On a hot summer's afternoon, the Kings Men in Southwark are performing John Fletcher and William Shakespeare’s Famous History of the Life of Henry VIII.

On that scorching day in June 1613, the jewel of London’s playhouses, The Globe, burnt down.

So much we know - we have eye witness accounts. Many questions remain unanswered though.

Are rumours of royal involvement to be credited? Did the Burbages really do well out of the fire? What is the connection between these events and the end of the career of England’s most illustrious playwright? And where do a clown’s trousers come into all this?

Starring Jasper Britton and Jane Horrocks.

A comedy by Glyn Maxwell.

Shakespeare ........ Jasper Britton
Queen Anne ........ Jane Horrocks
Henry Condell/John Fletcher ........ Simon Greenall
Toby Tallboy ........ Adam Gillen
Bess Wicks ........ Rebecca Collingwood
Mary Bodley ........ Nancy Carroll
Cat Peckam ........ Emma Noakes
Burbage ........ David Westhead

Director Frank Stirling

A Unique Broadcasting production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2015. Show less