The Performance of My Life

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.

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Drama

First-person monologues from renowned actors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In this series of single-voice narratives, celebrated stars of the late 19th and early 20th century theatre share memories of the performances that changed their lives forever.

Alone in their dressing room and away from the glare of the spotlight, this is the precious time when an actor has the chance to reflect on the most momentous events of their lives on the stage.

In this series of single-voice narratives, five of our most celebrated stars of the late 19th and early 20th century theatre share memories of the performances that changed their lives forever. 

The stories are, by turn, touching, hilarious, emotionally-charged, heart-warming and poignant. Each of them, in their own way, is delightfully counterintuitive - familiar characters maybe, but each with an unfamiliar story to tell.

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Performance of My Life: Sir Henry's Last Night

Sir Henry's Last Night

BBC Radio 4 - The Performance of My Life, Sir Henry's Last Night

Hugh Ross is the 19th century actor Henry Irving in Sir Henry’s Last Night by Roy Apps.

In Sir Henry’s Last Night by Roy Apps, Hugh Ross is the 19th century actor Sir Henry Irving, who has just embarked on what is to become his final appearance on the stage.

Alone in their dressing room and away from the glare of the spotlight, this is the precious time when an actor has the chance to reflect on the most momentous events of their lives on the stage.

In this series of single-voice narratives, five of our most celebrated stars of the late 19th and early 20th century theatre share memories of the performances that changed their lives forever. 

The stories are, by turn, touching, hilarious, emotionally-charged, heart-warming and poignant. Each of them, in their own way, is delightfully counterintuitive – familiar characters maybe, but each with an unfamiliar story to tell.
 
In Sir Henry’s Last Night, the year is 1905 and we find ourselves at the Theatre Royal, Bradford, where Sir Henry Irving, undisputed master of late 19th century theatre and the first actor to be honoured with a knighthood, is in his dressing room, preparing for what will become his final stage appearance.

Writer: Roy Apps
Reader: Hugh Ross
Director: Celia de Wolff
Executive Producer: Peter Hoare
A Pier 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.

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The Performance of My Life

Sir Henry's Last Night

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