BBC Radio 3 is set to air a drama-documentary celebrating the life and work of James Blades, one of the 20th century's greatest percussionists. The show, recorded at the Britten Studio in Snape Maltings, recreates one of Blades' famous lecture-demonstrations, blending live performance with audience participation.
Born in 1901 in Peterborough, Blades was entirely self-taught. His early encounters with drumming were limited to the Salvation Army's bass drummer and a works band player who told him to 'clear off'. This rejection only fuelled his determination, and he went on to work with figures such as Alfred Hitchcock, Benjamin Britten, and Laurence Olivier.
Blades' career spanned silent cinema orchestras, jazz bands, West End shows, and film scores. He famously used a broomstick to play tubular bells for William Walton's score of 'Henry V', with Walton and Olivier joining in. His later years were dedicated to teaching, inspiring children and musicians including Evelyn Glennie and Simon Rattle.
The programme features actor James Anthony-Rose as Blades, alongside percussionist Joby Burgess. Anthony-Rose, who first encountered Blades through a 1970s video of Britten's 'Noye's Fludde', has long been fascinated by the percussionist's character and voice.
The documentary aims to capture Blades' passion for music and education, highlighting his journey from a working-class background to becoming a mentor to generations of musicians. It will be broadcast on Radio 3 later this year.
