SHAKESPEARE

Alternative title

A Plain Man’s Guide to Shakespeare

Synopsis

In anticipation of Shakespeare’s birthday the theme of the theatrical review programme is ‘methods of appreciating Shakespeare’. Following the performance of a satirical sketch and a short discussion on this topic, Peter Powell analyses scenes from his own production of Othello at the Piccadilly Theatre, London. He also introduces scenes from productions with Jack Hawkins, Fay Compton, Anthony Quayle, and Elizabeth Kentish.

Series

Theatre Programme

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Transmission details

28 Mar 1947 at 21:15 (Channel: BBC Light Programme)

Duration

45 mins

Availability

No archive copy known.

Credits

Producer

Ayton Whitaker; Peter Watts

Contributor

Ivor Brown; Peter Powell; W. Bridges-Adams

Cast

Anne Codrington
Charles Leno

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Plays

Othello

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

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 Radio Times, cf. issues dated 8 and 22 March 1946, pp.3 and 5 respectively.

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)