About Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!
Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! first went out on BBC Radio 4 in late December 2005, and immediately attracted critical acclaim.
Written by and starring Steve Delaney, each episode of the show looks in on a confused and muddled 'day in the life' of the one time Variety Star, Count Arthur Strong. An expert in everything from the world of entertainment to the origins of the species (or so Arthur thinks), everyday life with the Count is an enlightening and entertaining experience...
The show was commissioned by Radio 4 following a string of guest appearances by Count Arthur on Radio 2's Mark Radcliffe Show. The first series was initially broadcast in Radio 4's 11.30am slot, but it soon received a second airing in the more high-profile 6.30pm comedy slot.
Following the positive reaction to the first series, a Christmas special and a second series of Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! was quickly ordered and were recorded live in the autumn 2006 and spring of 2007 at Komedia Brighton. This second series aired on Radio 4 in March and April 2007 and was repeated in November 2007. A third series was recorded from September to November 2007 and was broadcast from the 24th December 2007 on Radio 4. With more and more fans discovering the comedy, Radio 4 ordered a fourth series without hesitation - it was recorded in the autumn of 2008, and broadcast in early 2009. And, with Arthur's popularity continuing to grow, further series have followed in 2010 and 2012.
Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! is written by Steve Delaney, edited by Graham Duff and produced by John Leonard and Mark Radcliffe. The current cast is Mel Giedroyc, Alastair Kerr and Dave Mounfield, with Barry Cryer and Terry Kilkelly appearing occassionally in special guest roles.
The character of Count Arthur Strong has also featured in Music Hall Meltdown recorded live at the Clapham Grand (part of BBC4's Edwardian Season in Spring 2007) and has featured in ITV's Comedy Cuts, a show that highlights the cream of the next comic generation through stand-up and sketches. Meanwhile Delaney also continues to perform at Edinburgh - his 2008 show, Count Arthur Strong: The Man Behind The Smile, was a huge success and picked up many very positive reviews.