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

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Book of the Week

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Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

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Book of the Week: Olivier

Toby Jones

Clive Brill

Philip Ziegler

Book of the Week: Olivier: Episode 5

Factual: Life Stories

Olivier

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Olivier, Episode 5

A hit at the Royal Court leads Olivier to Joan Plowright, and to the National Theatre.

Royal Court hit play 'The Entertainer' leads Olivier to Joan Plowright, and to the National Theatre. Concluded by Toby Jones.

Published when the National Theatre turned 50 in 2013, Philip Ziegler's biography, based on previously unseen letters and diaries, tells the story of Laurence Olivier as he developed his craft, focusing on his career path from early school days through rep theatre to Hollywood, before returning to triumph in his greatest role ever, as the first director of the National Theatre.

Episode 5:
Olivier goes to the Royal Court to star in 'The Entertainer' which, in turn, sets him on a path to the last two great loves of his life - Joan Plowright and the National Theatre.

Reader: Toby Jones

Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus 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.

Biography of Laurence Olivier, based on previously unseen letters and diaries

Philip Ziegler's biography of Laurence Olivier, based on previously unseen letters and diaries. Read by Toby Jones

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