A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama

Joan of Arc, and How She Became a Saint

A comic interpretation of the story of Joan of Arc, starring Dawn French

‘Joan Of Arc really loves the cows she looks after for a living, so when those b*****d English put them to death by fire she's on the warpath. And she's going to save the whole of France as well. Dawn French plays the Maid of Orleans with a Jam and Jerusalem West Country accent and there are constant references to her large girth. She's in her comfort zone, but so are we…this play's comedy credentials are impeccable. But when events turn more serious, the sound effects conflict, trial and fire are full-on and genuinely moving.’

Dawn French (Reader) 
 Dawn French was born in Wales in 1957. She trained to be a drama teacher at London's Central School of Speech and Drama where she met Jennifer Saunders, leading to one of the most successful partnerships in British comedy. Dawn French has numerous television credits to her name, the most notable of which is her role in The Vicar of Dibley. She was married to the comedian Lenny Henry for 26 years with whom she has a daughter. In 2013 French married Mark Bignell.

Can a young country girl lead an army? 
 
Joan has no plans on saving France from the English but when the brutes turn up and put her beloved crows to death by fire she knows she has to do something. And if she saves France at the same time, well that is just a wonderful side-effect. Guided by her guardian angels, St Catherine and St Margaret, Joan decides to take a stand and fight for what she knows is right. 
 
Dawn French plays Joan in this funny and poignant take on the story of Joan of Arc. The cast also includes Anne Reid, Maggie Steed, Kevin Eldon and Jim Broadbent. 
Written and directed by Patrick Barlow, an actor, comedian and playwright. He is one half (along with Jim Broadbent) of the British comedy double act, The National Theatre of Brent.

Patrick Barlow

Jim Broadbent

Anne Reid

Kevin Eldon

Maggie Steed

Dawn French

Full Cast

Robert Austin

Four BBC Radio Productions

Four satirical spoof shows from the multi-award-winning Patrick Barlow 
 
The National Theatre of Brent is a two-man company founded in 1980 and led by Patrick Barlow as his comic alter ego, Artistic Director and Chief Executive Desmond Olivier Dingle. Helping him to realise his enormously ambitious artistic visions is his helpful but hapless assistant, a role that has been performed by a succession of actors including Jim Broadbent (as Wallace) and John Ramm (as Raymond Box) who co-wrote with Martin Duncan (who also directed). Collected together for the first time, here are two of the comic troupe’s epic productions, plus a bonus series from Desmond’s ‘Royal Dingle Company’ and a special bonus historical parody starring Dawn French. 
 
All the World’s a Globe – The chaotic and comedic story of life on Earth is presented with a bang by Desmond and his helpful sidekick Wallace (Jim Broadbent), aided by announcer Peter Barker and guest stars Juliet Stevenson and Sir Ben Kingsley. Winner of the Sony Award for Best Comedy, this majestic eight-part series leads us through the definitive history of mankind – from lemur to cosmonaut. 
 
The Greatest Story Ever Told – Celebrated thespian Desmond Olivier Dingle presents his hilarious and surprisingly moving interpretation of Christ's Passion. With Desmond as Jesus, and Wallace as the Devil, disciples and everybody else. 
 
Desmond Olivier Dingle’s Compleat Life and Works of William Shakespeare – 'The Royal Dingle Company' embarks on a voyage around the Bard, with the help of special guests Richard E Grant, Juliet Stevenson, Dame Harriet Walter, Brian Cox CBE, Louise Lombard, John Barrowman and Lionel Blair. Over six sparkling episodes, Desmond and his troupe tackle Shakespeare’s comedies, verse and tragedies; wreak havoc in Stratford-upon-Avon; search for Shakespeare’s true identity and re-enact great Shakespearean moments from cinematic history. 
 
Joan of Arc, and How She Finally Became a Saint – Joan is a country girl more inclined to stay with her herd of cows than venture forth and rescue France. But she has no choice but to follow her destiny, and when guided by her guardian angels, St Catherine and St Margaret, she stands up to fight for what she knows is right. Dawn French stars as the Maid of Orléans, with a full cast including Jim Broadbent, Anne Reid, Maggie Steed, John Ramm, Mark Wooton, Nell Barlow, Cheryl Campbell, Samuel Barnet, Kevin Eldon and Andrew Dunn. It ends in a literal blaze of glory. 
 
© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Patrick Barlow

Books by Patrick Barlow

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