SHAKESPEARE

Alternative title

Dame Edith Evans

Synopsis

Third of a fortnightly theatrical review magazine commissioned for radio by the BBC Light Programme. The theatre star invited to perform her favourite part for this episode is Shakespeare actress Edith Evans who plays extracts from As You Like It and The Importance of Being Earnest. Evans is supported by Frank Partington and Graham Doody. Other features of the programme include a sound-picture of the first night of Cymbeline at Stratford-upon-Avon on 23 April, a discussion on period plays in modern dress conducted by Val Gielgud, Robert Atkins, Alec Guinness and a regular first-night theatre-goer. Peter Ustinov talks about this new play The Banbury Nose. The programme is introduced by Patrick Waddington of the Reunion Theatre Association.

Series

Theatre Programme

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Transmission details

24 Apr 1946 at 21:15 (Channel: BBC Light Programme)

Duration

45 mins

Availability

No archive copy known (1/2008)

Credits

Producer

Ayton Whitaker; Felix Felton

Contributor

Alec Guinness; Patrick Waddington; Peter Ustinov; Robert Atkins; Val Gielgud

Cast

Edith Evans	Rosalind
Frank Partington
Graham Doody

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Plays

As You Like It; Cymbeline

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

actors; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Modern dress productions

Notes

General

Radio Times comments surrounding the launch of this new theatrical programme suggest that the series was meant to deal with as many matters of theatrical interest as possible. The slot usually encompassed a brief performance by a recognised star, short discussions on current theatrical affairs or methods of production, occasional interviews with foreign actors and personal glimpses of theatrical staff not usually credited, such as stage-doorkeepers, understudies and carpenters. The programme had its own opening and closing tune, taken from Purcell’s "Ayres for the Theatre".

Reviews

General notes regarding the launch of this programme can be found in the Radio Times listings magazine, cf. issues dated 8 and 22 March 1946, pp.3 and 5 respectively.

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)