Count Arthur returns in his annual festive outing, airing on Radio 4 on Christmas Eve, 11:30 to noon. How long will Arthur last in the role of Father Christmas this year? His annual attempt to spread festive cheer in a department store falls short – but will he be a great redeemer in the Christmas Special of the much-loved family sitcom?
Count Arthur Strong is ably assisted by his radio repertory company – Alastair Kerr, Mel Giedroyc and Terry Kilkelly, with Paul Putner being invited into the cast to fill the roles of the late Dave Mounfield. Dorothy Daws and Alfie Delaney also feature in the show. The Komedia Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4 and was recorded in front of a live audience at the Exeter Barnfield Theatre.
Count Arthur Strong first became a feature on BBC Radio 4 in 2005 and, since then, has notched up eight series and nine specials, while winning the Sony Award for Best Comedy in 2009 and the British Comedy Guide Best Radio Sitcom in 2016, 2018 and 2019. The critically acclaimed show also featured in the Radio Times’ Top 20 radio comedies of all time in 2020.
Steve Delaney has been performing as Count Arthur Strong since the late 90s. The character has become an Edinburgh Festival Fringe institution with his famed lecture talks gaining both a cult following and huge critical acclaim. In 2004 Count Arthur Strong became a regular star guest on BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe Show, this led to his own sitcom on BBC Radio 4. In 2013 the character stepped onto TV, with Count Arthur Strong, broadcast on BBC Two. A further two series were produced in 2015 and 2017 airing on BBC One. The TV series was nominated for two BAFTAs for Best Sitcom and three British Comedy Awards. Count Arthur Strong was also voted the 3rd Most Missed TV Show of the 21st Century in the Radio Times and currently airs on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
