Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Peter Brough - His Master's Voice

4 Extra Debut. The true story behind radio hit Educating Archie, the tale of a ventriloquist whose alter-ego puppet takes over. Stars Rob Brydon.

By James Maw and Tim Sullivan. Rob Brydon is ventriloquist Peter Brough and his doll Archie Andrews in a new play that tells the true story behind one of the most successful radio shows of all time. With Fenella Woolgar as Peggy Brough.

The 1950s Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio show Educating Archie - with 16 million listeners - catapulted the ventriloquist Peter Brough from suburban obscurity to the heights of high society. The Royal Family were fans. His show introduced the world to Eric Sykes (writer), Tony Hancock (Archie's Tutor), Max Bygraves (another tutor) and Julie Andrews (Archie's girlfriend).

After eight years on radio, Educating Archie transferred to television. And yet, one day in 1961, Peter Brough locked the dummy in a suitcase and left him on the top of a wardrobe for forty years until, six years after the ventriloquist's death, Archie Andrews was put up for auction.

His Master's Voice tells the true story of what went wrong in the world of Archie Andrews and Peter Brough.

Written by James Maw and Tim Sullivan

Director and Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
A Cast Iron Radio production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.

1 hour

Last on

Sat 30 Jun 2018 03:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Peter Brough Rob Brydon
Archie Andrews Rob Brydon
Peggy Brough Fenella Woolgar
Arthur Brough Michael Bertenshaw
Christopher Brough Thomas Williams-Boyle
Romey Brough Eliza Harrison-Dine
Liz Stephanie Racine
Hattie Jacques Stephanie Racine
William Haley James Lailey
Max Bygraves Ewan Bailey
Edith Harriet Collings
Cloakroom Girl Harriet Collings
Writer James Maw
Writer Tim Sullivan
Director Jeremy Mortimer
Producer Jeremy Mortimer

Broadcasts

  • Sat 2 Aug 2014 14:30
  • Sat 5 Mar 2016 14:30
  • Fri 29 Jun 2018 10:00
  • Fri 29 Jun 2018 15:00
  • Sat 30 Jun 2018 03:00

Drama of the Week Podcast

Download a new drama from Radio 4 or Radio 3 every week.