Night Waves [31/03/2010]

Synopsis

BBC Radio 3 arts series. Special episode dedicated to the figure of the fool in British culture, examining how the ideas embodied in the fool resonate in a culture still anxious about what its comedians can and cannot say. Presenter Matthew Sweet talks to comedians Barry Cryer and Steve Punt as well as literary historian Paul Allen to discuss the right to offend, the social function of humour and how foolishness can hold a mirror up to the audience and speak truth to power. Matthew Sweet also talks to actor Kathryn Hunter who is playing the fool in the RSC’s 2010 production of King Lear, directed by David Farr.

Series

Night Waves

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Transmission details

31 Jan 2010 at 21:15 (Channel: BBC Radio 3)

Duration

45 mins

Credits

Contributor

Barry Cryer; Matthew Sweet; Paul Allen; Steve Punt

Cast

Kathryn Hunter

Fool

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Plays

King Lear

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

comedy; fools; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Related items

King Lear

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