The Masterson Inheritance. Image shows from L to R: Phelim McDermott, Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney, Caroline Quentin, Lee Simpson, Paul Merton. Copyright: BBC
The Masterson Inheritance
- Radio comedy drama
- BBC Radio 4
- 1993 - 1995
- 18 episodes (3 series)
Improvised comedy following the misfortunates of a dynasty. Stars Josie Lawrence, Phelim McDermott, Paul Merton, Caroline Quentin, Jim Sweeney and Lee Simpson
The Masterson Inheritance. Image shows from L to R: Phelim McDermott, Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney, Caroline Quentin, Lee Simpson, Paul Merton. Copyright: BBC
Key details
- Genre
- Comedy Drama
- Broadcast
- 1993 - 1995
- Channel
- BBC Radio 4
- Episodes
- 18 (3 series), plus 2 other episodes
- Stars
- Josie Lawrence, Phelim McDermott, Paul Merton, Caroline Quentin, Jim Sweeney and Lee Simpson
- Producer
- Phil Clarke
- Company
The Masterson Inheritance is described as "an improvised historical saga of a family at war with itself. No script, no rehearsals, just an audience and a couple of microphones."
Narrated by Lee Simpson, each episode is set in a different period of history, with a cast including Josie Lawrence, Phelim McDermott, Paul Merton, Caroline Quentin and Jim Sweeney, creating a completely improvised story based on audience suggestions.
Additional details
- Production
- Studio
- Soundtrack
- All music and sound effects were improvised live.
Website links
- Fansite
An in-depth fan site about the series. - The 'Lost' Episode
A recording of the missing episode from Jim Sweeney's website. - Wikipedia
Broadcast details
- First broadcast
- Thursday 22nd April 1993 at 6:30pm on BBC Radio 4
- Most recent repeats
-
- Sunday 31st March 2024 at 11:00pm on Radio 4 Extra - Series 2, Episode 6
- Sunday 17th March 2024 at 11:00pm on Radio 4 Extra - Series 2, Episode 5
- Sunday 10th March 2024 at 11:00pm on Radio 4 Extra - Series 2, Episode 4
Recording details
- Paris Theatre