3. Anyone Can Whistle

Maria Friedman and her guests are back to share their love of the work of American composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim.

In the last of three programmes from the BBC Radio Theatre in London, Maria explores Sondheim programmes in the BBC’s archive, discusses the incredible impact of his work and performs songs from his hit shows.

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

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 2019.