The Penny Dreadfuls

Episodes

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Don Quixote2018082520211223 (BBC7)
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Published in two volumes in the early 17th Century, Cervantes' Spanish classic DON QUIXOTE is famous as the world's first modern novel; a ground-breaking piece of art that influenced countless generations of writers and at 800 plus pages of dense prose, one of the most unreadable novels ever. Writer DAVID REED has read it so that you don't have to and condensed this mighty tome into an hour's rip-roaring entertainment. A meditation on the age of chivalry, insanity and truth. A quest of windmills, magic and donkeys. Join peasant Sancho and the man who thinks he's a Knight as they travel together locked together in a quest to save those who don't want saving and unravel enchantments which may or may not only exist in their minds. Narrator...Amanda Abbington

DON QUIXOTE...Sylvester McCoy

Sancho...THOM TUCK

All other roles played by... DAVID REED, HUMPHREY KER, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Vivienne Acheampong. Written by DAVID REED. Producer...Julia McKenzie

A BBC Studios production. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2018.

Comedic take on Cervantes' classic tome starring Sylvester McCoy as DON QUIXOTE.

Published in two volumes in the early 17th Century, Cervantes' Spanish classic Don Quixote is famous as the world's first modern novel.

It's a ground-breaking piece of art that influenced countless generations of writers and at 800 plus pages of dense prose, one of the most unreadable novels ever.

Never fear! David Reed has read it so that you don't have to and condensed this mighty tome into an hour's rip-roaring entertainment.

It's a meditation on the age of chivalry, insanity and truth. A quest of windmills, magic and donkeys.

Sylvester McCoy stars as Don Quixote.

Sancho - Thom Tuck

Narrator - Amanda Abbington

All other roles played by The Penny Dreadfuls:

And:

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018.

Drama from BBC Radio 4

Starring Sylvester McCoy and Amanda Abbington; The Penny Dreadfuls Present: Don Quixote.

Guy Fawkes2009110520111105 (BBC7)
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What exactly is it that we're asked to remember on the 5th of November? As the nation prepares for Bonfire Night; highly acclaimed comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls take a fresh and timely look at a familiar story with a comedic, stirring and sometimes graphic exploration of the build-up to and aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot.

Recorded in front of an audience at the Radio Theatre in London, there's plenty of laughs in places where you least expect them - from the boisterously optimistic meetings of the conspirators through to Fawkes' internment in the Tower of London.

Starring KEVIN ELDON as Guy, The Penny Dreadfuls will also be joined on stage by MILES JUPP and Andrew Pugsley.

The Penny Dreadfuls are DAVID REED, HUMPHREY KER and THOM TUCK.

The Penny Dreadfuls have previously written and performed two series of the Victorian themed Brothers Faversham for Radio 7 and have just finished their fourth highly successful year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Guy Fawkes - KEVIN ELDON

Thomas Percy - MILES JUPP

John Wright - DAVID REED

Robert Catesby - THOM TUCK

Thomas Winter - Andrew Pugsley

Sir William Waad - HUMPHREY KER

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.

Comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls tell the story of the Gunpowder Plot.

Recorded in front of an audience at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, there's plenty of laughs in places where you least expect them - from the boisterously optimistic meetings of the conspirators through to Fawkes' internment in the Tower of London.

Starring Kevin Eldon as Guy.

With Miles Jupp and Andrew Pugsley.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.

The comedy trio take a fresh and funny look at a familar tale - the Gunpowder Plot.

The comedy trio take a fresh and funny look at a familar tale - the Gunpowder Plot. Stars Kevin Eldon. From November 2009.

What exactly is it that we're asked to remember on the 5th of November? As the nation prepares for Bonfire Night; highly acclaimed comedy trio, The Penny Dreadfuls, take a fresh and timely look at a familiar story with a comedic, stirring and sometimes graphic exploration of the build-up to and aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot for The Afternoon Play.

