Take It from Here [11/02/1951]

Alternative title

Hamlet Pantomime

Synopsis

BBC radio comedy series. In a sketch within this episode June Whitfield (Hamlet), Jimmy Edwards (Gertrude) and Alma Cogan (Ophelia) stage Hamlet as a pantomime. Sections of the dialogue run thus:
June: Now, don’t forget all you children in the audience, if you see the Ghost, all shout ‘Look behind you, Hamlet!'. And the little boy and girl who shouts the loudest will get a Hopalong Polonius badge!
...
Alma: Turn again Hamlet, Prince of Denmark!
Jimmy: Angels and ministers of Grace defend us!
Ophelia! Soaking wet and on her benders!-What happenethed?
Alma: Thou knows’t the willow which grows askant a stream?
Jim: I wot it well
Alma: I tripped over it
Jim: You mean you’ve been-?
Alma: Yes, I’ve been - altogether - everybody!
All (sing): Floating down the river on a Sunday afternoon...

Series

Take It from Here

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Transmission details

21 Feb 1954 at 15:30 (Channel: BBC Light Programme)

Duration

30 mins

Availability

No archive copy known.

Credits

Producer

Charles Maxwell

Writer

Denis Norden; Frank Muir

Cast

June Whitfield	Hamlet
Jimmy Edwards	Claudius
Alma Cogan	Ophelia

Additional Details

Production type

Sitcoms/Variety

Plays

Hamlet

Keywords

pantomime; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Gender reversal

Notes

History

Series 6

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)