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 numerous radio broadcasts under Shadwell's control from 1936 to 1946. They featured Music Hall programmes with his music and the theme tune "Down with the Curtain," and he was actively involved in the tradition started by British variety stars Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon, which included banter between comedians and their bandleaders.