Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in 19th-century America to meet the self-proclaimed showman, P.T. Barnum. He was a man famous for his museums and shows as well as "curiosities" such as General Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies and The Fiji Mermaid. But look beyond Barnum’s infamous spin and you’ll find that contrary to his pop culture image this showman was far from the greatest. For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Charlotte Potter A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
I'm Cardiff born, Cardiff Bred, and when I dies, I'll be Cardiff dead.
I'm Charlotte Church, and this is my family.
As we get to the pub, your nana falls into the bush.
Terry's going, morning.
This photographer's run.
Get up.
Listen in on intimate and special conversations.
When you were three months old, I probably had a slice of bread a day.
I got through it because of you.
With the people I love the most.
Tomorrow never comes, yesterday's past.
The only time you actually got is to date.
Kicking back with the cards.
If I listen on BBC Sounds.
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Hello and welcome to you're dead to me, the radio four comedy podcast that takes history seriously.
My name is Greg Jenner.
I am a public historian, author and broadcaster.
And on this podcast, we aim to amaze and astound you with a combination of comedy contortions and historical hilarity.
And today, we are donning our top hat and tails and running away to join the circus to explore the life of showman and hoaxer Pt Barnum.