Welsh Rarebit was a Welsh radio variety show broadcasted from Cardiff by the BBC. First transmitted in 1938 by the Welsh Home Service, it became the main English language entertainment programme from the BBC in Wales during Second World War. The programme's most lasting legacy is its closing song, We'll Keep a Welcome (in the Hillsides).
Welsh Rarebit was first broadcast on the Welsh Home Service in July 1938. With the outbreak of the Second World War it was broadcast to the whole of the United Kingdom, and abroad, on the BBC unified Home Service. The programme was mainly a variety show, but also ran regular features such as Eynon Evans as "Tommy Troubles" and Dai's Letter to the Forces, a sentimental reflection of life in Wales read by Lyn Joshua.[1] From 1941 the show was produced by Mai Jones, she also produced other programmes such as Saturday Starlight. Welsh Rarebit featured a host of Welsh entertainers, many of which became household names; regular names included Albert Ward, Gladys Morgan, Vera Meazey, Les Ward, Eynon Evans, Ossie Morris, Stan Stennett, Harry Secombe, Maudie Edwards and Wyn Calvin.[1] At its peak the programme attracted 12 million listeners and remains one of the most popular entertainment shows produced from Wales.[2]
From 1948 until it ended in July 1951 it was broadcast on the BBC's network Light Programme.[1] In 1951 the progamme transferred for a limited run as a BBC television show, with Eynon Evans, continuing his role as "Tommy Troubles".