Radio 3 Drama, 1973

Compiled by Ian Johns

Main source of information is the BBC Genome scanned pages of Radio Times with entries edited, added to and amended for clarity and context. Also listed separately are a selection of dramatised documentaries, drama-related features, readings and short stories.

I.J.

1 January 1973:
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
A Medieval Yuletide Poem in a translation by Gwyn Jones with music by Stephen Dodgson. Producer: Raymond Raikes.
4: The New Year at the Green Chapel
The Gawain Poet: Deryck Guyler. Sir Gawain: Henry Stamper. The Guide: David Timson. The Green Knight: Norman Ley. The Host: Norman Shelley.

14 January 1973:
World Drama: Twelfth Night
By William Shakespeare. In this production of Shakespeare’s comedy, Dorothy Tutin plays Viola, a role that earned her a London Evening Standard award for Best Actress in 1960 while with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Orsino, Duke of Illyrla: William Squire. Curio: Brian Hewlett. Valentine: Michael Kilgarriff. Viola (later known as Cesario): Dorothy Tutin. A Sea Captain, friend to Viola: William Eedle. Sir Toby Belch, kinsman to Olivia: Maurice Denham. Maria, Olivia's woman: Sheila Grant. Sir Andrew Aguecheek: John Moffatt. Feste, a Clown: Haydn Jones. Olivia: Geraldine McEwan. Malvolio, steward to Olivia: Stephen Murray. Antonio, a sea captain, friend to Sebastian: Edward Kelsey. Sebastian, brother to Viola: John Pullen. Fabian, in the service of Olivia: Ronald Herdman. Music selected and arranged by Alan Boustead. Singer: Alan Jones. Lute: Desmond Dupre. Viol: Elizabeth Baines. Recorder: Francis Baines. Producer: Charles Lefeaux. (Repeat from 7 May 1972).

16 January 1973:
Drama Now: Oh Sail
By Carl Willows. Are we controlled by our environment, or do we control it? It's only when we are a part of it that existence becomes questionable. Jip: Geoffrey Matthews. Daph: Jane Wenham. John: Anthony Hall. Sail: Elizabeth Proud. Billie: Basil Moss. Bobble: Patricia Gallimore. Producer: Gerry Jones. (Repeated on 16 October 1973).

21 January 1973:
The School for Wives
By Moliere, translated by John Edmunds. Moliere’s 1662 comedy in which the delusional merchant Arnolphe believes the ward he plans to marry has been successfully groomed into being the perfect, subservient wife. Arnolphe: Geoffrey Bayldon. Chrysalde: Haydn Jones. Alain: Terry Scully. Georgette: Jane Knowles. Agnes: Rosalind Shanks. Horace: Nicholas Pennell. Notary: Peter France. Enrique: Alba. Oronte: Rolf Lefebvre. Producer: Christopher Venning. (Repeated on 23 September 1973).

23 January 1973:
Drama Now: A Chance Encounter
By Rhys Adrian (1928-1990). To intrude upon a traffic warden's privacy is dangerous, especially in a seaside pub in winter. The play was also adapted for BBC2 television (31 January 1973) with Alfred Marks reprising his role as Arthur. Arthur: Alfred Marks. Ronald: Bryan Pringle. Frank: Fraser Kerr. Landlord: Ronald Herdman. Pianist: Jimmy Hardwick. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeat from 5 July 1972).

28 January 1973:
A Game of Tombola
By Jonathan Raban (1942-2023). The minutiae of the annual garden fete and their possibly wider significance are observed with clinical detachment by a Hampshire vicar's 16-year-old son in 1956. Nicholas: Christopher Good. His father: John Rowe. His mother: Janet Burnell. Peggy Willis, a good soul: Doris Gilmore. Ronno, a teddy boy: Kenneth Cranham. Tom Dobrey a TV personality: Lewis Stringer. Terence, his friend: David Valla. Mr Veale, an ancient: John Ruddock. Mrs Burton-Smith: Eva Stuart. Margaret, her daughter: Sheila Grant. Dominic, her son: Robin Browne. Viva Wisden, a spinster: Betty Baskcomb. Fatso, another teddy boy: Ronald Herdman. Girl: Jane Knowles. Tony Barrow, a bandleader: Michael Harbour. Penny: Helen Worth. Rural character: Edward Kelsey. MC: Douglas Blackwell. Assorted villagers, bandsmen, gentlefolk, dancers, teddy boys, other uninvited guests: Members of the cast. Music arranged and conducted by Arthur Tatler. Producer: Archie Campbell. (Repeat from 30 June 1972).

30 January 1973:
Workshop: Playback
By Gabriel Josipovici. In this Radio 3 slot for dramas conceived with stereo in mind, an eminent man experiences one day in fragmentary moments of lucidity and vagueness. This production was edited in the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop with possible contribution from the legendary Delia Derbyshire. Harry: Maurice Denham. Hilda: Betty Huntley-Wright. Mary: Jane Knowles. Jim: Peter Baldwin. Peter: Michael Spice. Margaret: Rosalind Shanks. Producer: Guy Vaesen. (Repeated on 30 October 1973).

