The National Theatre of Brent is a British comedy double-act, in the form of a mock two-man theatre troupe. Patrick Barlow plays Desmond Olivier Dingle, the troupe's founder, Artistic Director and Chief Executive. The role of his assistant (or as Desmond likes to call him, "my entire company") has been taken by different actors over the years, including Jim Broadbent (as Wallace), Robert Austin (as Bernard), and John Ramm (as Raymond Box). Their 1998 production Love Upon the Throne (featuring Barlow as Prince Charles and Ramm as Diana, Princess of Wales) was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Comedy. Barlow has written two books in the character of Desmond Olivier Dingle, Shakespeare: The Truth! and All the World's a Globe: From Lemur to Cosmonaut, both of which have been adapted for radio. Their radio production in 2007 was The Arts and How They Was Done, starring Barlow and Ramm, with Harriet Walter as guest star. In September 2011 they produced Giant Ladies That Changed The World, the story of the Suffragettes, as 5 15-minute episodes broadcast as part of Women's Hour on BBC Radio 4.
The National Theatre of Brent's Complete and Utter History of The Mona Lisa by Patrick Barlow
BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Play - 2004-01-01
The National Theatre of Brent is honoured to have been selected by BBC Radio 4 to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of The Mona Lisa which is of course the most famous work of art in the whole world.
With Desmond Olivier Dingle starring as Leonardo da Vinci and his entire company and Raymond Box as the Mona Lisa, this award-winning drama is in our opinion almost without doubt the most dramatic, intensely moving, historically accurate and revolutionary Afternoon Play that has ever been presented on any radio station in the world ever.
Art-lovers might like to note this is the very first time an historic work of art has actually been re-created on radio exactly as it would have been done at the time. Please note: Doing the Mona Lisa at home should not be attempted by listeners unless under expert guidance.
Desmond Olivier Dingle ...... Patrick Barlow
Raymond Box ...................... John Ramm
Created by Patrick Barlow
Written by Patrick Barlow
Additional material by John Ramm and Martin Duncan
Directed by Martin Duncan
Produced by Bruce Hyman
Replies
Thank you ... looking forward to listening.
Enjoy!!! ------------ Thanks for the Thanks! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rick
Thank you for posting. These National Theater of Brent productions are
deep and profound (and very,very funny).
Hi Rick,
Thank you for this one. Hope your switch-over went well!