Main content

Matt Lucas on Freddie Mercury

Writer and comedian Matt Lucas chooses the lead singer of rock band Queen, Freddie Mercury. With Matthew Parris. From 2019.

Matt Lucas champions Freddie Mercury of the band, Queen.

To what extent can a troubled childhood contribute to an adult's need to perform?

Farrokh Bulsara was born in Zanzibar, sent to school in India, and fled revolution in Zanzibar to Feltham, Middlesex, aged 18. His family were Parsees and Freddie, as he became better known, was brought up as a Zoroastrian. He also became one of the greatest singer songwriters in British rock history.

Matt Lucas - of Little Britain, Shooting Stars and Doctor Who - was entranced by Freddie from an early age.

In this revealing, funny tribute, Matt explains how Freddie inspired him to perform, and unveils his Montserrat Caballe impression on the world. Lesley-Ann Jones knew the band as a 'young scumbag journalist' and provides an eyewitness account of watching Freddie from the wings.

Matt and presenter Matthew Parris are joined by the author of Bohemian Rhapsody, Lesley-Ann Jones, to dissect a legend.

Producer: Miles Warde

First broadcast on 成人论坛 Radio 4 in January 2019.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 24 Jul 2022 05:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 22 Jan 2019 16:30
  • Fri 25 Jan 2019 23:00
  • Thu 21 Jul 2022 18:30
  • Fri 22 Jul 2022 00:30
  • Sat 23 Jul 2022 07:30
  • Sat 23 Jul 2022 17:30
  • Sun 24 Jul 2022 05:30

Featured in...

Great Rock and Roll Lives

Great Rock and Roll Lives

Stories of inspiration from great musicians from Bowie to Billie Holliday

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.

Podcast