The Wings Of The Dove (Classic Serial)

By Henry James Dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths. Episode 1: Kate and Merton need money. Milly needs love. How far will they go to get what they want?  Kate Croy is in love with Merton Densher; a poor writer. Her rich aunt Maud disapproves. Maud has offered Kate a wealthy existence but if Kate chooses to marry Merton she risks losing it all. When American Heiress Milly Theale steps into her London society, Kate sees a way out. Episode 2: Milly confides in Kate that she believes herself to be gravely ill and Kate begins to see a way for her and Merton to have a future.  When Merton returns to London, Kate sets out to bring her lover and her friend together. With Kate's assurances that there is nothing between them, Milly allows herself to hope that Merton may be the one great passion in her short life.Episode 3. Milly, now gravely ill, is staying in Venice. Kate's plan to bring Merton and Milly together is gaining pace. But Merton begins to realise that his own feelings for Milly are much deeper than he knew. Lord Mark's arrival threatens everything and Merton and Kate aren't prepared for the consequences. Will Milly change their lives irrevocably? Starring Anna Maxwell Martin, Lyndsey Marshall and full cast.Starring Lyndsey Marshall and full cast. Directed by Nadia Molinari.

Simon Armitage

Linda Marshall Griffiths

Bryan Dick

Nico Mirallegro

Colin Tierney

Claire Price

Polly Frame

Emily Taaffe

Jonathan Keeble

Simon Dutton

Full Cast

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama collection

Award winning classic stories from Greek mythology, reimagined by Simon Armitage and Linda Marshall Griffiths - plus bonus material 
 
With their epic tales of gods, heroes, magic and monsters, the Greek myths have thrilled us for over 2000 years, and inspired countless adaptations. Now, in this captivating collection, two award-winning playwrights bring their own fresh, contemporary takes to the famous legends of Odysseus, Orpheus and Eurydice. 
 
Simon Armitage's Missing Presumed Dead: The Odyssey weaves together Homeric myth and modern-day politics, as a senior politician with a colourful past is sent on a diplomatic mission to Istanbul, only to find himself at the centre of an international incident. On the run from the authorities, he is plunged into the ancient past where his Odyssey begins, as he contends with supernatural beings and unnatural phenomena from the Cyclops and Circe to Sirens, storms and shipwreck. Will he survive, and get back home? Meanwhile, in the present day, his wife and son are besieged by the press, desperate to hear the full story... This gripping dramatisation stars Colin Tierney as Smith/Odysseus. 
 
In two linked plays, with a 4-minute introduction by Simon Armitage, he and Linda Marshall Griffiths each give their versions of the tragedy of Orpheus and his doomed bride. Armitage's Eurydice and Orpheus: Her Story tells the tale of two lovers - lab technician Sanna and busking musician Zak - and a harp that will have a profound, irreversible effect on both their lives. Claire Price stars as Sanna, with Bryan Dick as Zak. And in Orpheus and Eurydice: His Story, by Linda Marshall Griffiths, grief-stricken singer Orfeo journeys into the Underworld to bring back his dead wife, Eurydice. But is love stronger than death, if a backward glance can destroy everything? Starring Nico Mirallegro as Orfeo and Emily Taaffe as Eurydice, and with music by PJ Harvey, this moving drama won the Grand Prix Marulic in 2016. 
 
Also included is a bonus extract from Radio 4's Start the Week, in which Simon Armitage talks to Anne McElvoy about his dramatisation of Homer's Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid, The Last Days of Troy. 
 
Cast and credits 
 
Missing Presumed Dead: The Odyssey 
Cast: Colin Tierney, Simon Dutton, Polly Frame, Susie Trayling, Lee Armstrong, Roger Evans, David Hartley, Ranjit Krishnamma, Chris Reilly,Sule Rimi, Danusia Samal 
Written by Homer. Adapted by Simon Armitage 
Originally directed for the stage by Nick Bagnall and co-produced by The Liverpool Everyman and the English Touring Theatre. Directed by Susan Roberts. Music composed by James Fortune 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24 April-1 May 2016 
 
Eurydice and Orpheus: Her Story 
Cast: Claire Price, Bryan Dick, Jonathan Keeble, Alexandra Mathie, Stephen Fletcher 
Written by Simon Armitage. Produced by Susan Roberts 
With music composed by PJ Harvey. Harpist: Jon Banks. 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 September 2015 
 
Orpheus and Eurydice: His Story 
Cast: Nico Mirallegro, Emily Taaffe, Jonathan Keeble, Alexandra Mathie, Stephen Fletcher 
Written by Linda Marshall Griffiths. Directed by Nadia Molinari 
With music composed by PJ Harvey 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 September 2015 
 
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