A Dangerous Thing by John Sessions

Available for 30 days

May 1744: Alexander Pope is on his deathbed in Twickenham; Jonathan Swift is losing his wits in Dublin. The two friends have not seen each other in 17 years, although each is very much on the other's mind. In his final hours, Pope talks to his emotional and intellectual soulmate, Martha 'Pattie' Blount, about his relationship with Swift and the events that have conspired to keep the two friends apart for most of their lives. He also recalls Swift's last visit to London, when an unexpected encounter with a young burglar put the divergent philosophies of the two friends to the test. Written by John Sessions. Jonathan Swift ...... Timothy Spall Alexander Pope ...... John Sessions Martha 'Pattie' Blount ...... Amanda Root Boy (Tom)/John Gay ...... Joe Thomas Amica ...... Tessa Nicholson Dr Cheselden/Lord Bolingbroke/Waterman ...... Nigel Hastings Swift's Servant/Dr Arbuthnot/Matthew/ Gentleman ...... John Biggins Director: Emma Harding First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.