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Send in the Clowns

Stephen Sondheim's song from 'A Little Night Music' was written late in rehearsals for the actress Glynis Johns. From 2010.

Stephen Sondheim's song, Send In the Clowns, from the musical 'A Little Night Music' was written late in rehearsals for the actress Glynis Johns, playing the part of Desiree.

A song of regret and anger, the part has famously been played by Judi Dench, and the song became an independent hit, sung by Judy Collins, Shirley Bassey and Barbra Streisand.

Hannah Waddingham played the youngest ever Desiree in Trevor Nunn's production, and used her memories of an unhappy relationship to inspire her performance.

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.

Producer: Sara Conkey.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2010.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 10 Mar 202100:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 7 Sep 201013:30
  • Sat 11 Sep 201015:30
  • Fri 16 Sep 201618:30
  • Sat 17 Sep 201600:30
  • Tue 9 Mar 202118:30
  • Wed 10 Mar 202100:30

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