Dresser, The

Synopsis

Radio adaptation of a play written by Ronald Harwood which is based on the touring career of Donald Wolfit, for whom Harwood was the dresser. An actor-manager of the old school takes a Shakespearean company on tour in England during the darkest days of the Second World War. Scenes of King Lear are performed. Adapted and directed by David Blount. With Freddies Jones as Sir and Michael Palin as Norman. Roy Sinclair plays the percussion.

Series

Monday Play, The

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Recording date

1 Feb 1993

Transmission details

29 Mar 1993 at 19:45 (Channel: BBC Radio 4)

Credits

Director

David Blount

Writer

Ronald Harwood

Adaptor for Radio

David Blount

Cast

Freddie Jones	Sir (Lear)
Federay Holmes	Irene
Geoffrey Matthews	Mr Thornton
James Telfer	Albany
Jill Graham	Madge
John Baddeley	Kent
John Webb	Gloucester
Keith Drinkel	Mr Oxenby
Melinda Walker	Her Ladyship
Michael Palin	Norman

Additional Details

Production type

Television and Radio Drama

Plays

King Lear

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Wolfit, Donald; Travelling players

Notes

General

Michael Palin’s radio drama debut.

History

Harwood’s play was made into an award-winning feature film in 1983 (directed by Peter Yates). See separate entry.

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