4 February 1973:
Cries from Casement as his Bones are Brought to Dublin
By David Rudkin. Asked to contribute to a radio series about historical rebels, Rudkin’s initial work turned into this play, which explores the life and controversial legacy of Irish nationalist and British diplomat Roger Casement (1864-1916). It was regarded at the time as an innovative mix of drama, documentary and sound design. (Also staged to lesser acclaim by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1973.) Roger Casement: Norman Rodway. With Joan Bakewell, Sean Barrett, Kate Binchy, Michael Deacon, William Eedle, Kevin Flood, Martin Friend, Heather Gibson, David Gooderson, Sheila Grant, Michael Harbour, John Hollis, Fraser Kerr, Rolf Lefebvre, Peggy Marshall, Meryl O'Keeffe, Irene Prador, David Rudkin, Henry Stamper, Eva Stuart, John Tusa, David Valla, Mary Wimbush and Joy Worth. Special sound: Brian Hodgson of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Technical assistance: Jock Farrell, Marsail MacCuish, Janet Mitchell and Leshek Burzynski. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeated on 5 August 1973).

6 February 1973:
Drama Now: Enigmatic Conversations with Eminent Sociologists
By Frederick Bradnum (1922-2001). Plasher's Park, an ancestral country seat of the Uppwater family, is now the home of a Foundation for Social Studies and haunted by the past. Professor Nathan Naismith/Osbert Uppwater: David March. Dr Lorna Naismith/Lady Elsie Uppwater: Sheila Grant. Dr Veronica Hood (Ronnie)/Miss Josephine Uppwater (Jo): Margaret Robertson. Skinner, the butler: Rolf Lefebvre Wainwright, a butler/Inspector Rough: Edward Kelsey. Cherry: Jane Knowles. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeat from 11 July 1972).

11 February 1973:
World Drama: Othello
By William Shakespeare. A production of the uncut text. Roderigo, a Venetian gentle man: Peter Egan. lago, Othello's Ancient: Nicol Williamson. Brabantio, Desdemona's father: Francis de Wolff. Othello, a noble Moor: Paul Scofield. Cassio, Othello's Lieutenant: Martin Jarvis. Duke of Venice: Godfrey Kenton. First Senator: John Ruddock. Second Senator: Brian Haines. Desdemona: Rosalind Shanks. Montano, Governor of Cyprus: Malcolm Terris. Emilia, lago's wife: Hannah Gordon. Bianca, a courtesan: Rosalind Adams. Lodovico, kinsman of Brabantio: John Rye. Cratiano, brother of Brabantio: Martin Friend. Other parts played by Nigel Graham, Michael Kilgarriff, Jonathan Scott and Peter Tuddenham. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeat from 12 November 1972. Also repeated on 27 May 1979 (Radio 4) and 23 September 1988).

13 February 1973:
Tom Jones Slept Here
By John L Hughes, adapted by Lorraine Davies. A dramatised excerpt from the Welsh author and playwright’s book about life in and around Pontypridd in South Wales. Lew: Hywel Bennett. Billy: Howell Evans. Norma: Victoria Plucknett. Melody and Wendy: Elizabeth Morgan. Bomber: Huw Thomas. Watts and Smith: Dillwyn Owen. Ivor: Roger Nott. Producer: Lorraine Davies. (Repeated on 27 November 1973).

18 February 1973:
Drama Now: Fallout
By David Caute. Exploring notions of national identity, loyalty and the greater good, this drama by the British novelist, playwright and historian sees a New Year's Eve party in a high-security scientific establishment interrupted when a leading scientist is taken in for questioning. Dr Karl Fried: Stephen Murray. Sonia: Sheila Grant. Frank: Alaric Cotter. Arnold Hartshorn: Hugh Dickson. Mrs Green: Olwen Griffiths. Major Winters: Ronald Herdman. Inspector Lusk: Geoffrey Matthews. Mr Braithwaite: Laurence Harrington. Tape-recorded voice: Marvin Kane. Frank as a young boy: Judy Bennett. Colonel Peters: William Eedle. Mrs Peters: Betty Baskcomb. Louisa: Diana Olsson. Producer: Richard Wortley. (Repeat from 17 December 1972).

21 February 1973:
Money for Old Rope
By Plautus (c. 254-184 BCE), translated by Kenneth McLeish, adapted by Raymond Raikes. Written around 200 BCE, this Roman comedy is set on the coast of Cyrene in north Africa. It follows how Palaestra, stolen as a three-year-old by pirates 16 years earlier, is eventually reunited with her father, Daemones. Prologue/The Author: John Rowe. Arcturus, one of the heavenly host: Michael Kilgarriff. Boatswain: Geoffrey Beevers. Labrax, a pimp: Ronald Herdman. Charmides, his unsavoury friend: John Rowe. Plesidippus, in love with Palaestra: Leslie Heritage. Palaestra: Olwen Griffiths. Ampelisca, her friend: Betty Baskcomb. Sceparnio, a slave of Daetones: Brian Hewlett. Daemones, an Athenian: William Fox. Priestess at the Temple of Venus: Katherine Parr. Trachallo, slave of Plesidippus: Robin Browse. Gripus, a fisherman, another slave of Daemones: Edward Kelsey. Music: Christos Pittas. Producer: Raymond Raikes. (Repeat from 18 July 1972).

