NORMAN BOWS OUT to air on BBC Radio 4

This poignant moving drama, by Helen Kluger and starring Jim Broadbent, airs this Wednesday, 23rd March on BBC Radio Four.

Norman Monk is a legendary comedian and panto star, most famous for his ventriloquist act. Aware that he is about to embark on what will be his final tour, Norman decides to give his dummy, Willy, a final outing. Unfortunately, he collapses on stage during rehearsals and is rushed to hospital where his director is informed of the worst news and left with no choice but to re-cast Norman.

Luckily, his theatrical landlady Betty decides to let him stay with her, in the knowledge that he has nowhere else to go. They shore up a bond and share stories of abandonment and betrayal. But things take a darker turn when Norman is visited by his threatening ex-army young lover Kenny.

The show must go on … but can it ? A poignant moving drama about a fading pantomime star nearing the final curtain.