Have a Go

Britain's very first broadcast quiz to give away money prizes, "Have a Go" was a hugely popular "people show" in which Wilfred Pickles (and his wife, Mabel) travelled around the country, turning up in village halls and asking ordinary folk up on stage to talk about their lives and memories.

Who's next?

Pickles (on the right) and a contestant.

This done, the member of the public would then be invited to "have a go" at the quiz, which consisted of four questions worth increasing amounts between 2s 6d and one guinea. In 1953, the total prize was £1/18s/6d, though it may have varied over time. At the end of the show, a "jackpot question" was asked with a slightly bigger prize available. All the previous contestants would write their answer down and one of them (quite likely, the one judged by the producer to be the audience's favourite) would be awarded the money. There would also often be items of local produce awarded in addition to the money, hence the catchphrase "What's on the table, Mabel?"

Is madam ready to order?

A good time is had by all.

"How do, how are yer?"

"Are yer courtin'?"

"What's on the table, Mabel?"

"Give 'im the money, Mabel!" (or "...Barney!", when producer Barney Colehan handed out the cash)

By Jack Jordan:

Have a go, Joe, come on and have a go

You can't lose owt

It costs you nowt

To make yourself some dough.

So hurry up and join us

Don't be shy and don't be slow

Come on Joe, have a go!

Violet Carson, one of the pianists, went on to become Ena Sharples in Coronation Street.

Violet Carson, before she were famous

A boxed Have a Go party game was produced.

...and here it is.

Have a Go page at Whirligig-TV

Account of a 1959 edition

Mabel gives a contestant the money.

Wilfred and his missus.

Wait 'til you see MY watermelon.

YOOOOOOOOOU!!!

Three in a Row