Along with the countryside, the monarchy and freedom of speech, Radio 4 is in the top seven Best Things About Britain Today, according to a recent poll.
But in But First This, written by BBC newsreader Kathy Clugston, a new Controller is out to destroy this cherished institution unless the station’s intrepid team of presenters can foil her wicked plan.
Featuring music by Desmond O’Connor, But First This is described as a witty and lovingly irreverent new musical set in the world of Woman’s Hour, The Shipping Forecast, The Today Programme, Big Ben and, of course, the Pips.
The cast features Michael Fenton Stevens as John Humphrys, Louise Plowright as Selina, Helena Blackman as Anna, Neil Ditt as Will and Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Jim, with James Beal on piano.
The play opens at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre on Thursday October 23rd and runs until Saturday November 8th.
The Watermill Theatre, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8AE
Performances: Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm (except 23 Oct)
Saturday 8 November 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Tickets: £16.00-20.00
Box Office: 01635 46044 | www.watermill.org.uk