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The History Plays

The History Plays

  • Radio comedy
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 2012
  • 5 episodes (1 series)

Series of two-hander plays by Nigel Smith that imagine conversations at key moments in recent history.

Key details

Genre
Comedy
Broadcast
2012
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
5 (1 series)
Writer
Nigel Smith
Director
Nigel Smith
Producer
Gareth Edwards
Company

The History Plays are a series of two-hander plays by Vent author Nigel Smith which are imagined conversations at key moments in recent history, moments that have permanently changed the British psyche.

Starting with Mick Jagger's conviction for drug possession and the surprising pro-Jagger line taken in a Times editorial; through the fragmented morality of John Stonehouse; the Indian summer of patriotism over the Falklands; the death of Diana; and the end of the Blair years, The History Plays are a satirical and thoughtful exploration of huge social forces played out in small human dramas. This is a series about the promises and pitfalls of history, the points of conflict. But what's really significant is what these moments say about our attitudes and assumptions now.

Additional details

Production
Studio

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Tuesday 21st February 2012 at 11pm on BBC Radio 4
Most recent repeats
  • Sunday 5th March 2017 at 11:30pm on Radio 4 Extra - Episode 5
  • Sunday 26th February 2017 at 11:30pm on Radio 4 Extra - Episode 4
  • Sunday 19th February 2017 at 11:30pm on Radio 4 Extra - Episode 3