The BBC Variety Orchestra performed in countless radio broadcasts under Shadwell's control between 1936 and 1946. As well as programmes such as Music Hall, which featured his music and ended with his theme tune, "Down with the Curtain", his own composition, he actively participated in the tradition, started in Britain by variety stars Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon, of banter between the comedians and their shows' bandleader.
The BBC Variety Orchestra performed in many radio broadcasts under Shadwell's control from 1936 to 1946. They included Music Hall programmes featuring his music and concluding with "Down with the Curtain," his theme tune, and he was actively involved in the tradition started by British variety stars Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon, which incorporated banter between comedians and their bandleaders.