# The Need For Nonsense

Canonical: https://www.bookquiver.com/julia-blackburn/the-need-for-nonsense/9781445863726

JSON version (same data): https://www.bookquiver.com/julia-blackburn/the-need-for-nonsense/9781445863726.json

![The Need For Nonsense](https://quivercdn.com/covers/bbc-digital-audio/julia-blackburn/the-need-for-nonsense_978-14-4586-372-6-55e0ef09.webp?v=2026-10-08%2002%3A36%3A13)

- Book: [The Need For Nonsense](https://www.bookquiver.com/julia-blackburn/the-need-for-nonsense) ([The Need For Nonsense.md](https://www.bookquiver.com/julia-blackburn/the-need-for-nonsense.md))
- Authors: [Julia Blackburn](https://www.bookquiver.com/julia-blackburn)
- Publisher: BBC Digital Audio
- Medium: audio
- Length: 43 min
- Narrated by: Andrew Sachs, Mark Meadows, Kim Hicks
- ISBN: 978-14-4586-372-6
- Published: 2011-07-01
- Language: en_GB
- Binding: Audiobook · 43 min

## Description

Julia Blackburn's play captures the warm, heartfelt and comic story of the Victorian poet and painter Edward Lear's lifelong friendship with his eccentric Greek servant, Giorgio, who inspired him to address the painful truths in his life while making us laugh. Stars Andrew Sachs as Edward Lear and Alexi Kaye-Campbell as Giorgio Kokalis. Also featured in the cast are Mark Meadows, Ross McKendrick, James Rastall and Kim Hicks. Directed by Mary Ward-Lowery. The Need for Nonsense was originally broadcast on 9 February 2009, and repeated on 17 January 2011.