A Dangerous Thing
First broadcast 20091202.
| Description |
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| By John Sessions. May 1744: Alexander Pope is on his deathbed in Twickenham; Jonathan Swift is losing his wits in Dublin. The two friends have not seen each other in 17 years, although each is very much on the other's mind. In his final hours, Pope talks to his emotional and intellectual soulmate, Martha 'Pattie' Blount, about his relationship with Swift and the events that have conspired to keep the two friends apart for most of their lives. He also recalls Swift's last visit to London, when an unexpected encounter with a young burglar put the divergent philosophies of the two friends to the test. Jonathan Swift....Timothy Spall Alexander Pope....John Sessions Martha 'Pattie' Blount....Amanda Root Boy (Tom)/John Gay....Joe Thomas Amica....Tessa Nicholson Dr Cheselden/Lord Bolingbroke/Waterman....Nigel Hastings Swift's Servant/Dr Arbuthnot/Matthew/ Gentleman....John Biggins. By John Sessions. The friendship of the 18th-century satirists Pope and Swift is tested. |