Free Thinking

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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with artists and thinkers in debates and interviews.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with leading artists and thinkers in extended interview and debate.

Free Thinking: Tudor families

Tudor families

BBC Radio 4 - Free Thinking, Tudor families

Tangled bloodlines, executions and a big, gold inflatable thing belonging to Henry VIII.

A tangle of familial bonds at the Tudor court. Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen, preaching nuclear family values. Plus something big, gold and inflatable belonging to Henry VIII.

Henry VIII from a female perspective is on offer at the Globe Theatre this summer in a new adaptation of the play written by Shakespeare and John Fletcher. Globe writer in residence Hannah Khalil explains some of the more surprising innovations in this production, while New Generation Thinker Emma Whipday presents the familiar saga of Henry VIII as the story of a step-family, and historian Joanne Paul reveals the machinations of the Dudley family in its quest for power and influence at the Tudor court.  Catherine Fletcher presents. 

Joanne Paul's book The House of Dudley: A New History of Tudor England is out now. 
 
Henry VIII runs at the Globe Theatre, London until 21 October 2022.

Emma Whipday teaches at the University of Newcastle and is the author of a play The Defamation of Cicely Lee inspired by Shakespeare’s Cymbeline.

Producer: Torquil MacLeod

You can find more conversations about Tudor England on the Free Thinking programme website and an episode of Radio 3's curated selection of readings and music - Words & Music - inspired by Tudor times is available on BBC Sounds for 28 days.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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