Behind the scenes of two of Australia's most outrageous television shows

Foreword by The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG

Two shows changed the face of Australian television forever, and rocked the nation to its foundations. And now, the creator of Number 96 and the Executive Producer of The Mavis Bramston Show takes you behind the scenes of these two controversial, outrageously ground-breaking series for a jaunt through the industry’s Golden Years.

These two shows flaunted the unmentionable, destroyed taboos, ridiculed sacred cows and dared to deal with subjects hitherto considered too shocking for polite society. They were condemned from the pulpit, slayed by the critcs, yet adored by an immense majority of viewers.

Actor, script writer, producer and author David Sale’s career progressed through the theatres and movie studios of London and Hollywood and the turbulent world of Australia’s TV industry, and he takes us with him every step of the way.

It’s a life that began in war-ravaged Manchester, followed the migrant route to Australia, and – against all odds – hit the heights of show business. It can be summed up in four words.

From Blitz to Glitz!

About the Author

Born in Manchester, England, David Sale was brought to Australia by his migrant parents and has had a lengthy career as an actor, scriptwriter, producer and author. Early on, he returned to the UK to become an actor, before taking roles with the Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney’s Tivoli Theatre and across Australia in The King and I.

He then turned to writing, and contributed to many TV series as well as helming The Mavis Bramston Show and creating Number 96. He has provided special material for some of Australia’s legendary entertainers on stage, TV and cabaret, and produced the last of Sydney’s notoriously naughty Phillip Street Theatre revues, Lie Back and Enjoy It.

Sale has authored six novels, two of which – best sellers in England – were bought for the movies.