In Search of Lost Time: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

A landmark BBC radio production of Proust's epic masterpiece, starring Derek Jacobi as the narrator, Marcel

'Beautiful' - Charlotte Runcie, The Telegraph

Waking in the small hours, Marcel Proust embarks on a retrospective journey, endeavouring to capture the elusive moments that shaped his life. A sip of tea and the taste of a madeleine prompt further recollections, and the floodgates of memory open, pouring forth a torrent of vivid reminiscences.

Beginning with his childhood summers in Combray, and the long nights waiting for his mother to come and kiss him goodnight, he looks back on the places and people who have had a significant, lasting impact on him. The tragic story of his neighbour Charles Swann's obsessive love for the seductive Odette brings to mind his own youthful experiences and amours in Paris, Balbec and Venice; his mistress, Albertine; his closest companion, Robert; his predatory acquaintance the Baron de Charlus; and his many high-society friends and associates.

Time, and the Great War, take their toll on Marcel and his circle, rendering the world he knows unrecognizable. But as he attempts to reconcile his past with his present, an encounter with an old flame sparks an epiphany, enabling him to finally become the writer he has always yearned to be...

Adapted from the French by acclaimed playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker, this superb dramatisation of Proust's allegorical reflection on time, memory, art and love boasts an all-star cast including Derek Jacobi, Frances Barber, Paterson Joseph, Simon Russell Beale, Hattie Morahan and Robert Glenister.

Production credits Translated and adapted from the French by Timberlake Wertenbaker Produced and directed by Celia de Wolff Production Co-ordinator: Sarah Tombling Recording and Sound Design: David Chilton and Lucinda Mason Brown Executive Producer: Peter Hoare A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

Cast Marcel (narrator) - Derek Jacobi Young Marcel - Isaac Watts Maman - Sylvestra le Touzel Papa - Oliver Cotton Grand-mère - Joanna David Françoise - Susan Brown Madame Verdurin - Frances Barber Monsieur Verdurin - Jeff Rawle Doctor Cottard - Lloyd Hutchinson Tante Leonie/Marquise de Sainte Euverte/Madame de Sazerat - Pamela Miles Mademoiselle Vinteuil/Prostitute/Madame d'Arpajon - Charlotte Blandford Mademoiselle Vinteuil's friend/Another prostitute - Phoebe Marshall Odette - Bessie Carter Pianist/Lift boy/Servant - Daniel Whitlam Charles Swann - Paterson Joseph Remi/Ski/Man at desk - Nicholas Armfield Elstir Biche/Monsieur de Breaute/Butler - Daniel Flynn Madame de Gallardon/Queen of Naples - Christine Kavanagh Brichot - Hugh Ross Forcheville/Boss/Bloch - Nicholas Gleaves Saniette/Older man - Roger Watkins Madame Cottard/Princess de Parme/Madame de Cambremer/Woman guest - Emma Amos Young Gilberte - Mary Glen Young Marcel - Isaac Watts Marcel - Blake Ritson Gilberte - Emma Mackey Monsieur de Norpois/De Boulbon/Servant/Jupien/Marquis de Cambremer - Ben Crowe Robert de Saint Loup - Kyle Soller Basin, Duke of Guermantes - Robert Glenister Oriane, Duchess of Guermantes - Fenella Woolgar Baron de Charlus - Simon Russell Beale Albertine - Hattie Morahan Morel - Tom Glenister Andree - Georgina Beedle Madame de Villeparisis - Serena Evans Servant/Concierge/Manager/Doctor - Finlay Paul Other voices - Nicholas Armfield, Phoebe Marshall Soldiers - Daniel Whitlam, Nicholas Armfield, Toheeb Jimoh, Tom Glenister Telephone operator - Alice Hoskyns Young men - Toheeb Jimoh, Finlay Paul, Daniel Whitlam, Sam Rawle Other parts played by members of the company

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24-26 August 2019

© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© 2022 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529126709

Udgivelsesdato

Lydbog: 7. april 2022