Peter Brough - His Master's Voice
4 Extra Debut. The true story behind radio hit Educating Archie, the tale of a ventriloquist whose alter-ego puppet takes over. Stars Rob Brydon.
By James Maw and Tim Sullivan. Rob Brydon is ventriloquist Peter Brough and his doll Archie Andrews in a new play that tells the true story behind one of the most successful radio shows of all time. With Fenella Woolgar as Peggy Brough.
The 1950s BBC Radio show Educating Archie - with 16 million listeners - catapulted the ventriloquist Peter Brough from suburban obscurity to the heights of high society. The Royal Family were fans. His show introduced the world to Eric Sykes (writer), Tony Hancock (Archie's Tutor), Max Bygraves (another tutor) and Julie Andrews (Archie's girlfriend).
After eight years on radio, Educating Archie transferred to television. And yet, one day in 1961, Peter Brough locked the dummy in a suitcase and left him on the top of a wardrobe for forty years until, six years after the ventriloquist's death, Archie Andrews was put up for auction.
His Master's Voice tells the true story of what went wrong in the world of Archie Andrews and Peter Brough.
Written by James Maw and Tim Sullivan
Director and Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
A Cast Iron Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
Last on
More episodes
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1958: Educating Archie
Ventriloquist Nina Conti talks about the success of Educating Archie.
Clip
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One last request for Archie Andrews
Duration: 01:51
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Peter Brough | Rob Brydon |
| Archie Andrews | Rob Brydon |
| Peggy Brough | Fenella Woolgar |
| Arthur Brough | Michael Bertenshaw |
| Christopher Brough | Thomas Williams-Boyle |
| Romey Brough | Eliza Harrison-Dine |
| Liz | Stephanie Racine |
| Hattie Jacques | Stephanie Racine |
| William Haley | James Lailey |
| Max Bygraves | Ewan Bailey |
| Edith | Harriet Collings |
| Cloakroom Girl | Harriet Collings |
| Writer | James Maw |
| Writer | Tim Sullivan |
| Director | Jeremy Mortimer |
| Producer | Jeremy Mortimer |
Broadcasts
Sat 2 Aug 201414:30BBC Radio 4- Sat 5 Mar 201614:30BBC Radio 4
- Fri 29 Jun 201810:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Fri 29 Jun 201815:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 30 Jun 201803:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
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