logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
28m 8s

History of Broadway (Radio Edit)

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Greg Jenner is joined in 20th-century New York by Dr Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins and comedian Desiree Burch to learn about the history of Broadway.

Most of us are familiar with at least one Broadway musical, from classics like My Fair Lady and the Sound of Music to new favourites Hamilton and Wicked. In the last couple of decades, high-profile film adaptations of shows like Chicago, Cats and Les Misérables have brought musical theatre to a bigger audience than ever before. But whether or not you know your Rodgers & Hammerstein from your Lloyd Webber, the history of Broadway is perhaps more of a mystery.

This episode explores all aspects of musical theatre, from its origins in the early years of the 20th century, to the ‘Golden Age’ in the 50s and the rise of the megamusical in the 80s. Along the way, Greg and his guests learn about the racial and class dynamics of Broadway, uncover musical flops and triumphs, and find out exactly what ‘cheating out’ is.

This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.

Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Hannah Campbell Hewson, Annabel Storr and Anna McCully Stewart Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: James Cook

Up next
Jul 4
History of Coffee (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Jonathan Morris and comedian Sophie Duker to learn all about the bittersweet history of coffee.Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most popular drinks worldwide, and we consume an estimated 95 million cups of the stuff everyday in the UK alone. But ... Show More
28m 11s
Jul 4
American War of Independence: Fourth of July Special
Greg Jenner is joined in the eighteenth century by Professor Frank Cogliano and comedian and actor Patton Oswalt for a special Fourth of July episode all about the American War of Independence. Also known as the American Revolutionary War, 2025 marks 250 years since the start of ... Show More
57m 34s
Jun 27
Announcing Series 10
Greg Jenner previews some of the topics and guest coming up in the new series of You're Dead To Me which starts on Friday 4 July, 2025. 
47s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
Spider-Man's Surreal Adventures on Broadway
In 2011, after many delays, one of the most anticipated musicals in theater history finally opened on Broadway. The show was Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. The powerhouse creative team included a MacArthur Genius and Bono. But its downfall would be long and treacherous. Here's th ... Show More
1h 4m
Aug 2024
163: The Show (Boat) Must Go On: Broadway and the American Musical
“Miller, Lyles, and I were standing near the exit door . . . Blake stuck out there in front, leading the orchestra—his bald head would get the brunt of the tomatoes and rotten eggs.” This is the story of American musical theater and the dawn of modern Broadway. Popular entertainm ... Show More
1h 1m
Nov 2024
Veronica Keller and Sabrina Mittermeier, "From Broadway to the Bronx: New York City’s History through Song" (Intellect, 2024)
From Broadway to the Bronx: New York City’s History through Song (Intellect, 2024) tells the history of New York City in song across a variety of different genres that the city has been home to and instrumental in developing, covering everything from early twentieth-century sheet ... Show More
56m 40s
Jan 2024
The b*tch of loving musical theater (with Bridger Winegar)
When it comes to musical theater, everyone has an opinion. And Bridger Winegar, host of the very funny podcast I Said No Gifts!, is no exception. In the paradoxical tradition of Bridger's podcast, Charlie and Nate have brought a series of gifts in the form of a sonic smorgasbord: ... Show More
45m 25s
Feb 2025
Inside the Making of ‘Wicked’
One day, several decades ago, the writer Winnie Holzman was shopping in a Manhattan bookstore where a particular cover caught her eye. It showed a woman with a green face, a black hat pulled down over her eyes. The book was “Wicked” by Gregory Maguire, a retelling of L. Frank Bau ... Show More
26m 38s
May 31
S2 EP22: Cariad Lloyd
Joining us on this episode of '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠What did you do yesterday?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠' is the brilliant comedian, actress, writer and podcaster - Cariad Lloyd. We asked Cariad what she did yesterday? She told us. That's it... enjoy! You can find all the info on Cariad's books, podcast and live s ... Show More
1h 34m
Aug 2024
REDIFF - À Broadway, temple new-yorkais de la comédie musicale
Le "Roi Lion", "Michael Jackson", "Hamilton", "Wicked" ou encore "Retour vers le futur"... En plein Manhattan, bat le cœur des comédies musicales depuis des dizaines d'années. Ici certaines sont à l'affiche depuis plus de 30 ans. À Broadway, les producteurs injectent des millions ... Show More
19m 19s
Jun 2023
Patti LuPone, Nathan Lane
Patti LuPone returned to The Late Show for a fascinating conversation that centered around her friend and mentor, the late Stephen Sondheim, who she lovingly describes as a “taskmaster” in rehearsals (Original Air Date: May 23rd, 2022). And Broadway star Nathan Lane shares some h ... Show More
18m 19s
Sep 2024
Patti LuPone: “I Was Born to Do What I Do”
Actress and singer Patti LuPone has left an indelible mark on the world of theater. Known for her breakthrough roles in musicals such as Evita and Les Misérables, and for collaborating with the likes of David Mamet and Stephen Sondheim, LuPone has equally stunned audiences with h ... Show More
55m 29s
Dec 2023
The Future and We Saw Titanic: The Musical
In the Truthtanic season finale and last episode about the RMS Titanic, Blair and Carley talk about their big takeaways from the season, give their review of Titanic: The Musical, and also reveal who fucked up or whatever the premise of this show was. Plus: rich YouTubers, karma ... Show More
1h 13m