25 February 1973:
Downpour
By Tom Mallin (1927-1977). “I see the pond has dried up. The frogs will welcome the rain. They'll enjoy flopping into puddles and ridding themselves of a coating of dust. But I wish it would rain soon.” With Maurice Denham and Sylvia Coleridge. Producer: Guy Vaesen. (Repeat from 2 July 1972).

27 February 1973:
Hello and Goodbye
By Athol Fugard, adapted for radio by RD Smith. The South African playwright’s 1965 two-hander, set in a ramshackle room in Port Elizabeth, details a fractious brother-sister reunion that unpicks the old wounds of their shared past. Hester: Hilda Kriseman. Johnny: Sean Barrett. Producer: RD Smith. (Repeated on 7 October 1973).

2 March 1973:
The Indian Queen
By John Dryden and Sir Robert Howard (Dryden’s brother-in-law). First performed in 1664, this “heroic play” was expanded to become this semi-operatic version in 1695 with additional music by Henry Purcell. It depicts war between the Incas of Peru and the Aztecs of Mexico and how Montezuma falls in love with the daughter of his enemy, the Inca leader. This is an Opera da Camera production from the Camden Festival. Music: Henry Purcell with additions by Daniel Purcell. Performed by the Serenata of London, led by Emanuel Hurwitz, conducted by Steuart Bedford. Producer: Peter Lehman Bedford.

4 March 1973:
World Drama: Three Sisters
By Anton Chekhov, translated by Brian Spiby. Masha, Olga and Irina feel trapped in a provincial Russian town and yearn for the sophistication of Moscow, 700 miles away. Masha: Geraldine McEwan. Olga: Sheila Allen. Irina: Judi Dench. Baron Nikolai Toozenbach: Julian Glover. Captain Vassili Soliony: Brian Haines. Dr Ivan Chebutykin: David March. Anfisa: Wynne Clark. Ferapont: John Ruddock. Lt-Col Alexander Vershinin: Robert Lang. Andrey: Peter Egan. Fiodor Koolygin: Ronald Herdman. Natasha: Sheila Grant. Lt Fedotik: Robin Browne. Producer: Charles Lefeaux. (Repeated on 30 December 1973).

11 March 1973:
Spider
By Fay Weldon (1931-2023). In this first radio play by the novelist and dramatist, pregnant middle-class housewife Rowan’s attempts to “reform” the liberated ways of her hippie cleaner Eileen causes conflict in her life and marriage. Winner of the 1973 Writers’ Guild Award for Best British Radio Drama Script. Rowan: Miriam Margolyes. Sweeney: Henry Woolf. Dilys: Jane Knowles. Frank: Michael Kilgarriff. Eileen: Helen Worth. Mark: Brian Hewlett. Max/Doctor: Walter Hall. Producer: Richard Wortley. (Repeat from 13 August 1972).

13 March 1973:
Drama Now: Metamorphosis
By Rosalind Belben. A play by a writer better known as an experimental novelist who uses elliptical, staccato-like dialogue. Middle-aged, middle-class Hampstead couple Robert and Alice are looking for a weekend cottage in the country, but their relationship is not so clear. Robert: Stephen Murray, Alice: Sheila Grant. Special sound: Dick Mills of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Producer: Charles Lefeaux. (Repeated on 22 January 1974).

18 March 1973:
Henry IV, Part 1
By William Shakespeare. The great history play which sees Henry IV’s son turn from callow youth to king-in-waiting while the dissolute knight Falstaff succumbs to his foibles and frailties. (Part 2 was broadcast on 25 March 1973, see below.) King Henry: Peter Jeffrey. Prince Henry: John Rowe. Prince John of Lancaster: Sam Dastor. Westmoreland: Terry Scully. Blunt: Brian Haines. Thomas Percy, Earl of Worcester: Peter Sallis. Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland: Lewis Stringer. Henry Percy, surnamed Hotspur: David Buck. Mortimer, Earl of March: Richard Hampton. Douglas: David Kincaid. Glendower: Haydn Jones. Sir Richard Vernon: John Pullen. Scroop, Archbishop of York: Hugh Dickson. Sir Michael: David Gooderson. Sir John Falstaff: Leo McKern. Poins: Nigel Lambert. Peto: Fraser Kerr. Bardolph: Geoffrey Matthews. Gadshill: Robin Browne. Lady Percy: Kate Binchy. Lady Mortimer: Elizabeth Morgan. Mistress Quickly: Elizabeth Spriggs. Vintner/Carrier: Ronald Herdman. Ostler/Messenger: Andrew Rivers. Servant to Hotspur: Sam Dastor. Francis: David Gooderson. Sheriff: John Pullen. Chamberlain: Brian Haines. Carrier: Hugh Dickson. Music: David Cain. Played by Michael Laird, Malcolm Smith, Roger Brenner, Martin Nicholls, Christopher Ball, Terry Emery and Frances Kelly. Singer: Martyn Hill. Producer: Martin Jenkins. (Repeated on 8 July 1973).

