BBC Radio 4 Extra

A Mad World, My Masters

Thomas Middleton - A Mad World, My Masters

Drama: Historical

Comedy

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Thomas Middleton - A Mad World, My Masters

A madcap Jacobean play full of deception, pranking and debauchery.

4 Extra Debut. Follywit is broke, despite being his uncle’s sole beneficiary. How can he get his hands on the money sooner? Stars Roy Marsden.

Follywit, kept penniless by his rich grandfather Sir Bounteous Progress, is determined to get his hands on some of his future inheritance while he is still young enough to enjoy it. 

With the help of his cohorts, wit and disguises, things seem to go his way. But in the end perhaps, the biter will be bit.

Written in the early 1600s, a rare revival of one of Thomas Middleton's greatest Jacobean city comedies.

Starring Roy Marsden and James Villiers.

Dramatised  by Peter Barnes.

Follywit .... Roy Marsden
Sir Bounteous Progress .... James Villiers
Francesca .... Theresa Streatfeild
Penitent Brothel .... Ian McDiarmid
Hoboy .... Steve Hodson
Mawworm .... Simon Hewitt
Francesca's Mother .... Brenda Bruce
Harebrain .... Stephen Thorne
Mistress Harebrain .... Miranda Forbes
Posset .... James Kerry
Inesse .... Jim Reid
Sir Colewort/Jasper .... Hugh Dickson
Gunwater/Rafe .... Ronald Baddiley
Constable/Watchman .... Chas Bryer
Footman .... David Gooderson

Director: Penny Gold

First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in July 1983.

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.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Thomas Middleton - A Mad World, My Masters

Genres

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra