Made for 4 Extra. Maria Friedman and a panel of guests explore Sondheim programmes in the BBC’s archive, discuss his importance and perform some of the songs.

Multi-award winning actor, singer and director Maria Friedman has had an association with the musicals of Stephen Sondheim for 30 years ever since she starred in the National Theatre’s production of “Sunday in the Park With George” in 1990.

For this Radio 4 Extra showcase, she is joined by a panel of guests in the BBC Radio Theatre to explore Sondheim programmes in the BBC’s archive, discuss the incredible impact of his work and perform some of the songs from his hit shows.

Maria is joined by actor Mark Umbers who starred in her recent production of "Merrily We Roll Along", pianist and composer Jason Carr who has done orchestrations for Sondheim musicals, critic David Benedict who is writing Sondheim's authorised biography and Catherine Jayes who has worked as Musical Director on Sondheim shows.