20 March 1973:
Schreber’s Nervous Illness
By Caryl Churchill, based on Memoirs of My Nervous Illness by Daniel Paul Schreber, translated by Ida MacAlpine and Richard A Hunter. Set in asylums in Leipzig and Dresden between 1983 and 1902, this dramatises the memoirs of a 19th-century German judge who wrote extensively about his experiences with schizophrenia and his belief that God was trying to turn him into a woman. Judge Schreber: Kenneth Haigh. Narrator: Lewis Stringer. Weber, a psychiatrist: William Fox. The Judge: John Ruddock. Voices: Sheila Grant, Brian Haines, Michael Kilgarriff, John Samson. Special sound: Malcolm Clarke of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeat from 25 July 1972 and 24 October 1972 ).

25 March 1973:
Henry IV, Part 2
By William Shakespeare. The more melancholy second part of Shakespeare’s history play sees the Prince of Wales transform from prodigal son to powerful monarch. Rumour: Hugh Dickson. King Henry: Peter Jeffrey. Prince Henry: John Rowe. Prince John of Lancaster: Sam Dastor. Prince Humphrey of Gloucester: Nigel Anthony. Prince Thomas of Clarence: Crispin Gillbard. Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland: Lewis Stringer. Scroop, Archbishop of York: Hugh Dickson. Mowbray: Fraser Kerr. Hastings: Clifford Norgate. Lord Bardotph: Jeffrey Segal. Travers: Brian Haines. Morton: Terry Scully. Colevile: John Corvin. Warwick: Brian Haines. Westmoreland: Terry Scully. Gower: Andrew Rivers. Harcourt: Fraser Kerr. Lord Chief Justice: Allan Cuthbertson. His servant: Nigel Anthony. Poins: Nigel Lambert. Sir John Falstaff: Leo McKern. Bardolph: Geoffrey Matthews. Pistol: Haydn Jones. Peto: Fraser Kerr. Falstaff's s page: Crispin Gillbard. Justice Shallow: Clifford Rose. Justice Silence: Geoffrey Bayldon. Davy, servant to Shallow: Jeffrey Segal. Fang: Ronald Herdman. Snare: Robin Browne. Ralph Mouldy: Ronald Herdman. Simon Shadow: Robin Browne. Thomas Wart: Lewis Stringer. Francis Feeble: Nigel Anthony. Peter Bullcalf: Clifford Norgate. Lady Northumberland: Katherine Parr. Lady Percy: Kate Binchy. Mistress Quickly: Elizabeth Spriggs. Doll Tearsheet: Patricia Routledge. Beadle; Porter: John Corvin. Groom; Messenger: Andrew Rivers. Music: David Cain. Played by Michael Laird, Malcolm Smith, Roger Brenner, Martin Nicholls, Christopher Ball and Terry Emery. Singer: Martyn Hill. Producer: Martin Jenkins. (Repeated on 15 July 1973).

25 March 1973:
Who Thought It?
By Colin Bennett. A 15-minute monologue about a foreman fitter looking for a job. Goerge Pottersby: Edward Petherbridge. Producer: Charles Lefeaux. (Repeat from 21 March 1972).

27 March 1973:
Workshop: Knots
By RD Laing and Martin Esslin. An adaptation of the 1970 book by psychiatrist Laing (1927-1989), a collection of dialogues that can be read as poems or brief plays, illustrating aspects of love, dependency, uncertainty and jealousy. With the voices of Sheila Grant, David March, Kate Binchy and Sam Dastor. Music: Humphrey Searle, played by the Sinfonia of London. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 21 August 1973).

1 April 1973:
Erik XIV
By August Strindberg, translated by Michael Meyer. In Strindberg’s 1899 historical drama, which received its British premiere with this radio adaptation, the unstable king of Sweden is in bitter dispute with his nobles in 1566 while falling in love with the daughter of an ordinary soldier. Erik XIV: Alan Dobie. Goran Persson: Lee Montague. Svante Sture, High Steward of Sweden: Clive Morton, Nils his son: Nigel Anthony. Nils Guildenstern, a nobleman: Terry Scully. Karin Mansdotter, the King's mistress: Kate Binchy. Gustav her son: Sheila Grant. Sigrid, her daughter: Judy Bennett. Fru Persson, Goran's mother: Sheila Grant. Agda, a prostitute: Judy Bennett. Maria, her daughter: Kate Binchy. Duke Johan: John Rowe. Duke Charles: Sam Dastor. Katarina Stenbock, the Queen Mother: Katherine Parr. Peder Welamson, Goran's nephew: Basil Moss. Sergeant Max: Rod Beacham. Private Mans. Karin's father: Haydn Jones. A Bridgekeeper: John Corvin. A Courtier: William Sleigh. Stenbock, a nobleman: Lewis Stringer. Producer: Martin Jenkins. (Repeat from 24 December 1972).

