Before They Were Famous 

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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

Ian Leslie

Claire Broughton

Before They Were Famous: Series 3: Episode 1

Episode 1

Series 3

BBC Radio 4 - Before They Were Famous, Series 3, Episode 1

Featuring early efforts by Alan Moore, Patricia Cornwell, Byron and Henrik Ibsen.

Ian Leslie unearths the often surprising first literary attempts of the likes of Patricia Cornwell and Byron. From May 2015.

Ian Leslie presents the show which brings to light the often surprising first literary attempts of the world's best known writers. 

In this episode, we're first treated to graphic novelist Alan Moore's early drafts for the popular Fred Bassett cartoon strip. 

We then turn to crime writer Patricia Cornwell and her perhaps excessively gory descriptions of fast food menu items, written as an early commission by a high street restaurateur when work was scarce. 

Finally we hear from great poet Byron as he first plied his trade for a quick paycheque, penning headstone verses for beloved deceased pets. 

To end the show, the first of our disturbingly unseasonal Christmas cracker jokes by Henrik Ibsen.

Written by Simon Kane and Marc Haynes.

With: 

Simon Kane
Alex Lowe 
Abigail Burdess 
Benet Brandreth 

Producer: Claire Broughton

A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4,  first broadcast in May 2015.

Before They Were Famous: Series 3

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

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