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Christopher Columbus, a radio play …

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First edition of MacNiece’s early radio play, first broadcast on 12 October 1942 to mark the 450th anniversary of the ‘discovery’ of America, with the role of Columbus played by Laurence Olivier.

Bridson’s earlier work for radio was a major influence, and he in turn greatly admired Christopher Columbus. In his introductory essay, ‘Some Comments on Radio Drama’, MacNeice expounded on what was still a relatively new form, making reference to his colleague in the Features Department: ‘An early and excellent example of a popular story treated broadly, rapidly, and vividly with all the resources of radio was The March of the ’45 by D.G. Bridson (first transmitted by the B.B.C. in 1936). This programme followed Prince Charles Edward from his landing in the Hebrides to his final defeat at Culloden, peaking the action with bagpipes and Jacobite songs and covering the transitions with a quick-fire verse commentary skilfully varied in form to match the changes in mood. This achieved a total effect unattainable on the stage and less simply attainable on the screen.’

Armitage & Clark A19a.

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