3 April 1973:
Comus
By John Milton, adapted by RD Smith. Milton’s masque is a courtly entertainment first performed at Ludlow Castle in 1634. It follows a lady, lost in a wood, who is kidnapped by Comus, a seductive sorcerer. Comus: Ronald Pickup. Lady: Barbara Jefford. Attendant Spirit (Thyrsis): Robert Harris. Singer: Jill Nott-Bower. Elder Brother: Godfrey Kenton. Second Brother: David March. Singer: Robert Spencer. Sabrina: Julia Lang. Original songs and music by Henry Lawes and William Lawes, arranged by Basil Lam and Robert Spencer. Musicians: Catherine MacKintosh, Oliver Brookes and Robert Spencer. Producer: RD Smith. (Repeat from 21 November 1972).

8 April 1973:
Christopher Columbus
By Louis MacNeice with music by William Walton. First broadcast on 12 October 1942 on the BBC Home Service to mark the 450th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of the New World, MacNeice’s verse play stars Laurence Olivier in the title role. Voice of Doubt/Observer/Onlooker: Robert Speaight. Voice of Faith/Herald/Spokesman of Procession: Marius Goring. Jose/Storekeeper: Philip Cunningham. Artur/Sanchez: Harry Hutchinson. Alfredo: Hidalgo: Mark Dignam. Bartolome: Stephen Murray. Francisco: Alan Wheatley. Carlos: Jack Livesey. Brother Pedro/Mate: Bryan Powley. Prior: Arthur Young. Christopher Columbus: Laurence Olivier. Antonio: Allan Jeayes. Talavera: Cecil Trouncer. Duke of Medina Sidonia/Second sailor: Robert Rendel. Duke of Medina Celi/Escovedo: John Bryning. Mendoza/Segovia: Lawrence Hanray. Marquesa: Hedli Anderson. Queen Isabella: Gladys Young. Diego de Deza: Alexander Sarner. Manuel/Servant; Peasant: Jonathan Field. Tapstress: Rita Vale. Juan: Stuart Latham. Beatriz: Margaret Rawlings. Waiting woman/Woman: Lucille Lisle. Vasco: Frederick Burtwell. Luis: Ralph Roberts. Town Crier/Vicente Pinzon: Richard George. Martin Pinzon: Richard Williams. First sailor: Grey Blake. Crew spokesman: William Trent. Gutierrez: Laidman Browne. Cleric: Peter Cotes. Music: William Walton. Performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra (leader Paul Beard, conductor Sir Adrian Boult), and the BBC Chorus (chorus master Leslie Woodgate) with George Elliott (guitar). Producer: Dallas Bower.

10 April 1973:
Drama Now: Act of God
By David Windsor. A psychiatrist has come to the conclusion that he is God. Dr Hal Hirst, a psychiatrist: John Glen. Miss Pepperidge, a secretary: Jane Knowles. Mr Armstrong, a retired bank president: Blain Fairman. Dr Chow, another psychiatrist: Jon Rollason. Adrian Hirst: Garrick Hagon. Joan Hirst: Margaret Robertson. Phil Hirst: Terry Scully. Marge Hirst: Hilda Schroder. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeated on 12 December 1973).

15 April 1973:
World Drama: Mithridates
By Jean Racine (1639-1699), translated by Samuel Solomon. Set around 70 BCE in the Black Sea port of Nymphaeum, news arrives of the death in battle of Mithridates, the Pontine king who has been fighting Rome for 40 years. Mithridates, King of Pontus: Marius Goring. Monima, engaged to Mithridates and already proclaimed Queen: Geraldine McEwan. Sons of Mithridates by different mothers – Pharnaces: Clifford Norgate, Xiphares: Martin Jarvis. Arbates, Governor of Nymphaeum fort: William Fox. Phaedima, lady-in-waiting to Monima: Joan Haythorne. Arcas, Squire to Mithridates: John Forrest. Percussion sequences composed and played by James Blades. Producer: Archie Campbell. (Repeated on 26 May 1974).

20 April 1973:
On the Hill
By Frank Topping. Before being ordained in 1970, Topping worked in theatre and television as a producer and performer and went on to work for BBC Bristol and BBC London. This “passion play with songs” was first performed by the staff of Radio Bristol in 1971. Singers: Sammi Brown, John Hooper. Music played by Blue Notes Traditional Jazz Band, led by Roger Bennett of Radio Bristol. Producer: Frank Topping.

22 April 1973:
Drama Now: Rudkin’s Dream
By Don Taylor (1936-2003). An English businessman is tortured by a recurrent dream, in which he is in a Soviet prison in the 1930s. Rudkin: Marius Goring. Interrogator: Haydn Jones. Vera: Freda Dowie. Claire: Sheila Allen. Headwaiter: William Fox. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 8 January 1974).

