Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

4. Trials of Touring

Episode 4 of 5

The clown's lampoonery and satire take panto into new areas, but physical comedy takes its toll. Read by Kenneth Cranham.

Joseph Grimaldi clashes with Lord Byron but they become friends.

Using satire and lampoonery, the ace clown takes pantomime into new areas, becoming known as the Hogarth of the Georgian stage.

But the years of physical comedy are taking their toll on his body.

Andrew McConnell Stott's story of the life of one of Britain's greatest comedians

Abridged by Viv Beeby

Read by Kenneth Cranham.

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

15 minutes

Last on

Fri 27 Dec 202403:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

Previous

3. The Price of Fame

Next

5. Farewell to Motley

See all episodes from The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi

Broadcasts

  • Thu 13 Jan 201115:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Fri 27 Dec 201314:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 28 Dec 201714:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 29 Dec 201702:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Boxing Day 202408:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Boxing Day 202413:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Boxing Day 202419:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 27 Dec 202403:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra