British Comedy Guide
The Masterson Inheritance. Image shows from L to R: Phelim McDermott, Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney, Caroline Quentin, Lee Simpson, Paul Merton. Copyright: BBC
The Masterson Inheritance

The Masterson Inheritance

  • Radio comedy drama
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 1993 - 1995
  • 18 episodes (3 series)

Improvised comedy following the misfortunates of a dynasty. Stars Josie Lawrence, Phelim McDermott, Paul Merton, Caroline Quentin, Jim Sweeney and Lee Simpson

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The Masterson Inheritance. Image shows from L to R: Phelim McDermott, Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney, Caroline Quentin, Lee Simpson, Paul Merton. Copyright: BBC

Key details

Genre
Comedy Drama
Broadcast
1993 - 1995
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
18 (3 series), plus 2 other episodes
Stars
Josie Lawrence, Phelim McDermott, Paul Merton, Caroline Quentin, Jim Sweeney and Lee Simpson
Producer
Phil Clarke
Company

The Masterson Inheritance is described as "an improvised historical saga of a family at war with itself. No script, no rehearsals, just an audience and a couple of microphones."

Narrated by Lee Simpson, each episode is set in a different period of history, with a cast including Josie Lawrence, Phelim McDermott, Paul Merton, Caroline Quentin and Jim Sweeney, creating a completely improvised story based on audience suggestions.

Additional details

Production
Studio
Soundtrack
All music and sound effects were improvised live.

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Thursday 22nd April 1993 at 6:30pm on BBC Radio 4
Next repeats
  1. 1995 Christmas Special: Monday at 11:30pm on Radio 4 Extra
Most recent repeats

Recording details

  • Paris Theatre

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