James Blades: Pandemonium of the one-man ban

Acclaimed actor James Anthony-Rose brings legendary percussionist James Blades back to the stage in this piece of theatre magic being developed for BBC Radio 3.

Be part of a drama-documentary, recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3. This unique performance journeys through the life and work of James Blades (1901–1999), one of the most highly-regarded percussionists of the 20th century. F

rom his obscure beginnings as a circus drummer and accompanist for silent movies at the Wisbech Hippodrome, to his career on the international classical concert-hall stage, Blades also became a long-term collaborator of Benjamin Britten.

Through the magic of theatre, Blades will take the stage once again at Snape Maltings, with an array of instruments and a fund of stories.