Great Lives

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)

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Life Stories

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

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 LW

Great Lives: Russell Kane on Evelyn Waugh

Russell Kane on Evelyn Waugh

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, Russell Kane on Evelyn Waugh

Comedian Russell Kane nominates novelist Evelyn Waugh, with Ann Pasternak Slater helping

Comedian Russell Kane chooses the author of Scoop and Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh.  With Matthew Parris. From 2018.

Comedian Russell Kane nominates the novelist Evelyn Waugh.   

One of the greatest prose stylists of 20th century literature, not to mention one of the funniest, novelist Waugh also has a reputation for being a snob, a bully, and a dyed-in-the-wool reactionary. 

How much of this was a self-parodying pose, and how much the underlying truth? 

Russell is supported by literary critic Ann Pasternak Slater. Both are unabashed Waugh fans.

Russell calls him "a ninja master of banter", but series presenter Matthew Parris says he can't stand him...   

Producer: Jolyon Jenkins

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.

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

Russell Kane on Evelyn Waugh

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4