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Hadrian’s Beard

4 Extra Debut. The comedy trio explore Britain’s Roman legacy. What happens if Emperor Hadrian builds a wall? Stars Tony Gardner. From 2019.

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.

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.

Written by David Reed

Emperor Hadrian ... Tony Gardner
Queen Bridget ... Mina Anwar

With The Penny Dreadfuls:

Humphrey Ker
David Reed
Thom Tuck

And Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

Producer: Julia McKenzie

A ±«Óătv Studios production for ±«Óătv Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2019.

44 minutes

Last on

Tue 15 Feb 2022 14:15

Broadcasts

  • Sat 31 Aug 2019 14:45
  • Thu 30 Dec 2021 22:30
  • New Year's Day 2022 14:00
  • Sun 2 Jan 2022 02:00
  • Tue 15 Feb 2022 14:15