Brian Blessed's Radio Adventures

Arthur Bostrom meets with Brian Blessed to celebrate the adventurer’s remarkable life and career as presented on radio.

A giant of a man accompanied by an eloquent wit and booming, operatic voice, the boisterous British actor Brian Blessed is known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and TV. However, what is often overlooked is his fascinating career in radio.

There are over 40 years of recordings in the BBC radio archives, including dramas, poetry readings, panel shows and hilarious interviews.

Brian was memorably interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Midweek revealing how he helped to deliver a baby in a south London park.

With an enthusiastic audience at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, Arthur introduces extracts and programmes from Brian’s radio years - creating an enthralling and unique insight into the actor and explorer’s life.

In his own irreverent style, Brian reveals a passion for radio which has rarely been discussed.

Programmes include:

* DOWN YOUR WAY: STRATFORD SHAKESPEARE *
Brian was to have gone to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford straight after drama school. Instead he joined Z Cars and was unable to do a season until 1984. He finally returns in this episode from 1991.

* SOUNDS NATURAL *
Brian discusses his interest in wildlife and mountaineering with Derek Jones - choosing recordings from the BBC's Sound Archive. From 1975.

* OUTLOOK - GALAHAD OF EVEREST *
Brian talks to John Waite about his expedition to climb Everest in the footsteps of George Mallory

* THE BRIAN BLESSED SHOW *
A programme from 1988 sees Brian talk to theatre critic Jack Tinker about his career.

Producer: Stephen Garner

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in October 2016