The Penny Dreadfuls Present...
- Radio comedy drama
- BBC Radio 4 / BBC Radio 7
- 2008 - 2020
- 18 episodes (2 series)
Radio comedies in which sketch group The Penny Dreadfuls - aka Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck - present plays around historical subjects. Also features Ingrid Oliver and Miles Jupp.
Episode menu
Guy Fawkes - The Penny Dreadfuls Present: Guy Fawkes
Further details
What exactly is it that we're asked to remember on the 5th of November? As the nation prepares for Bonfire Night; highly acclaimed comedy trio, The Penny Dreadfuls, take a fresh and timely look at a familiar story with a comedic, stirring and sometimes graphic exploration of the build-up to and aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot for The Afternoon Play.
Recorded in front of an audience at the Radio Theatre in London, there's plenty of laughs in places where you least expect them - from the boisterously optimistic meetings of the conspirators through to Fawkes' internment in the Tower of London.
Broadcast details
- Date
- Thursday 5th November 2009
- Time
- 2:15pm
- Channel
- BBC Radio 4
- Length
- 45 minutes
Cast & crew
| Humphrey Ker | Various |
| David Reed | Various |
| Thom Tuck | Various |
| Kevin Eldon | Guy Fawkes |
| Miles Jupp | Thomas Percy |
| Andrew Pugsley | Thomas Winter |
| Humphrey Ker | Writer |
| David Reed | Writer |
| Thom Tuck | Writer |
| Julia McKenzie | Producer |
Press
The Penny Dreadfuls are a writing and performance trio. This play, recorded with an audience, tells the story of the Gunpowder Plot in terms which have everyone giggling right away. We're in the Dog and Duck. "Here we go," says Thomas Percy, "five pints of gin." Ah yes, it's the Horrible Histories style. Actually, it's not as well done as that. As the fireworks explode and the bonfires burn outside, it's hard to take this. Especially if you remember what caused the plot and that Fawkes was hung, drawn and quartered for it.
Gillian Reynolds, The Telegraph, 5th November 2009If you haven't caught the Penny Dreadfuls' Faversham Brothers shows on Radio 7, you've missed a treat. Expect some dubious views of historical accuracy and some well-aimed potshots at literary cliche.
Scott Matthewman, The Stage, 30th October 2009