Olivier

Episode

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

20131104

20131105 (R4)

Published when the National Theatre turned 50 in 2013, Philip Ziegler's biography, based on previously unseen letters and diaries, tells the story of Laurence Olivier as he developed his craft, focusing on his career path from early school days through rep theatre to Hollywood, before returning to triumph in his greatest role ever, as the first director of the National Theatre.

Episode 1:

Born at a time when theatre was at a low ebb in Britain, and after a rather unpromising start in life, the young Laurence Olivier enters the acting profession and begins to shine.

Reader: Toby Jones

A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.

Young Laurence Olivier shows early promise at school and enters the acting profession.

20131105

20131106 (R4)

Episode 2:

Newlywed Olivier begins a stellar rise in the London theatre, with a big break from Noel Coward. But Hollywood is less generous and he returns home to make a film with Vivien Leigh.

Reader: Toby Jones

A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.

Olivier begins his stellar rise in the London theatre, but has less success in Hollywood.

20131106

20131107 (R4)

Episode 3:

Olivier goes from strength to strength at the Old Vic and makes his breakthrough on the big screen with Wuthering Heights followed by Henry V - just as war breaks out in Europe.

Reader: Toby Jones

A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.

As war threatens Europe, Olivier makes his film breakthrough, with a very timely Henry V.

20131107

20131108 (R4)

Episode 4:

Olivier and Ralph Richardson revitalize The Old Vic Theatre Company in war-torn London but, when he departs to tour Australia, he receives a nasty shock from the Theatre's Board.

Reader: Toby Jones

A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.

Olivier's tenure running the Old Vic is a great success but comes to an abrupt end.

05 LAST

20131108

20131109 (R4)

Episode 5:

Olivier goes to the Royal Court to star in 'The Entertainer' which, in turn, sets him on a path to the last two great loves of his life - Joan Plowright and the National Theatre.

Reader: Toby Jones

A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.

A hit at the Royal Court leads Olivier to Joan Plowright, and to the National Theatre.

Episodes

Episode	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	20131104	20131105 (R4)	Published when the National Theatre turned 50 in 2013, Philip Ziegler's biography, based on previously unseen letters and diaries, tells the story of Laurence Olivier as he developed his craft, focusing on his career path from early school days through rep theatre to Hollywood, before returning to triumph in his greatest role ever, as the first director of the National Theatre. Episode 1: Born at a time when theatre was at a low ebb in Britain, and after a rather unpromising start in life, the young Laurence Olivier enters the acting profession and begins to shine. Reader: Toby Jones A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4. Young Laurence Olivier shows early promise at school and enters the acting profession.
02	20131105	20131106 (R4)	Published when the National Theatre turned 50 in 2013, Philip Ziegler's biography, based on previously unseen letters and diaries, tells the story of Laurence Olivier as he developed his craft, focusing on his career path from early school days through rep theatre to Hollywood, before returning to triumph in his greatest role ever, as the first director of the National Theatre. Episode 2: Newlywed Olivier begins a stellar rise in the London theatre, with a big break from Noel Coward. But Hollywood is less generous and he returns home to make a film with Vivien Leigh. Reader: Toby Jones A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4. Olivier begins his stellar rise in the London theatre, but has less success in Hollywood.
03	20131106	20131107 (R4)	Published when the National Theatre turned 50 in 2013, Philip Ziegler's biography, based on previously unseen letters and diaries, tells the story of Laurence Olivier as he developed his craft, focusing on his career path from early school days through rep theatre to Hollywood, before returning to triumph in his greatest role ever, as the first director of the National Theatre. Episode 3: Olivier goes from strength to strength at the Old Vic and makes his breakthrough on the big screen with Wuthering Heights followed by Henry V - just as war breaks out in Europe. Reader: Toby Jones A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4. As war threatens Europe, Olivier makes his film breakthrough, with a very timely Henry V.
04	20131107	20131108 (R4)	Published when the National Theatre turned 50 in 2013, Philip Ziegler's biography, based on previously unseen letters and diaries, tells the story of Laurence Olivier as he developed his craft, focusing on his career path from early school days through rep theatre to Hollywood, before returning to triumph in his greatest role ever, as the first director of the National Theatre. Episode 4: Olivier and Ralph Richardson revitalize The Old Vic Theatre Company in war-torn London but, when he departs to tour Australia, he receives a nasty shock from the Theatre's Board. Reader: Toby Jones A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4. Olivier's tenure running the Old Vic is a great success but comes to an abrupt end.
05 LAST	20131108	20131109 (R4)	Published when the National Theatre turned 50 in 2013, Philip Ziegler's biography, based on previously unseen letters and diaries, tells the story of Laurence Olivier as he developed his craft, focusing on his career path from early school days through rep theatre to Hollywood, before returning to triumph in his greatest role ever, as the first director of the National Theatre. Episode 5: Olivier goes to the Royal Court to star in 'The Entertainer' which, in turn, sets him on a path to the last two great loves of his life - Joan Plowright and the National Theatre. Reader: Toby Jones A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4. A hit at the Royal Court leads Olivier to Joan Plowright, and to the National Theatre.