Recorded in front of an audience at the Radio Theatre in London, there's plenty of laughs in places where you least expect them – from the boisterously optimistic meetings of the conspirators through to Fawke's internment in the Tower of London.

The Penny Dreadfuls have previously written and performed two series of the Victorian themed Brothers Faversham for Radio 7 have just finished their fourth highly successful year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Guy Fawkes....KEVIN ELDON

Thomas Percy....MILES JUPP

John Wright....DAVID REED

Robert Catesby....THOM TUCK

Thomas Winter....Andrew Pugsley

Sir William Waad....HUMPHREY KER.

Hadrian's Beard2019083120211230 (BBC7)
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Eager to defend the outer reaches of the Roman Empire and repel attacks from the Barbarians, Emperor Hadrian was determined to build a wall across Britain, sea to sea, just north of the great fort Vindolanda. That physical legacy is still in part visible between Northumberland and Cumbria to this day. This comedy play looks under the skin of the Emperor who broke with various traditions, not least growing a beard where all Roman leaders were previously clean-shaven; and his deep love of all things Grecian. All does not go according to plan when he arrives and it seems that this brave 'soldier' is more troubled than first impressions suggest.

Emperor Hadrian...Tony Gardner

Queen Bridget...Mina Anwar

All other roles...The Penny Dreadfuls: Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck, with Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

Written by...David Reed

Producer...Julia McKenzie

A BBC Studios Production.

The Penny Dreadfuls examine Emperor Hadrian in their ninth comedy play for Radio 4.

Drama from BBC Radio 4

Emperor Hadrian was so eager to defend the outer reaches of the Roman Empire and repel attacks from the Barbarians, that he was determined to build a wall across Britain, sea to sea, just north of the great fort Vindolanda.

Written by DAVID REED

Emperor Hadrian ... TONY GARDNER

Queen Bridget ... MINA ANWAR

With The Penny Dreadfuls:

And Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2019.

The comedy trio examine Britain's Roman legacy. With TONY GARDNER.

Eager to defend the outer reaches of the Roman Empire and repel attacks from the Barbarians, Emperor Hadrian was determined to build a wall across Britain, sea to sea, just north of the great fort Vindolanda. That physical legacy is still in part visible between Northumberland and Cumbria to this day. This comedy play looks under the skin of the Emperor who broke with various traditions, not least growing a beard where all Roman leaders were previously clean-shaven; and his deep love of all things Grecian. All does not go according to plan when he arrives and it seems that this brave 'soldier' is more troubled than first impressions suggest. Emperor Hadrian ... TONY GARDNER

Queen Bridget ... MINA ANWAR All other roles...The Penny Dreadfuls: HUMPHREY KER, DAVID REED and THOM TUCK, with Margaret Cabourn-Smith. Written by DAVID REED

Producer...Julia McKenzie A BBC Studios Production. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2019.

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Highly acclaimed comedy trio, The Penny Dreadfuls turn their comic eye towards Hereward The Wake.

Why has this Englishman responsible for leading the fight against the occupation of William The Conqueror, been so readily forgotten?

The story didn't end when they ran out of embroidery cotton on the Bayeux Tapestry. Our mission is to make sure that from now on, you will know his name.

The Penny Dreadfuls are David Reed, Humphrey Ker and Thom Tuck.

Written by David Reed and Humphrey Ker

Hereward - Thom Tuck

William The Conqueror / Leofwine, Thorkell / Guard, Haakan - Humphrey Ker

Frederick, Asketil / Thurstan / Odo - David Reed

Martin - Marek Larwood

Turfrida / Witch - Margaret Cabourn-Smith

Narrator - Justin Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.

By David Reed and Humphrey Ker. The comic lifestory of one of England's forgotten heroes.

The Penny Dreadfuls tell the story of one of England's forgotten heroes.

