The Exploding Library

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)

Comedy

A trio of comedians explode and unravel their most cherished cult books.

A trio of comedians explode and unravel their most cherished cult books, paying homage to the tone and style of the original text, but blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

In this series, a trio of comedians explode and unravel their most cherished cult books, paying homage to the tone and style of the original text - and blurring and warping the lines between fact and fiction.

As our hosts shine the spotlight on strange, funny and sometimes disturbing novels, listeners are invited to inhabit their eccentric worlds - gaining a deeper understanding of their workings and the unique literary minds that created them.

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Exploding Library: Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys

Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys

BBC Radio 4 - The Exploding Library, Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys

Comedian and outsider Josie Long unlocks the secrets of Good Morning, Midnight.

Comedian Josie Long is haunted by feelings of the outsider - the ghosts of the past, Paris (and Pernod) - as she unlocks the secrets of Jean Rhys’s novel Good Morning, Midnight.

In this new literature series, a trio of comedians explode and unravel their most cherished cult books, paying homage to the tone and style of the original text - and blurring and warping the lines between fact and fiction.

As our hosts shine the spotlight on strange, funny and sometimes disturbing novels by Flann O’Brien, Jean Rhys and Kurt Vonnegut, listeners are invited to inhabit their eccentric worlds - gaining a deeper understanding of their workings and the unique literary minds that created them.

Featuring the comedic voices of Mark Watson, Josie Long and Daliso Chaponda, and created by award-winning producers Steven Rajam (Tim Key and Gogol’s Overcoat) and Benjamin Partridge (Beef and Dairy Network), this is an arts documentary series like no other.

In the second programme, comedian Josie Long is haunted by feelings of the outsider - the ghosts of the past, Paris (and Pernod) - as she unlocks the secrets of Jean Rhys’s novel Good Morning, Midnight. When it was released in 1939, no one was interested and Rhys disappeared into obscurity and, even worse than that, Beckenham. But it also held the key to her later success.

Ever since she first read the novel, Josie has identified with Jean Rhys and Good Morning, Midnight’s protagonist Sacha. Maybe a bit too much.

With contributions from writers Lauren Elkin, Lilian Pizzichini, A L Kennedy and Shivanee Ramlochan, professor of English Patricia Moran and French restaurant manager Kostas, Josie checks in and descends into Good Morning, Midnight.

The readings are by Catrin Stewart and the hotel receptionist is played by Mike Wozniak.

Presenter: Josie Long
Producer: Benjamin Partridge
Series Producer: Steven Rajam
An Overcoat Media production for 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.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Exploding Library

Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4