1. In the Wings
Two characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet are condemned to watch from the wings. Stoppard's existential comedy starring Mathew Baynton, Andrew Buchan and Toby Jones.
"Eternity's a terrible thought - I mean where's it going to end?"
As part of the Celebrating Stoppard season, a collection of Stoppard plays, Mathew Baynton, Andrew Buchan and Toby Jones star in the play that made Sir Tom Stoppard's reputation when it first appeared as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1966.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear in Shakespeare's Hamlet, as the prince's unlucky attendant lords. In Stoppard's comedy, these two minor characters must watch the action of Hamlet unfold before them as they stay in the wings trying to pass the time.
Rosencrantz ..... Mathew Baynton
Guildenstern ..... Andrew Buchan
The Player ..... Toby Jones
Tragedian ..... Sam Dale
Alfred ..... Ronny Jhutti
Ophelia ..... Sarah Ovens
Polonius ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Hamlet ..... Parth Thakerar
Claudius ..... Don Gilet
Gertrude ..... Clare Corbett
Music arranged and performed by Clare Salaman, Philip Hopkins and Amelia Shakespeare from The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments
Director: Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2019.
On radio
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Broadcasts
- Sat 30 Mar 201914:30BBC Radio 4
- Sun 2 May 202115:00BBC Radio 4
Mon 20 Mar 202305:00BBC Radio 4 Extra- Mon 20 Mar 202310:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Mon 20 Mar 202315:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 21 Mar 202300:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Saturday15:00BBC Radio 4 FM
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
The Shakespeare Sessions
Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world
