Audio Books : Biography : MP3/128Kbps : English


As the National Theatre celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, a new biography based on previously unseen letters and diaries tells the story of Laurence Olivier as he developed his craft, focusing on his career path from early school days through rep theatre to Hollywood, before returning to triumph in his greatest role ever, as the first director of the National Theatre.

Reader: Toby Jones
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.



Episode 1: Mon 4 Nov 2013 (1/5)
Born at a time when theatre was at a low ebb in Britain, and after a rather unpromising start in life, the young Laurence Olivier enters the acting profession and begins to shine.



Episode 2: Tue 5 Nov 2013 (2/5)
Newlywed Olivier begins a stellar rise in the London theatre, with a big break from Noel Coward. But Hollywood is less generous and he returns home to make a film with Vivien Leigh.



Episode 3: Wed 6 Nov 2013 (3/5)
Olivier goes from strength to strength at the Old Vic and makes his breakthrough on the big screen with Wuthering Heights followed by Henry V - just as war breaks out in Europe.



Episode 4: Thu 7 Nov 2013 (4/5)
Olivier and Ralph Richardson revitalize The Old Vic Theatre Company in war-torn London but, when he departs to tour Australia, he receives a nasty shock from the Theatre's Board.



Episode 5: Fri 8 Nov 2013 (5/5)
Olivier goes to the Royal Court to star in 'The Entertainer' which, in turn, sets him on a path to the last two great loves of his life - Joan Plowright and the National Theatre.




Enjoy and Seed!!