From the team who brought Radio 4 the story of Guy Fawkes and the French Revolution, The Penny Dreadfuls now turn their comic eye towards Hereward The Wake. Why has this Englishman responsible for leading the fight against the occupation of William The Conqueror, been so readily forgotten? The story didn't end when they ran out of embroidery cotton on the Bayeux Tapestry. Our mission is to make sure that from now on, you will know his name.

Hereward...Thom Tuck

William The Conqueror, Leofwine, Thorkell, Guard, Haakan...Humphrey Ker

Frederick, Asketil, Thurstan, Odo...David Reed

Martin...Marek Larwood

Turfrida and Witch...Margaret Cabourn-Smith

Narrator...Justin Edwards

Producer...Julia McKenzie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.

By David Reed and Humphrey Ker. The comic life story of one of England's forgotten heroes.

Le Carre On Spying2017070820211216 (BBC7)
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David Cornwell (the real name of the spy and thriller writer John Le Carr退) is the star of this comedy drama as we follow his desperate efforts to uncover the latest mole in the secret service. JOHN F KENNEDY's official visit to Berlin looms and the pressure is on to get to the truth.

Dramatic tension and big laughs abound in this seventh comedy play by acclaimed sketch group The Penny Dreadfuls. Also starring MILES JUPP as Cornwell and MARK HEAP as the narrator.

Recorded in front of an audience in the Radio Theatre.

Writer...DAVID REED

Producer...Julia McKenzie

A BBC Studios Production.

The Penny Dreadfuls parody John le Carre in a comedy set during the height of the Cold War

David Cornwell (John Le Carr退's real name) desperately tries to uncover the latest mole in the Secret Service.

Le Carre style comedy romp through 1960s Berlin courtesy of comedy trio, The Penny Dreadfuls.

Starring HUMPHREY KER, DAVID REED and THOM TUCK

Also starring MILES JUPP and MARK HEAP.

David Cornwell - MILES JUPP

Narrator - MARK HEAP

Various - HUMPHREY KER

Various - DAVID REED

Various - THOM TUCK

Lizbeth/Mrs M - Margaret Cabourn-Smith

Written by DAVID REED

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2017.

David Cornwell (John Le Carr?s real name) desperately tries to uncover the latest mole in the Secret Service.

David Cornwell (John Le Carr钀s real name) desperately tries to uncover the latest mole in the Secret Service.

David Cornwell (John Le Carré's real name) desperately tries to uncover the latest mole in the Secret Service.

David Cornwell (the real name of the spy and thriller writer JOHN LE CARRE) is the star of this comedy drama as we follow his desperate efforts to uncover the latest mole in the secret service. JOHN F KENNEDY's official visit to Berlin looms and the pressure is on to get to the truth. Dramatic tension and big laughs abound in this seventh comedy play by acclaimed sketch group The Penny Dreadfuls. Also starring MILES JUPP as Cornwell and MARK HEAP as the narrator. Recorded in front of an audience in the Radio Theatre.

David Cornwell (the real name of the spy and thriller writer John Le Carr退) is the star of this comedy drama as we follow his desperate efforts to uncover the latest mole in the secret service. JOHN F KENNEDY's official visit to Berlin looms and the pressure is on to get to the truth. Dramatic tension and big laughs abound in this seventh comedy play by acclaimed sketch group The Penny Dreadfuls. Also starring MILES JUPP as Cornwell and MARK HEAP as the narrator. Recorded in front of an audience in the Radio Theatre.

David Cornwell (the real name of the spy and thriller writer John Le Carr?) is the star of this comedy drama as we follow his desperate efforts to uncover the latest mole in the secret service. JOHN F KENNEDY's official visit to Berlin looms and the pressure is on to get to the truth. Dramatic tension and big laughs abound in this seventh comedy play by acclaimed sketch group The Penny Dreadfuls. Also starring MILES JUPP as Cornwell and MARK HEAP as the narrator. Recorded in front of an audience in the Radio Theatre.

