Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Our Hylda

Poignant comedy drama about British TV's first female comedy star. For over 30 years, Hylda Baker was Britain's biggest comedienne when most comics were men.

Our Hylda by Martyn Hesford
A poignant comedy about British TV's first female comedy star.
It's 1968, and Hylda Baker is a big variety star. However, she's never broken through on the telly. But totally out of the blue Granada TV wants her for a new sitcom, "Nearest and Dearest". Hylda's going to be a major TV star. Unfortunately for Hylda, she doesn't get on with her co-star Jimmy Jewell and the studio is a war zone, and to make matters worse Hylda keeps on forgetting her lines. But this masks a bigger problem - Hylda is struggling with the early symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Director/Producer Gary Brown

Martyn Hesford is a well known TV screenwriter with many credits to his name including 'Fantabulosa' and adaptations of Nicholas Nickleby and The Old Curiosity Shop. His last two plays for R4 were the critically acclaimed 'Frankie Takes a Trip' and 'Give Dotty a Chance'.

45 minutes

Last on

Mon 28 May 201814:15

Credits

RoleContributor
HyldaAlison Steadman
GeorgeGraeme Hawley
FrankJason Done
JimmyJustin Moorhouse
AgentLloyd Peters
NurseAngela Lonsdale
JournalistHamilton Berstock
WriterMartyn Hesford
DirectorGary Brown
ProducerGary Brown

Broadcasts

  • Thu 15 Jun 201714:15
  • Mon 28 May 201814:15

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

The Shakespeare Sessions

The Shakespeare Sessions

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world