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5. Farewell to Motley

Episode 5 of 5

Crippled by his comedy antics, the superstar clown must bow out. Kenneth Cranham concludes Andrew McConnell Stott's account.

His body crippled by the years of on-stage clowning, Joseph Grimaldi is forced finally to pass the baton to his son.

Determined to fill the family's pockets, he stages a last farewell on 28 June 1828.

Barely able to stand, he staggers on the stage of a packed Drury Lane Theatre in London...

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

Abridged by Viv Beeby

Concluded by Kenneth Cranham

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

15 minutes

Last on

Sat 28 Dec 202403:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Broadcasts

  • Fri 14 Jan 201115:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Sat 28 Dec 201314:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 29 Dec 201714:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 30 Dec 201702:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 27 Dec 202408:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 27 Dec 202413:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 27 Dec 202419:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 28 Dec 202403:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra