Soul Music

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

Music

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 LW

Soul Music: Series 10: Send in the Clowns

Send in the Clowns

Series 10

BBC Radio 4 - Soul Music, Series 10, Send in the Clowns

Stephen Sondheim's song was written late in rehearsals for the actress Glynis Johns.

Stephen Sondheim's song from 'A Little Night Music' was written late in rehearsals for the actress Glynis Johns. From  2010.

Stephen Sondheim's song, Send In the Clowns, from the musical 'A Little Night Music' was written late in rehearsals for the actress Glynis Johns, playing the part of Desiree. 

A song of regret and anger, the part has famously been played by Judi Dench, and the song became an independent hit, sung by Judy Collins, Shirley Bassey and Barbra Streisand. 

Hannah Waddingham played the youngest ever Desiree in Trevor Nunn's production, and used her memories of an unhappy relationship to inspire her performance.

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.

Producer:  Sara Conkey.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2010.

Soul Music: Series 10

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.

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Soul Music

Series 10

Send in the Clowns

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra