The First Broadcast: The Battle for the Beeb in 1922

Saturday 7th May 2022  - The Corn Exchange, Blandford Forum

The First Broadcast: The Battle for the Beeb in 1922

A one-man play written and performed by Paul Kerensa

British Comedy Award-winning writer (Miranda, Not Going Out, TFI Friday)

As the BBC turns 100 years old, it’s also the birthday of broadcasting, radio and life as we know it…

A century ago, the BBC had 30,000 listeners but only 4 employees. Who were they? Why didn’t they get along? And how had they already picked a fight with the government and the press, long before the first pip?

Journey back to 1922 to discover the first broadcasters, presented by British Comedy Award-winning comedian, sitcom-writer + radio presenter Paul Kerensa, a complete radio nut eager to share this unbelievable story. Relive the rivalries, jealousies and pranks that sparked broadcasting into being, from the first wild shock jock to the explosive lab housing the first music broadcast… once the fire had gone out.

This one-man show is based on Paul’s podcast The British Broadcasting Century, and weaves stand-up comedy, history and re-enactments of the first broadcasts by Auntie’s founding fathers. You’ll come away laughing and learning, with a new appreciation for every prom, pip, bong and jingle. “This is London calling…”

“As effortless a writer as he is a performer” - The Stage

“Dazzlingly funny” - The Spectator