Drama from BBC Radio 4

Macbeth Rebothered2014121320211125 (BBC7)
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A comedy play by The Penny Dreadfuls that tells an alternative tale of Shakespeare's noble king.

Greg McHugh stars as Macbeth with SUSAN CALMAN as the narrator.

Other roles played by Margaret Cabourn-Smith, HUMPHREY KER, DAVID REED and THOM TUCK.

Written by DAVID REED with additional material by HUMPHREY KER.

Produced by Julia McKenzie.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.

An alternative spin on the tale of this noble king. Greg McHugh stars.

A comedy play by The Penny Dreadfuls.

Other roles:

A brand new comedy play by The Penny Dreadfuls that tells an alternative tale of this noble King. Greg McHugh stars as Macbeth with Susan Calman as the narrator. Other roles played by Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck.

Revolution2011070920151225 (BBC7)
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The French Revolution was one of the most far-reaching social and political upheavals in modern history spanning 10 years and involving the execution of the King, collapse of monarchy and slaughter of thousands at the guillotine. Starring Richard E Grant and Sally Hawkins, comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls will attempt to tell the epic story of the Revolution in one hour, with jokes.

The play's two main characters are Maximilien Robespierre the dictatorial architect of the Reign of Terror, who sent thousands to their death and Marie-Therese, the 16 year old daughter of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.

Marie-Therese was incarcerated for three years by the revolutionaries. When she was locked up her father, mother, aunt and little brother were also with her. After the execution of her father the rest of the family were moved to another part of the tower and Marie-Therese was kept in solitary confinement. It is recorded that Robespierre visited Marie-Therese at one point in the tower but there is no historical record of that conversation. This play is that conversation.

Revolution is written by comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls, Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck, all successful in their own rights as solo performers and all taking their own shows to Edinburgh this year. Last year they wrote an Afternoon Play for Radio about Guy Fawkes and they have previously had two series of The Brothers Faversham broadcast on Radio 7.

Richard E Grant - Robespierre,

Sally Hawkins - Therese

David Reed, Humphrey Ker, Thom Tuck and Margaret Cabourn-Smith will play all other roles in the show.

Producer - Julia McKenzie.

Comic play about the French Revolution starring Richard E Grant and The Penny Dreadfuls.

Starring RICHARD E GRANT and SALLY HAWKINS.

Comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls attempt to tell the epic story of the Revolution in one hour, with jokes.

RICHARD E GRANT is Maximilien Robespierre the dictatorial architect of the Reign of Terror, who sent thousands to their death and SALLY HAWKINS is Marie-Therese, the 16 year old daughter of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.

Marie-Therese was incarcerated for three years by the revolutionaries. When she was locked up her father, mother, aunt and little brother were also with her. After the execution of her father the rest of the family were moved to another part of the tower and Marie-Therese was kept in solitary confinement. It's recorded that Robespierre visited Marie-Therese at one point in the tower but there's no historical record of that conversation. This play is that conversation.

Written by and co-starring The Penny Dreadfuls: HUMPHREY KER, DAVID REED and THOM TUCK, plus Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2011.

The French Revolution was one of the most far-reaching social and political upheavals in modern history.

It spanned 10 years, involving the execution of the King, collapse of monarchy and slaughter of thousands at the guillotine.

Maximilien Robespierre was the dictatorial architect of the Reign of Terror, who sent thousands to their death. Marie-Therese was the 16 year old daughter of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.

After her father was executed, the rest of the family were moved to another part of the tower and Marie-Therese was kept in solitary confinement.

Robespierre - Richard E Grant

Therese - Sally Hawkins

Written by and co-starring Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck

With Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

The comedy trio tell the epic tale of the French Revolution. Co-starring Richard E Grant.

The comedy trio tell the epic tale of the French Revolution. Co-starring Richard E Grant and Sally Hawkins. From July 2011.