24 April 1973:
Drama Now: Strands
By Severo Sarduy, translated by Barbara Thompson. This play by the Cuban poet, author, playwright and critic (1937-1993) opens on a sunlit beach in Cannes, where the photograph of a body by the water’s edge prompts different memories. (A new production by David Spenser in 1979 for Radio 3 won the Society of Authors Pye Radio Award for best production.) With Denis McCarthy Cecile Chevreau, Philippe Monnet, Patricia Laffan, Michael Spice and Lorna Philippe. Producer: Archie Campbell.

29 April 1973:
Drama Now: Artist Descending a Staircase
By Tom Stoppard. In one of Stoppard’s specially commissioned plays for radio, successive scenes flashback towards the 1920s, then progress back to 1972, as an elderly artist lies dead at the bottom of a staircase while his two friends argue over who is the murderer. (A new production with Geoffrey Whitehead, Derek Jacobi and Ian McDiarmid was broadcast on 10 January 2016.) Martello: Stephen Murray. Donner: Carleton Hobbs. Beauchamp: Rolf Lefebvre. The young Martello (Banjo): Michael Spice. The young Donner (Mouse): Dinsdale Landen. The young Beauchamp (Biscuit): Peter Egan. Sophie: Fiona Walker. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeat from 14 November 1972. Also repeated on 22 January 1980, on Radio 4 on 4 August 1990 and BBC7 on 31 July 2004).

1 May 1973:
The Way to a Cold Supper
By Istvan Csurka, translated by George Mikes. Istvan Csurka (1934-2012) was a leading Hungarian playwright, writer, journalist and politician, who would go on to establish the ultra-right-wing Hungarian Justice and Life Party in 1992.This two hander charts the ups and downs of a love affair between two people in their thirties. The Woman: Judi Dench. The Man: Alec McCowen. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeat from 5 September 1972).

6 May 1973:
Drama Now: The Cold Country
By Susan Hill. Four explorers are snowed up near the South Pole with no hope of escape or rescue, As time passes, their situation and relationships deteriorate. Chip: Terry Scully. Ossie: Jon Rollason. Jo: Ian Richardson. Barney: Sean Barrett. Barney's Mother: Kate Binchy. Young Jo: Jane Knowles. Jo's Sister: Helen Worth. Music: Geoffrey Burgon, sung by Kevin Smith, mouth-organ played by Alfie Kahn. Producer: Guy Vaesen. (Repeat from 3 October 1972. Also on 31 March 1974).

8 May 1973:
Drama Now: East-West
By Andrei Amalrik (1938-1980), translated by Daniel Weissbort. The plays of Russian writer and dissident Andrei Amalrik were influenced by the absurdist sensibilities of Ionesco and Samuel Beckett. This play, described as a “grotesque fantasy”, reflects the disorientation and fear of 1970s everyday life in the Soviet Union. Manageress: Diana Olsson. Mistress: Barbara Mitchell. Student: Sam Dastor. Ivanov: David Markham. Girl: Kate Binchy. Overseer: Brian Haines, First Radio Voice: John Samson. Second Radio Voice: Rolf Lefebvre. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 5 February 1974).

18 May 1973:
The Enlightenment of the Strawberry Gardener
By Don Haworth (1924-2007). A merciless district official confronts the owner of a flooded cottage whose wife is threatening to run off with a fisherman. Bullfrog: Bill Fraser. Pike: Roy Kinnear. Producer: Tony Cliff. (Repeat from 13 October 1972).

19 May 1973:
The Power of Darkness
By John McGahern, based on the play by Leo Tolstoy. Set in the West of Ireland in the mid-20th century, a young farmhand is persuaded by his mother to try to seduce the young widow of a wealthy landowner. This was the only play by the acclaimed Irish novelist (1924-2006) and staged at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, in 1991. Peter King, a farmer: Patrick Magee. Eileen his wife: Pauline Delany. Nan, their daughter: Judy Bennett. Maggie, Peter's daughter by a previous marriage: Kate Binchy. Martha, Peter's sister: Heather Gibson. Paul, a workman on Peter's farm: Sean Barrett. Paul's parents – Oliver: PG Stephens, Baby: Marie Kean. Paddy, a farm-worker: Harry Webster. Rosy, a local girl: Patricia Leventon. Mrs Murphy: Olwen Griffiths. Mr O'Toole: Kevin Flood. Ritchie Coyne: Oliver Maguire. Kitty: Evin Crowley. Accordion played by Jim Hogan. Producer: Denys Hawthorne. (Repeat from 15 October 1972).

22 May 1973:
Drama Now: Words
By Gabriel Josipovici, adapted by Guy Vaesen from the author’s 1971 novel. Louis and Helen’s marriage is unsettled when Jo, Louis’s old flame, visits with her brooding daughter. Louis: Brian Bedford. Helen: Mary Miller, Peter: Peter Baldwin, Tina: Fern Warner, Jo: Vivien Merchant, Gillian: Helen Worth, Ronny: Nicholas Dillane, Sue: Julie Hallam. Producer: Guy Vaesen. (Repeated on 19 February 1974).

