Sunday Feature: The Pleasure Telephone

Edward Seckerson tells the story of the use of the early telephone to relay live entertainment and news direct to subscribers' homes in the late 19th and early 20th century. Following its invention, it was seen not just as a means of conversation but as an instrument for relaying live music such as opera - to the home, private clubs and hotels. It was also used to bring other types of entertainment to the people, such as West End productions, worship from prominent churches and eventually what would come to be recognised as a radio station. With contributions from John Liffen of the Science Museum, communications historians Tim Crook, Neil Johannesen and Sean Street, Royal Opera House archivist Francesca Franchi and the late music journalist Patrick O'Connor