Play’s the Thing, The

Synopsis

Second in a 3-part series examining Shakespeare in performance. Devised and produced by John Powell, the programmes are compiled with recordings from the Sound Archives featuring voices and opinions of theatre practitioners, actors and critics. John Pullen narrates and Godfrey Kenton reads. This programme focuses on the speaking of the text. It is "illustrated by a unique ‘cast’ of both the living and the dead. Examples range from a reconstruction of the Elizabethan tongue ... through the actor managers of the past and present centuries, to the film stars and comedians of today" (Radio Times).

Series

There is a Play Tonight: Plays of Shakespeare in Performances

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); theatre history; Verse speaking; Elizabethan English

Credits

Producer

John Powell (2)

Writer

Derek Parker

Contributor

Albert Finney; Arthur Bourchier; Beatrice Forbes-Robertson; Beryl Reid; Charles Laughton; Denne Gilkes; Donald Wolfit; Edith Evans; Ellen Terry; Frank Benson; Frankie Howerd; Godfrey Kenton; Henry Irving; Herbert Beerbohm Tree; J. C. Trewin; Jimmy Edwards; John Gielgud; John Pullen; Laurence Olivier; Lewis Casson; Marlon Brando; Michael Redgrave; Paul Rogers; Peggy Ashcroft; Peter O’Toole; Ralph Richardson; Richard Burton; Robert Donat; Stanley Holloway; Tyrone Guthrie; Vanessa Redgrave; William Armstrong

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Archive

Name

British Library Sound Archive

Email

listening@bl.uk

Web

http://www.bl.uk/nsa External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7412 7676

Fax

020 7412 7441

Address

96 Euston Road
London
NW1 2DB