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The Final Test by Terence Rattigan

4 Extra Debut. A comedy (nearly a tragedy) about a veteran cricketer's wayward son - who prefers music and poetry. Stars James McKechnie.

** 4 Extra celebrates a summer of cricket with a collection of programmes throughout the week.**

As Sam Palmer, a father and batsman, comes to the end of his legendary cricketing career, his teenage son is oblivious.

Instead Reggie is consumed by poetry and music and is as focussed on meeting a famous poet, as his dad is focussed on cricket.

Terence Rattigan's comedy (nearly a tragedy) about a veteran cricketer's wayward son who actually prefers music and poetry to Test Cricket!

Starring James McKechnie, Mary Wimbush and David Valla.

Dramatised by Cynthia Pughe

Sam Palmer ... James McKechnie
Cora ... Mary Wimbush
Ethel ... Grace Allardyce
Reggie ... David Valla
Alexander Whitehead ... Michael Spice
Miss Fanshawe ... Nicolette Bernard
Frank Weller ... Anthony Viccars
Sid Thompson ... Kenneth Hyde
John Higgs ... Lee Fox
Bill Jarvis ... Peter Pratt
Mrs Price ... Hilda Kriseman
Stranger ... Earle Grey
Verse speaker ... Robert Harris
Angel ... Margaret Wolfit

With:

Timothy West
Rex Alston
Brian Johnston
Frank Phillips
Colin Doran
Timothy Gudgin

Producer: Norman Wright

First broadcast on the 麻豆社 Light Programme in June 1963.

Release date:

1 hour, 20 minutes

On radio

Sat 11 Jul 2026 06:00

Broadcasts

  • Sat 11 Jul 2026 06:00
  • Sat 11 Jul 2026 11:00
  • Sun 12 Jul 2026 01:00