27 May 1973:
World Drama: Flight
By Mikhail Bulgakov, translated by Michael Glenny. Written by the Russian playwright (1891-1940) in 1927 but never staged in his lifetime, the play depicts the intertwined lives of various White Russians during the Bolshevik Revolution in 1920 and 1921 and their flight from the Russia to Constantinople and Paris. (It had its British stage premiere at the Bristol Old Vic in 1972.) Golubkov, a student from Petersburg: Gary Bond. Serafima, a young lady from Petersburg: Judy Cornwell. Athanasius, Archbishop of Simferopol: Rolf Lefebvre. Charnota, Major-General in the White Army: Peter Woodthorpe. Paisios, a monk: John Forrest. Bayev, a commander of cavalry: William Eedle. Lyuska, Charnota's mistress: Jane Wenham. Krapelin, an orderly: John Baddeley. De Brisard, a White commander: Brian Haines. General Roman Khludov: John Bennett. Golovan, Khludov's aide-de camp: Robin Browne. Stationmaster: Lewis Stringer. Paramon Korzukhin, Seraflma's husband: Bryan Pringle. Commander-in-Chief of the White Russian Army: Geoffrey Wincott. Tikhii, Chief of counter-intelligence: Haydn Jones. Gurin: Jonathan Scott. Skunsky: Nigel Graham. Maria: Diana Olsson. Yanko Yankovitch, the Cockroach King: John Baddeley. Narrator: Rolf Lefebvre. Accordionist: Gerald Crossman. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeated on 16 December 1973).

29 May 1973:
Drama Now: Oluwale
By Jeremy Sandford (1930-2003). Specially commissioned by BBC Radio Brighton in association with the 1972 Brighton Festival, this is a dramatisation of the story of David Oluwale, a Nigerian who came to Britain in 1949 full of hope, and who died tragically In 1968 in the river Aire in Leeds. Those taking part: Edward Chapman, Peter Cleal, David Collings, Rita Davies, Mona Hammond, Ram John Holder, Zara Jaber, Horace James, Desmond Newling, Bob Okenedo, Peter Pacey, Renu Setna, Madhav Sharma, Pamela Made, Eddie Tagoe and Lockwood West. Song written and sung by Ram John Holder. Producer: Keith Slade (BBC Radio Brighton). (Repeat from 26 November 1972).

5 June 1973:
Drama Now: A Perfect Relationship
By William Trevor (1928-2016). Mr Hambro: “I was thinking as I was coming here: isn't it an extraordinary thing to be visiting a business girl week after week?” Sylvia: “No offence taken. There's men that visit a business girl and men that don’t.” Mr Hambro: Maurice Denham, Sylvia: Barbara Jefford. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeated on 19 March 1974)..

10 June 1973
Prize-winning African Plays
Three prizewinning plays from the BBC African Service 1972 Competition, which attracted 600 entries. Producer: Charles Lefeaux. (Repeated on 6 January 1974).

Sweet Scum of Freedom by Jagjit Singh (Uganda) (Third prize)
This play by the poet and playwright deals with the problems of a newly independent African state and of its minority Asian population, seen through the eyes of a prostitute. Sunma: Jeillo Edwards. Anna: Maria Sudi. Radio Newsreader: Ali Adnan. Keval: Sam Dastor. Dr Ebongo: Yemi Ajibade. Gracie: Taiwo Ajai.

Make Like Slaves by Richard Rive (South Africa) (First prize)
The novelist, essayist and playwright (1931-1989) adapts and reworks his 1969 short story Middle Passage. A Cape-Coloured poet and a liberal-minded white woman confront one another as she directs a play with a black cast. The Man: Leonard Dixon. The Girl: Mary Miller.

Station Street by Khalid Almubarak Mustafa (Sudan) (Second prize)
A mother, who has sacrificed herself to send her son to England to study, faces one of the problems of any evolving society. The Mother: Sheila Grant. The Sergeant: David March. Osman: Sam Dastor. Nadia: Maria Sudi. Uncle Nour: Nigel Graham.

15 June 1973:
The Inheritance
By Harry Guest. A “poem-play for four voices” by the Welsh poet, essayist and modern languages lecturer (1932-2021). It attempts to “examine a human triangle” in a way that the presentation is as important as the exploration. Son: Gary Watson. Sister: Frances Horovitz. Young Man: Peter Craze. Producer: George MacBeth. (Repeated on 18 March 1974).

