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Stephen Fry's Secrets of the Roaring 20s

By: Stephen Fry,John Woolf,Nick Baker
Narrated by: Stephen Fry
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  • Summary

  • Flappers, ‘It’ girls, confidence tricksters, drug dealers, spies, jazz musicians.

    This wide ranging series about the first ever modern decade is full of colourful characters, dark deeds, strange beliefs and crazy predictions.

    Join Stephen Fry as he relishes secrets sexual, political and financial, observes the emergence of the first ever youth cult and reveals the secrets of this roaring decade.

    With: Jordan Barton, Brian Bowles, Clare Corbett, Fenella Fudge, Reginald D Hunter, Monty D’Inverno, Harriet Kershaw, Karen Cass, Eric Meyers, Jerome Scheuren and George Weightman.  

    ©2022 Audible, Ltd (P)2022 Audible, Ltd
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Episodes
  • Ep1: 1920
    Nov 17 2022

    Three stories set in the very first year of the 1920’s: A single soldier’s corpse is repatriated to Britain to a hero’s welcome; The first ever radio broadcast by a professional performer and the story of a scheming young Lord who is not what he seems.  

    Plus, Stephen compiles an ABC of words invented in this decadent decade.

    Further Reading: Prince of Tricksters: The Incredible True Story of Netley Lucas, Gentleman Crook, by Matt Houlbrook

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    39 mins
  • Ep 2: Unflappable
    Nov 17 2022

    The first female youth cult of modern times means a revolution in hair, shockingly short skirts and yes, more dancing.

    But what about the ‘unflappable’ women who became professionals and politicians, thanks to the change in female status brought about during the war? Meet the controversial woman who pioneered female policing, but rather overdid it.

    Further Reading: Mary Sophia Allen: Suffragette to Fascist by Nina Boyd

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    41 mins
  • Ep 3: Britain Off Its Head
    Nov 17 2022

    Despite the government’s efforts to control drinking and drug abuse, narcotics were widely available, and alcohol was widely abused. Women were at the centre of shocking behaviour over both, and predictably the press was suitably scandalised.  

    We introduce the nightclub queen who employed ‘292 women of the unfortunate class’.

    Further Reading: Dope Girls by Marek Kohn

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    35 mins

What listeners say about Stephen Fry's Secrets of the Roaring 20s

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Excellent podcast

I really enjoyed this podcast. the way they set the scene, weave the stories together, and use the themes to explore the decade was very clever and entertaining. Stephen Fry is, as always, delightful. It makes for great easy listening with an educational bent.

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Brilliant as always!!!

I love learning and listening as I go for my daily walks and when doing housework. Thankyou for yet another brilliant Stephen Fry production where I learn something new all the while being entertained.

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fantastic look at the past

Stephen Fry is so easy to listen to and his narration brought the decade to life
I listened to the podcast in one sitting because it was so interesting . I hope there will be a 1930s one soon

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Stephen Fry's Secrets pf the Roaring 20's

Interesting; Enjoyable; Informative.
This is a great way to learn about the history of our recent past.

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  • Janet M. Kennedy
  • 20-11-2022

Exceedingly entertaining and educational! Stephen Fry and his team always delivers.

Once I finished Victorian and Edwardian Secrets I couldn’t wait for another series. What a great surprise to find the Stephen Fry’s Secrets of the Roaring Twenties. Great writing, entertaining delivery and lots of fascinating historical stories.

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4 people found this helpful

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  • Ronald David Wrbanek
  • 29-11-2022

Fantastic series!

Another intriguing and informative series narrated by Stephen Fry, that makes history fascinating. Hope the series continues

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  • Lisa Lambert Nunley
  • 17-01-2023

What an enjoyable series!

Stephen Frye could make Webster’s Dictionary both delightful and exciting….but this was exceptional. I love historical facts…and this was a treasure!!!

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  • Cathy
  • 13-01-2023

I so enjoy these podcasts

The Roaring 20s series is just enjoyable as the previous eras explored. I look forward to what the future holds.

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  • J. Sainz
  • 29-08-2023

One adjective isn’t enough

Whether you think the 20s should be called roaring, swinging, depressed, or unsettled… this podcast is the bee’s knees!

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  • Rhonda
  • 11-08-2023

Love this series!!

I hope that there will be more series based on different decades!!! Stephen Fry is a beyond amazing narrator!!!

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  • Paul K.
  • 21-06-2023

Read by a legend

Stephen Fry is such an amazing and animated narrator. The 20s are an era that I've heard much about, but I have very little knowledge of the details. Learning about Flappers, sexuality the great war, the suffrage movement. To learn more about a fascinating time period is always welcomed, but to hear an interesting tale told by such an impressive and talented person like Stephen Fry, that's a win-win.

I highly recommend these series and the previous two, the Edwardian and the Victorian eras.

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  • V. Alex
  • 17-04-2023

Awesome as always

A journey into the secrets of the past. Loved it. Stephen Fry does an amazing job, as always.

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  • Erin OBrien
  • 12-04-2023

Fry delivers an engaging subject brilliantly !!

This fascinating and entertaining podcast is narrated by my very favorite artist, Stephen Fry! His expressive and well-modulated voice makes anything a joy to experience!

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  • Nauwelaerts Carl
  • 11-02-2023

Simply superb.

A pearl of a podcast.
Very informative and entertaining at the same time.
Fry at his best.
A podcast to cherish, to be safeguarded in a museum later on for future generations.

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  • S
  • 17-11-2022

Fascinating and timely

Another brilliant series from Mr Fry - fascinating insights, and very timely to reflect on these events a century on.

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7 people found this helpful