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Rather than a conniving and treacherous hunchback, Richard was an honest and loyal warrior with only a slight spinal kink, nothing you'd notice if you weren't looking for it. This is the story of how, through the invention of the printing press, a good man became the first victim of fake news and how The Tudor dynasty was built on a foundation of lies by the world's first spin-doctor, Henry Tudor.

Written by David Reed. Performed by David Reed, Thom Tuck, Humphrey Ker, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Celeste Dring.

Producer...Julia McKenzie

A BBC Studios Production

The Penny Dreadfuls return to right some wrongs for the much maligned Richard III

Drama from BBC Radio 4

This is the story of how, through the invention of the printing press, a good man became the first victim of fake news and how the Tudor dynasty was built on a foundation of lies by the world's first spin doctor, Henry Tudor.

Starring The Penny Dreadfuls:

With Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Celeste Dring.

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2020.

The Penny Dreadfuls return to right some wrongs for the much-maligned Richard III.

Performed by DAVID REED, THOM TUCK, HUMPHREY KER, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and CELESTE DRING. Producer, Julia McKenzie

A BBC Studios Production.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2020.

The Penny Dreadfuls return to right some wrongs for the much maligned Richard III.

The Curse Of The Beagle2016073020211209 (BBC7)
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In 1831 a 22 year old CHARLES DARWIN set sail on the HMS Beagle for a 5 year voyage that he said changed the course of his life. He later published his stories of the trip but in this reimagining comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls reveal the untold story that Darwin was to keep to himself.

HUMPHREY KER...McCormick, York Minster, General Rosas, Sailor 2

DAVID REED...Professor Henslow, Fitzroy, Santiago and Cannibal

THOM TUCK...CHARLES DARWIN and Cannibal Steve

With Margaret Cabourn-Smith...Basket, Old Mother Trousers, Cannibal Susan and Sailor 1

Written by DAVID REED with additional material by HUMPHREY KER

A BBC Studios Production

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.

A comedic exploration of a young CHARLES DARWIN's adventures aboard the HMS Beagle.

He later published his stories of the trip, but in this reimagining comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls reveal the untold story that Darwin was to keep to himself.

Starring Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck

Charles Darwin - Thom Tuck

McCormick - Humphrey Ker

Professor Henslow - David Reed

Old Mother Trousers - Margaret Cabourn-Smith

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2016.

Drama from BBC Radio 4

The Odyssey2015102520211202 (BBC7)
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Comedy trio Penny Dreadfuls take on Homer's tale of Odyseuss's epic journey home from the Trojan Wars and the incredible monsters and enchantress he encounters en route.

Starring ROBERT WEBB as Odysseus with HUMPHREY KER, DAVID REED and THOM TUCK

Plus guests Lolly Adefope and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

Written by DAVID REED with additional material by HUMPHREY KER

A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2015.

Comedy trio Penny Dreadfuls transport us to ancient Greece. ROBERT WEBB stars as Odysseus

Incredible monsters plus an encounter with an enchantress!

Comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls take on Homer's tale of Odysseus's epic journey home from the Trojan Wars.

Starring Robert Webb as Odysseus.

Plus guests:

Written by David Reed with additional material by Humphrey Ker.

LASTThe Curse Of The Beagle20171216A comedic exploration of a young Charles Darwin's adventures aboard the HMS Beagle.

In 1831 a 22 year old Charles Darwin set sail on the HMS Beagle for a 5 year voyage that he said changed the course of his life. He later published his stories of the trip but in this reimagining comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls reveal the untold story that Darwin was to keep to himself.

Humphrey Ker...McCormick, York Minster, General Rosas, Sailor 2

David Reed...Professor Henslow, Fitzroy, Santiago and Cannibal

Thom Tuck...Charles Darwin and Cannibal Steve

With Margaret Cabourn-Smith...Basket, Old Mother Trousers, Cannibal Susan and Sailor 1

Written by David Reed with additional material by Humphrey Ker

Producer...Julia McKenzie

A BBC Studios Production.