer, producer, actor, documentary-maker and songwriter.

She all but invented the one-woman show, with her trademark warmth, and intelligent humour. And even though she died in 2016, her genius is still being discovered by new fans.

Her songs in particular are being revisited and reassessed in cabaret and revues; it's fitting really because, from the very beginning, Victoria intertwined her brilliant live comedy act with her own show-stealing songs, which she played at the piano.

In 2013, she explained that having some kind of musicality helped her when it came to her work.

`Everything you write`, she said, `has to have a rhythm - it all comes back to music.`

In a special programme, Shobna Gulati, who played Anita in 'dinnerladies', revisits some of Victoria Wood's unforgettable songs.

Plus, we hear from Victoria herself, thanks to some archive Radio 2 interviews which haven't been heard since their original broadcasts.

So drain your cocoa cup, switch off 'Gardener's Question Time', and dig out a copy of 'Woman's Weekly', because it's time to open ‘The Victoria Wood Songbook'.

Shobna Gulati (Anita in Dinnerladies) celebrates some of Victoria's treasured songs.

In 1974, while appearing on the TV talent show ‘New Faces', Victoria Wood was told she would never be a success. She went on to enjoy a 40-year career as a comedian, writer, producer, actor, documentary-maker and songwriter.

“Everything you write ?, she said, “has to have a rhythm - it all comes back to music. ?

So drain your cocoa cup, switch off 'Gardener's Question Time', and dig out a copy of 'Woman's Weekly', because it's time to open ‘The Victoria Wood Songbook'.