Main content

Send in the Clowns

Episode 1 of 5

Stephen Sondheim's song from 'A Little Night Music' was written late in rehearsals for the actress Glynis Johns. From 2010.

Stephen Sondheim's song, Send In the Clowns, from the musical 'A Little Night Music' was written late in rehearsals for the actress Glynis Johns, playing the part of Desiree.

A song of regret and anger, the part has famously been played by Judi Dench, and the song became an independent hit, sung by Judy Collins, Shirley Bassey and Barbra Streisand.

Hannah Waddingham played the youngest ever Desiree in Trevor Nunn's production, and used her memories of an unhappy relationship to inspire her performance.

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.

Producer: Sara Conkey.

First broadcast on 成人快手 Radio 4 in September 2010.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 10 Mar 2021 00:30

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

See all episodes from Soul Music

Broadcasts

  • Tue 7 Sep 2010 13:30
  • Sat 11 Sep 2010 15:30
  • Fri 16 Sep 2016 18:30
  • Sat 17 Sep 2016 00:30
  • Tue 9 Mar 2021 18:30
  • Wed 10 Mar 2021 00:30

Featured in...

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.

Podcast