Harriet Walter and Jenny Jules, performers from Phyllida Lloyd's all-female Donmar Warehouse production, discuss the first radio drama scene from Julius Caesar broadcast 90 years ago. They explore themes of resisting corruption, asserting authority, heated arguments, loyalty, anger, grief, and reconciliation.
The first-ever radio drama was a scene from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, marking the beginning of a new era for radio entertainment.
Harriet Walter and Jenny Jules discuss the complex relationship between the characters of Cassius and Brutus, highlighting the clash over matters of loyalty and political strategy in the quarrel scene.
Deep dives
The Birth of BBC Radio Drama
In 1923, the BBC aired the first-ever radio drama, featuring a scene from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. The scene involved Robert Atkins as Cassius and Basil Gill as Brutus. The drama was directed by Cecil Lewis, who was one of the key figures responsible for starting the BBC. This marked the beginning of a new era for radio entertainment.
The Characters and Conflict in Julius Caesar
Harriet Walter and Jenny Jules, who recently performed in an all-female production of Julius Caesar, reprise their roles as Brutus and Cassius respectively for the radio drama. They discuss the complex relationship between the characters, with Cassius being passionate and hating tyranny, while Brutus is seen as an honorable and noble figure. The quarrel scene in the drama is centred around the moral high ground and the consequences of losing it. The tension escalates as the characters clash over matters of loyalty and political strategy.
The first radio drama, a scene from Julius Caesar, was broadcast 90 years ago. Now performed by Harriet Walter and Jenny Jules from Phyllida Lloyd's all-female Donmar Warehouse production. Introduced by Jeremy Mortimer
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode