The Penny Dreadfuls Present.... Image shows from L to R: Humphrey Ker, Thom Tuck, David Reed
The Penny Dreadfuls Present...

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

Hadrian's Beard - The Penny Dreadfuls Present: Hadrian's Beard

The Penny Dreadfuls tell the story of Emperor Hadrian and his bonkers idea to build a wall across an entire nation (who would do that!?!).

Further details

The subject of this year's play is the story of Emperor Hadrian and his bonkers idea to build a wall across an entire nation (who would do that!?!). Hadrian's story is one that has left a lasting legacy upon The British Isles.

Under Hadrian's predecessor, the Roman Empire underwent an unprecedented period of invasion and expansion, so the newly appointed Emperor Hadrian sees the need for a change. A defensive man, both emotionally and strategically, he decides to not be the conqueror but to protect what they've acquired, before they lose the lot. Hadrian embarks on an epic tour of the provinces to personally oversee the protection of their borders.

Broadcast details

Date
Saturday 31st August 2019
Time
2:45pm
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Length
45 minutes
Recorded
  • Friday 10th May 2019 at BBC Radio Theatre

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Thursday 30th December 2021 10:30pm Radio 4 Extra
Saturday 1st January 2022 2:00pm Radio 4 Extra
Sunday 2nd January 2022 2:00am Radio 4 Extra
Tuesday 15th February 2022 2:15pm Radio 4

Cast & crew

Cast
Humphrey Ker Various
David Reed Various
Thom Tuck Various
Guest cast
Tony Gardner Emperor Hadrian
Mina Anwar Queen Bridget
Margaret Cabourn-Smith Ensemble Actor
Writing team
David Reed Writer
Production team
Julia McKenzie Producer

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