The Lark

Summary: This BBC production of Jean Anouilh’s The Lark, a play about the life and trial of Joan of Arc, was accompanied by a radio version (with a different cast) broadcast on the BBC Third Programme on the afternoon of the same day.
Theatre play: The Lark [L’Alouette] by Jean Anouilh (1910-1987) [more information]
Play synopsis: 'The play covers the trial, condemnation, and execution of Joan [of Arc], but has a highly unusual ending. Joan remembers important events in her life as she is being questioned, and is subsequently condemned to death. However, Cauchon realizes, just as Joan is burning at the stake, that in her judges’ hurry to condemn her, they have not allowed her to re-live the coronation of Charles VII of France. The fire is therefore extinguished, and Joan is given a reprieve. The actual end of the story is left in question, but Cauchon proclaims it a victory for Joan’ (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lark).
Production history: Dated to 1952/53 online (further clarification necessary).
Date of transmission: Sunday 11 November 1956
Time: 8.30pm
Series: Sunday-Night Theatre
Channel: BBC Television
Production company: BBC

Producer

Julian Amyes

Playwright

Jean Anouilh (1910-1987)

Translator

Christopher Fry (1907-2005)

Designer

Norman James

Cast

Anne Allan	Queen Yolande
John Arnatt	Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick
Michael Caine	Boudousse
David Coote	Joan’s Brother
Patricia Cree	Agnes Sorel
Michael Goodliffe	The Inquisitor
Robert Harris	Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais
Betty Henderson	Joan’s Mother
Alastair Hunter	Robert de Beaudricourt, Squire of Vaucouleurs
Reginald Jessup	An English Soldier
Peter Lambert	Brother Ladvenu
Myra Lowdon	The Young Queen
Hazel Penwarden	Joan
Llewellyn Rees	Archbishop of Rheims
Michael Ripper	The Promoter
Anthony Sagar	Joan’s Father
John Saunders	Charles, the Dauphin
Gregory Scott	The Hangman
Charles Stapley	M. de la Tremouille

Title: The Lark (BBC, 1956)
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