Play’s the Thing, The

Synopsis

First 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 explores the issue of "staging Shakespeare, principally from the director’s point of view; how to make the plays come alive for a modern audience whatever the shape of the stage; how to realise Shakespeare’s larger as well as his immediate intention with imagination and discipline; and how to give body to what Edward Gordon Craig calls Shakespeare’s ‘dream’ ").

Series

There is a Play Tonight:plays of Shakespeare in Performances

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Transmission details

13 Aug 1964 at 21:15 (Channel: BBC Home Service)

Duration

45 mins

Credits

Producer

John Powell (2)

Writer

Derek Parker

Contributor

Allardyce Nicoll; Edith Evans; Edward Gordon Craig; Godfrey Kenton; Harcourt Williams; Ivor Brown; John Gielgud; John Pullen; John Stride; Mary Carey; Michael Benthall; Michael Croft; Michael Elliott; Peter Brook; Peter Hall; Ralph Richardson; Tyrone Guthrie; W. Bridges Adams; William Armstrong

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); theatre history; Stage directing

Notes

Reviews

Source: Radio Times, issue dated 6 August 1964, p. 41

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