1. Finishing the Hat

Maria Friedman and a panel of guests share their love of the work of Stephen Sondheim.

Multi-award winning actor, singer and director Maria Friedman has had an association with Sondheim's musicals ever since she starred in the National Theatre’s production of “Sunday in the Park With George” in 1990.

In the first of three programmes from the BBC Radio Theatre, Maria explores Sondheim programmes in the BBC’s archive, whilst discussing the incredible impact of his work and performing some of the songs from his hit shows.

She's joined by actor Mark Umbers who starred in her recent production of "Merrily We Roll Along" - and pianist and composer Jason Carr who has done orchestrations for Sondheim musicals,

Plus critic David Benedict who is writing Sondheim's authorised biography and Catherine Jayes who has worked as Musical Director on Sondheim shows.

Producer: Emma Kingsley

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in March 2019.