Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Great Lives

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Life Stories

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 FM

Great Lives: Series 23

Miles Warde

Great Lives: Episode 6: JB Priestley

JB Priestley

Episode 6

Episode 6: JB Priestley

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, JB Priestley

Comedian Barry Cryer nods to his Yorkshire roots by choosing JB Priestley.

Barry Cryer nods to his Yorkshire roots by choosing JB Priestley, author of The Good Companions and An Inspector Calls. With Matthew Parris and Martin Wainwright. From January 2011.

Barry Cryer nods to his Yorkshire roots in choosing JB Priestley, the Bradford born author of The Good Companions and An Inspector Calls. Barry knew JB for the last ten years of his life, and fondly recalls visiting a man he loved with two members of Monty Python. Other memories include a trip to the Cafe Royal, and thoughts on Priestley's notorious love of women.

Martin Wainwright, northern editor of the Guardian, presenter of last year's radio documentary about the Postscripts, also brings to life a prolific writer nearly killed in World War One. Some say he wrote so much to avoid the memories of that war. Recorded in front of an audience at the Arnolfini in Bristol, the programme includes colourful clips of JB Priestley and also Priestley's son, Tom. The only discordant note is raised by presenter Matthew Parris: "It's awfully watchable, awfully readable ... but where's the magic ? Is Priestley really very good ?"

The producer is Miles Warde.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Great Lives

Episode 6: JB Priestley

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4