SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

Local radio show covering topical issues and seeking public opinion with’phone-ins, text messages etc. In this edition Vanessa asked the three main candidates for London Mayor’if you were a Shakespearean character who would you be?' Brian Paddick (Lib Dem) fell at the first hurdle as he couldn’t think of one. Boris Johnson (Cons) said ‘Pericles, because he ruled Athens’. Clearly Boris’ classics education failed him on this occasion as Ken Livingstone rightly pointed out that Shakespeare’s Pericles was Prince of Tyre and never ruled Athens in his life. Boris retired embarrassed (the dangers of trying of trying to impress with a little learning). Ken Livingstone (Lab) chose Julius Caesar (acknowledging that he was sitting next to a couple of Brutus’) saying that he ruled well for quite a time before he was stabbed in the back. The other two candidates had to acknowledge the wit.

Series

Vanessa Feltz

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Transmission details

25 Apr 2008 at 10:00

Duration

120 mins

Availability

No distributor known (4/2008).

Credits

Contributor

Boris Johnson; Brian Paddick; Ken Livingstone; Vanessa Feltz

Additional Details

Production type

Other

Keywords

politics; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); politicians