T S. Elliot The Elder Statesman


(4.8 stars; 10 reviews)

Saturday-Night Theatre Sat 24th Sep 1988, 19:45 on BBC Radio 4 FM The Elder Statesman, T.S. Eliot's last play, in which a distinguished politician is confronted in his uneasy retirement by two vengeful 'ghosts' from his indiscreet youth. Directed by Patrick Rayner BBC Scotland   Lord Claverton: Frederick Treves Monica: Alexandra Mathie Mrs Carghill: Colette O'Neil Gomez: Hugh Dickson Charles: Martin Clunes Michael: Ian Michie Lambert: Philip Sully T. S. Eliot's last play, drafted originally in 1955 but not completed until three years later. Lord Claverton, an eminent former cabinet minister and banker, is helped to confront his past by the love of his daughter, his Antigone. The dialogue in The Elder Statesman, the love scenes in particular, contain some of Eliot's most tender and expressive writing for the theatre. The play was first performed at the Edinburgh Festival in 1958.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

Chapters

1 1:30:43

Reviews

brilliant and well produced


(5 stars)

A short play that every parent should experience


(5 stars)

The emptinesss of the power of the state