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The Mother of Modern Theatre

Catherine Tate celebrates the life of Joan Littlewood, the 'chain-smoking' 'toothy woman in a woolly hat' from the east end of London who changed the face of British theatre.

To commemorate Joan Littlewood's centenary, Catherine Tate hears from the stars of stage and screen who experienced the legendary directorial methods of the 'Mother of Modern Theatre'.

By the time 'Oh! What A Lovely War' premiered in 1963 the illegitimate daughter of a book-hating teenager in Stockwell had earned herself a place at RADA, formed her own Theatre company, been banned from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and had three shows transferred to the West End.

Catherine traces Joan's personal struggles and creative triumphs, discovering how one woman shook the foundations of the British establishment and changed the face of theatre forever.

57 minutes

Last on

Mon 10 Nov 2014 22:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2

Music Played

  • Max Bygraves

    Fings Ain't What They Used To Be

    • The Genius Of Lionel Bart: Stage And Pop Songs, Demos And Rarities CD2.
    • Acrobat.
    • 21.

  • Charles Chilton Theatre Workshop

    When This Lousy War Is Over

    • Oh What A Lovely War.
    • 20.

  • Charles Chilton, Theatre Workshop And Members Of The Cast

    They Didn't Believe Me

    • Oh What A Lovely War.
    • 27.

  • Charles Chilton, Theatre Workshop And Members Of The Cast

    Good Byee

    • Oh What A Lovely War.
    • 12.

  • Charles Chilton, Theatre Workshop And Members Of The Cast

    Oh It's A Lovely War

    • Oh What A Lovely War.
    • That's Entertainment Records.
    • 13.

  • Charles Chilton, Theatre Workshop And Members Of The Cast

    Keep The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Fires Burning

    • Oh What A Lovely War.
    • 24.

  • Roberta Flack

    The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

    • Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974.
    • Atlantic.

  • Vera Lynn

    I'll Be Seeing You

    • Vera Lynn Remembers The Songs That Won World War 2.
    • EMI.
    • 10.

  • Vera Lynn

    As Time Goes By

    • Vera Lynn Remembers The Songs That Won World War 2.
    • EMI.
    • 20.

  • Vera Lynn

    It Had To Be You

    • Vera Lynn Remembers The Songs That Won World War 2.
    • EMI.
    • 17.

  • Ewan MacColl

    The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

    • Black And White The Definitive Collection.
    • REAL GONE MUSIC.
    • 18.

  • Ewan MacColl

    Derek Bentley

    • The Real MacColl.
    • Topic.
    • 7.

  • Ewan MacColl

    Dirty Old Town

    • Black And White The Definitive Collection.
    • SNAPPER MUSIC PLC.
    • 4.

  • Barbara Windsor

    Sparrows Can't Sing

    • Oh! What A Carry On! CD2.
    • EMI.
    • 15.

Broadcast

  • Mon 10 Nov 2014 22:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2