Main content

P.T. Barnum (Radio Edit)

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in 19th-century America to meet the self-proclaimed showman, P.T. Barnum.

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in 19th-century America to meet the self-proclaimed showman, P.T. Barnum. He was a man famous for his museums and shows as well as "curiosities" such as General Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies and The Fiji Mermaid. But look beyond Barnum鈥檚 infamous spin and you鈥檒l find that contrary to his pop culture image this showman was far from the greatest.

For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.

Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Charlotte Potter

A production by The Athletic for 成人快手 Radio 4.

Release date:

Available now

28 minutes

Podcast