Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Before They Were Famous

Comedy: Spoof

Comedy. Ian Leslie uncovers the first literary attempts of the world's best-known writers

Comedy. Ian Leslie presents the spoof documentary series that brings to light the often surprising first literary attempts of the world's best-known writers

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 LW

Before They Were Famous: Series 1

Ian Leslie

Anna Silver

Claire Broughton

Before They Were Famous: Series 1: Episode 4

Series 1

Episode 4

BBC Radio 4 - Before They Were Famous, Series 1, Episode 4

Ian Leslie reveals surprising first literary attempts of the world's best-known writers.

Ian Leslie reveals surprising first literary attempts of the world's best-known writers. With John Finnemore. From August 2012.

Ian Leslie presents a new Radio 4 comedy show which brings to light the often surprising first literary attempts of some of the world's best known writers. A project of literary archaeology, Leslie has found evidence in the most unlikely of places - within the archives of newspapers, periodicals, corporations and universities-showcasing the early writing examples of writers such as Jilly Cooper-during her brief and unfortunately unsuccessful foray into the world of war reporting, and Hunter S Thompson - in his sadly short-lived phase working in the customer relations department for a major American Airline.

These are the newspaper articles, advertising copy, company correspondence and gardening manuals, that allow us a fascinating glimpse into the embryonic development of our best loved literary voices - people whom we know today for their novels or poems but who, at the time, were just people with a dream...and a rent bill looming at the end of the month.


Produced by: Anna Silver and Claire Broughton
A Hat Trick Production for 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.

Ian Leslie presents a comedy show that brings to light the often surprising first literary attempts of the world's best-known writers

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Before They Were Famous

Series 1

Episode 4

Contributors

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4