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Stand-Up Specials: Syd

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Arthur Smith tells the story of his father Syd, an ordinary man in extraordinary times.

Arthur Smith's show about his father Syd. From Al Alamein to Colditz to patrolling the streets of post-war London, an ordinary man in extraordinary times. Music from Kirsty Newton.

Arthur Smith brings his hit Edinburgh Festival show to Radio 4. 

Arthur's father Syd was an ordinary man in extraordinary times. Just 17 when he signed up, he fought at El Alamein, was captured and then imprisoned in Colditz and, after the war, joined the Metropolitan Police. He spent the rest of his working life patrolling the streets of London and had possibly the worst arrest rate in the force - having been a prisoner of war he had no desire to subject anyone else to suffer a loss of liberty.  

In this funny and tender evocation of post-war Britain, Arthur brings us Syd's diary entries and conjures up the spirit of his father, a man of great integrity and humour.   

Recorded in front of a live, socially distanced audience, with assistance from his brother Nick and music from Kirsty Newton.  

Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith

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