The feud between Conservative politicians and our national broadcaster is almost as old as the BBC itself, as Jack Thorne’s wily new play reminds us. The face-off here between the service’s founder John Reith (Stephen Campbell Moore) and then-Chancellor Winston Churchill (Adrian Scarborough) over the reporting of the General Strike of 1926 has obvious contemporary parallels: sometimes too obvious.
But Thorne also fascinatingly explores deeper questions of personal morality and hubris within two deeply arrogant men. The script teems with detail. Katy Rudd’s production felt slightly undercooked on opening night, but nevertheless glows with affection for the idea and the ideals of early radio. The live performance of sound effects is a highlight, and the juxtaposition of dated music-hall frivolity and earnest debate (including Woman’s Hour and gardening programmes) echoes the Radio 4 schedules today.