17 June 1973:
Julius Caesar
By William Shakespeare. The Bard’s drama of stolen power and a society in turmoil. Julius Caesar: Nigel Stock. Octavius Caesar: Martin Jarvis. Mark Antony: Julian Glover. Lepidus: John Rowe. Cicero: Lewis Stringer. Brutus: Anthony Bate. Cassius: Peter Jeffrey. Casca: Dudley Foster. Trebonius: Manning Wilson. Metellus Cimber: Henry Knowles. Cinna: Michael Harbour. Decius Brutus: Martin Jarvis. Caius Ligarius: Rolf Lefebvre. Lucius: David Howe. Portia: Jane Wenham. Calpurnia: Kate Binchy. Publius: Geoffrey Beevers. Popilius Lena: Douglas Blackwell. Flavius: William Fox. Marullus: Rolf Lefebvre. Artemidorus: Ronald Herdman. Soothsayer: Martin Friend. Cinna, poet: Geoffrey Beevers. First Plebeian & Cobbler: Douglas Blackwell. Second Plebeian & Carpenter: Ronald Herdman. Third Plebeian: Helen Worth. Fourth Plebeian: Martin Friend. Messala: Manning Wilson. Titinius: William Fox. Young Cato: Geoffrey Beevers. Lucilius: Michael Harbour. Claudius: William Sleigh. Clitus: William Sleigh. Pindarus: John Rowe. Dardanius: Douglas Blackwell. Volumnius: Martin Friend. Strato: Henry Knowles. Antony's servant: William Sleigh. Octavius' servant: Michael Harbour. Music: Derek Oldfield. Special effects: Harry Catlin. Producer: Martin Jenkins. (Repeat from 30 July 1972. Also on Radio 4 on 2 December 1974).

19 June 1973:
In the Country of the Skin
By Peter Redgrove. This verse play, adapted by the author (1932-2003) from his first novel, features a man with a shifting identity and is described as a “story of love and magic, transformation and joyful rediscovery”. Jonas/Silas: Hugh Dickson. Teresa: Ebony White. Tomas: William Eedle. Sandy: Denis McCarthy. Voices: Julie Hallam, Elizabeth Proud, Robin Brown. Music by Howard Rees, played by Sheerfin with special effects by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Producer Christopher Holme. (Repeated on 18 November 1973).

24 June 1973:
Drama Now: Hans Kohlhass
By James Saunders (1925-2004) from the story by Heinrich von Kleist, translated by Martin Greenberg. First staged in 1972 at the Questors Theatre in Ealing, West London, Saunders presents a Brechtian fable in which a betrayed 16th-century horse dealer seeks justice and leads a peasants’ revolt before facing execution. Hans Kohlhass: Barry Foster. Narrators: Nigel Graham, Terry Scully, Ellen Sheean, Stephen Thorne. Tollkeeper: Ronald Herdman. Steward: John Rye. Junker Wenzel von Tronka: John Rowe. Stable Boy: Ellen Sheean. Elisabeth: Wendy Williams. Sternbald: Stephen Thorne. Lawyer: Rolf Lefebvre. Count Kallheim: William Eedle. Heinrich von Geusau: William Fox. Henkel: Haydn Jones. Minister: Terry Scully. Sheriff of Wittenberg: Ronald Herdman. Martin Luther: David March., Elector of Saxony: Clifford Rose. Prince of Meissen: Nicholas Courtney. Count Wrede: Brian Haines. Hinz von Tronka: Leonard Fenton. Kunz von Tronka: Jonathan Scott. Knacker of Dobbeln: John Hollis. Music: Hans Heimler, played by Kenneth Heath (cello), Harold Nash (alto trombone), Eric Crees (tenor trombone), Peter Harvey (bass trombone), John Smith (tuba), Anne Collis (percussion) and Hans Heimler (harpsichord and chamber organ). Director: Richard Wortley. (Repeated on 4 November 1973 and 23 June 1974).

26 June 1973:
Drama Now: Memoirs of a Sly Pornographer
By Rhys Adrian (1928-1990). An account of the memories, dreams and fantasies of a middle-aged cinemagoer. Ronald: Freddie Jones. Ruby: Patricia Hayes. Carole: Amanda Reiss. Inga: Diana Olsson. Film Star: Anthony Hall. Producer John Tydeman. (Repeat from 19 December 1972).

1 July 1973:
This Jockey Drives Late Nights
By Henry Livings, a modern version of Leo Tolstoy’s 1886 drama The Power of Darkness. The proprietor of a taxi-hire firm is murdered by his wife so she can marry a young man on the staff, only for him to seduce her daughter. Nick Mather: Jack Carr. Mrs Mather: Kathleen Helme. Annie Peters: Jane Lowe. Milton Peters: Wilfred Pickles. Driver: Henry Livings. Marion Peters: Rachel Davies. Marie Lees: Gillian Brown. Agnes Peters: Stephanie Turner. Michael: David Jackson. Mr Mather: John Franklyn-Robbins. Mr Whitehead: Graham Roberts. Music: Alex Glasgow. Producer: Alfred Bradley. (Repeat from 10 September 1972).

2 July 1973:
The Hour is Getting Late
By Mary Benson. This short play by the South African civil rights campaigner, author and journalist (1919-2000), who became a close friend of playwright Athol Fugard. It is described as a “fragment from two lives”. