Macbeth

Synopsis
Broadcast version of Shakespeare’s play performed by the Old Vic Company produced by Tyrone Guthrie. With Charles Laughton and Flora Robson as the Macbeths. Dennis Arundell narrates. Music by Herbert Menges.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Radio
Transmission details
8 Apr 1934 at 17:45 (Channel: BBC National Programme)
Duration
205 mins

Credits

Producer
Tyrone Guthrie
Writer
William Shakespeare
Music
Herbert Menges
Cast
Athene Seyler 
Charles Laughton 
Dennis ArundellNarrator
Elspeth Currie 
Ernest Hare 
Flora Robson 
Frank Napier 
James Mason 
Marius Goring 
Morland Graham 
Phyllis Hatch 
Roger Livesey 

Additional Details

Production type
Television and Radio Drama
Plays
Macbeth
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

Notes
The British Library Sound Archive holds a recording of an excerpt from Act V, scenes v-vii, abbreviated.
General
This is the Charles Laughton’s first radio broadcast as well as his first Shakespeare role.
Textual information
The Radio Times listing includes a note pointing out that even though the broadcast version follows the Shakespearean text as closely as possible, "considerable omissions are necessary" so that " narration will be used to preserve the continuity’.
Reviews
Cecil Alden Roberts, ‘Charles Laughton broadcasts for the first time in Sunday’s performance of "Macbeth"', Radio Times, 6 April 1934, p. 7.

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

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Macbeth". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av70251 (Accessed 25 Nov 2024)