Tales from the Arabian Nights: A BBC Radio 4 Drama

Seven of Shahrazad's stories of love, magic and mystery - plus bonus documentary

A collection of fabulous tales of genies, heroes, flying carpets and fantastic voyages, The Arabian Nights has enchanted generations of children and adults. Forged in the Islamic Golden Age, it was brought to Europe in the 18th Century, where it became an instant sensation. Included here are seven full-cast dramatisations, starring Carolyn Backhouse as Shahrazad and Derek Jacobi as the King, as well as a bonus edition of In Our Time exploring the story behind the tales.

Ghanim, the Thrall of Love - To escape the executioner's sword, Shahrazad beguiles the King with a spellbinding tale of love, jealousy, betrayal - and a magic drum.

The Ebony Horse - The magical story of a handsome prince, a beautiful princess, and a remarkable wooden horse.

The Three Suitors - When Jamilla's lover is thrown in prison, she devises a cunning plan to free him, involving a carpenter, a magistrate, a bogus camel-cleaner, and a wardrobe...

The Ninth Pedestal - Prince Zain inherits eight valuable statues - but the ninth is missing. He goes on a quest to find it - but what he discovers is beyond price...

Homza's Dance - The hunt for a lost arrow leads Prince Ahmed into an amazing adventure of sorcery and transformation.

The Hunchback - A series of bizarre accidents befall an eccentric cast of characters in a tale that's full of twists and turns.

The Dream of Baba Abdullah - In a final attempt to save her life, Shahrazad invites the king to enter the final story with her - or return alone...

In Our Time: The Arabian Nights - Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the myths, tales and legends of this ever-shifting sea of stories.

Cast and credits Adapted by Colin Haydn Evans Directed by Nigel Bryant Music: Sue Harris and Steafan Hannigan

Starring Carolyn Backhouse as Shahrazad and Derek Jacobi as the King.

Ghanim, the Thrall of Love Wazir - Simon Carter Ghanim - Michael Lumsden Leila - Moir Leslie Caliph - Duncan Law Rahil - Mary Wimbush Slave - Richard O'Ryan Old Man - Geoffrey Banks

The Ebony Horse Kamar - James Telfer The Sage - Roger Hume Shams - Teresa Gallagher Kamar's father - John Baddeley

The Three Suitors Jamilla - Rachel Atkins Hassan - William Chubb Faris - Geoffrey Banks Gaoler - Michael Mears Magistrate - Philip Anthony Carpenter - John Baddeley Shahrazad's father - Simon Carter

The Ninth Pedestal Prince Zain - James Telfer Moubarak - John Baddeley Genie - Steve Hodson Maysun -Teresa Gallagher

Homza's Dance Ahmed - James Telfer Peri Banou - Rachel Atkins Sultan - Philip Anthony Sorceress - Mary Wimbush Hussein - Steve Hodson

The Hunchback Tailor - Harry Landis Tailor's wife - Maria Charles Doctor's wife - Mary Wimbush Doctor - Philip Anthony Seamstress - Kate Binchy Christian - John Baddeley Watchman - Jonathan Owen Magistrate - Maurice Denham Hunchback - Tania Ison

The Dream of Baba Abdullah Baba Abdullah - Daniel Strauss Dervish - Geoffrey Banks

In Our Time Presented by Melvyn Bragg With Robert Irwin, Marina Warner and Gerard van Gelder Produced by James Cook

© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© 2023 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529911923

Udgivelsesdato

Lydbog: 16. november 2023