The March of the ’45 (1956)

In the Dark presents the first in a series of five listening events at which some of the most important, innovative and exciting BBC Radio feature programmes of the mid-20th century may be heard. Enjoy these superb archival recordings in a shared space, leading to some discussion about their continuing relevance and significance for a contemporary audience.

The March of the ‘45 (1956) written by D.G. Bridson and produced by D.G. Bridson and Gordon Gildard was originally broadcast in 1936. Bridson’s influential verse drama described the unsuccessful attempt by ‘Bonny Prince Charlie’ to take the British crown. From his landing in Scotland in 1745 where he rallied the clans to his cause, the ‘Young Pretender’ marched successfully south into England before turning back to eventual defeat at the Battle of Culloden. At moments in the programme there are voices from the north of England in the 1930s as a way of giving the Jacobite uprising political relevance. Perhaps more than any other example, ‘The March of the ’45’ established the radio feature as a creative genre with distinct characteristics; verse narrative, acted sequences and music to tell a story based on historical fact. Doors open at 17.00 for a prompt start at 17.15.