Robert Bathurst
The Golden Age

The Golden Age

  • Radio sitcom
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 2012
  • 3 episodes (1 series)

Radio sitcom set in the rarefied world of BBC Broadcasting House in the 1930s. Written by Arthur Mathews. Stars Robert Bathurst, Vicky McClure, Ford Kiernan, Kevin Bishop, Malcolm Tierney and Pippa Evans

Key details

Genre
Sitcom
Broadcast
2012
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
3 (1 series)
Stars
Robert Bathurst, Vicky McClure, Ford Kiernan, Kevin Bishop, Malcolm Tierney and Pippa Evans
Writer
Arthur Mathews

The Golden Age documents the various challenges faced by the BBC's Director of Programmes, John Tharb and his strong-willed young assistant Mabel, as they struggle with the day to day problems of dealing with the foibles and fragile egos of radio's biggest stars. This includes managing the sexual ambitions of Ronaldo, the flamboyant band-leader and keeping up the spirits of Roger Eves, the most depressed newsreader in history. And all this is done whilst trying to politely navigate increasingly bizarre orders from the irascible Lord Reith.

Tharb and Mabel face many problems, such as when the police visit Broadcasting House, concerned by the discovery of people dying in front of their wireless sets - what or who could be behind the mystery? Likewise, how does Tharb negotiate his way out of broadcasting Lord Reith's controversial new pastime: grouse-hunting with artillery guns? And what about that real hot-button topic - how does the 1930s BBC go about making programmes for women?!

Additional details

Production
Studio

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Sunday 11th November 2012 at 7:15pm on BBC Radio 4
Most recent repeats
  • Thursday 15th February 2024 at 2:30am on Radio 4 Extra - Episode 3
  • Wednesday 14th February 2024 at 5:30pm on Radio 4 Extra - Episode 3
  • Wednesday 14th February 2024 at 12:30pm on Radio 4 Extra - Episode 3