BBC Radio 2
Monday 26 August 2013
A new drama from legendary playwright Sir Tom Stoppard, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon. The album topped the charts on its release in 1973, and it remained in the charts for 741 weeks from 1973 to 1988. With an estimated 50 million copies sold it is the band's most commercially successful work and is frequently ranked as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Sir Tom Stoppard was first approached with the suggestion of writing a play based on the album by a friend in 1973. Now, 40 years later, he's created a fantastical story about fear, philosophy and madness, which is woven together with the original music.
Credits
Writer - Tom Stoppard
Producer - James Robinson
The Boy- Iwan Rheon
Emily McCoy - Amaka Okafor
Mr Baggott/Ethics Man - Rufus Sewell
Doctor Antrobus/The Witch Finder - Bill Nighy
Fat Man - Adrian Scarborough
The Wise One - Peter Marinker
Banker - Robert Blythe
Politician - Ben Crowe
Emily’s Mother - Philippa Stanton
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Replies
Wow, that was good! A bit like Sophie's World -- Stoppard weaves all the philosophical conundrums between the brilliant soundtrack. Brings them both to life!
I vividly remember seeing Floyd in Sydney in 1973. I didn't know it at the time, but they played snippets of this brilliant album during the concert. I cherished the LP (remember those kiddies!!!) and spent hours listen to it. The room starts to swirl, as I fade in and out, taking me back to those distant days of classic rock. Us and Them thank you, Rick. Remember to Breath in the air..... Cheers, Dave.
The play is fantastic. Brilliant piece of writing and very pertinent to then and now. Absolutely thought stirring. -------------------------------- R