First Night of ‘Twelfth Night’, The

Synopsis
A dramatic reconstruction of a Shakespearean premiere of Twelfth Night, written for radio by J. C. Gosforth and based on the book by American scholar Leslie Hotson who introduces the programme in a recorded talk. ‘The programme tells how the Lord Chamberlain’s Men ... received their commission to provide a play for Twelfth Night, and how it was put into rehearsal as it came, scene by scene, from Shakespeare’ (op cit). Music composed and conducted by Christopher Whelen.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Radio
Transmission details
6 Jan 1956 at 19:45 (Channel: BBC Home Service)
Duration
45 mins
Availability
No copy extant

Credits

Producer
Colin Shaw
Writer
J. C. Gosforth; Leslie Hotson
Music
Christopher Whelen
Contributor
Leslie Hotson
Cast
Brewster MasonLord Chamberlain Hunsdon
Brian SmithNed
Geoffrey Matthews 
James ThomasonMaster Hemings
John Gabriel 
John GlenPhillips
Manning WilsonWilliam Shakespeare
Marius GoringRichard Burbage
Olaf PooleyMaster of the Revels
Pamela AlanQueen Elizabeth
Robert Scroggins 
Toke TownleyRobin Armin

Additional Details

Production type
Television and Radio Drama
Plays
Twelfth Night
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)
Related items
Twelfth Night

Notes

Notes
Several actors of this feature appeared in the full radio performance of Twelfth Night that was transmitted on 9/1/1956 (see separate entry).
General
Rehearsals: 5/1/1956-6/1/1956
History
Broadcast as an introduction to a complete performance of Twelfth Night on 9/1/1956 (see separate entry).
Textual information
A transcript of the production is held in the Shakespeare Collection of Birmingham’s Central Library.
Reviews
Source: ‘First Night’, Radio Times, 30 December 1955, p. 7.

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "First Night of ‘Twelfth Night’, The". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av71187 (Accessed 25 Nov 2024)