Episode description

Actor and broadcaster Liza Tarbuck chooses the extraordinary life of the Serbian-American scientist, Nikola Tesla.

Nikola founded the Tesla Electric Light Company and was responsible for the introduction of the AC current in America - seeing off competition from his rival and former hero, Thomas Edison.

Liza explains to Matthew Parris how his inventions were ahead of their time.

Despite the fortunes and misfortunes of this brilliant and eccentric man, he died virtually penniless in a hotel room in New York.

With the help of Professor Iwan Morus from Aberystwyth University.

Producer: Maggie Ayre

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.