Ensa Collection

WW2 - NaFI presents ENSA Production at Alexandria, Egypt
WW2 - A playbill for a production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde produced by N.A.A.F.I (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes)

Josephine Baker singing to British Factory Workers
Josephine Baker (1906-1975) singing to British Factory Workers for ENSA (The Entertainments National Service Association) in July 1951, her first visit to England since the end of WW2. Date: 1951

WW2 Poster -- ENSA Entertainments, Swing Vogue
Photolithograph poster inscribed NaFI presents ENSA Entertainments for HM Forces. Its modern, its new, its bright, its Swing Vogue

The Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) was an organisation set up in 1939 by Basil Dean and Leslie Henson to provide entertainment for British armed forces personnel during World War

Illustration, Bristlewoods in living room with radio
Caricature illustration by Frank Reynolds, of a man and woman in living room, man and dog dancing by the radio. Captioned, Bristlewoods see it through'. With quotations, Mrs

16-year old Yvette Glinel Sings for personnel of an RAF Spitfire Wing at their camp concert on a Normandy airfield. Circa July 1944

Arriving at the place where they are to give their performance, a village a few miles from the front line, members of an ENSA concert party take their dresses to the dressing room

British army soldiers enjoy a performance from girls playing accordions at their mobile theatre, which is a converted bus

The Crazy Gang at Regent Street January 1943 including Jimmy Nervo (right) and Teddy Knox (second right). OL305K

Advertisement, Ministry of Labour Munition Concerts, WW2
Advertisement, Ministry of Labour Munition Concerts, organised by ENSA. circa 1940s

ENSA Concert 1940
ENSA Concert in the Aldwych London Underground Station during World War II

The Above has Arrived
Young lady with short skirt and stockings on display parachuting down to an ENSA (Entertainment) marquee

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During World War II, the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) played a vital role in boosting morale among British troops and factory workers. In Alexandria, Egypt, NaFI presented an ENSA production that transported audiences to a world far away from the harsh realities of war. Josephine Baker mesmerized British factory workers with her enchanting voice, providing them with a much-needed escape. Swing Vogue was all the rage during this time, as depicted in a captivating WW2 poster promoting ENSA entertainments. Bristlewoods gathered around their radio in their living room, eagerly awaiting the next performance by ENSA artists who brought joy into their homes. Established in 1939, ENSA organized Ministry of Labour Munition Concerts during wartime. Yvette Glinel, only 16 years old at the time, fearlessly sang for RAF Spitfire Wing personnel at their camp. The dedication and talent displayed by these young performers were truly remarkable. As they arrived at various locations to give performances, ENSA artists were greeted with anticipation and gratitude. British army soldiers found solace and entertainment through girls playing accordions at mobile shows arranged by ENSA. One memorable event took place on Regent Street in January 1943 when The Crazy Gang performed to uplift spirits amidst challenging times. Jimmy Nervo's presence added an extra touch of humor and laughter to this unforgettable moment captured forever. ENSA's commitment to bringing happiness during such difficult times will always be remembered as an essential part of history's tapestry. Their tireless efforts provided respite from war's hardships and reminded people that even amidst chaos.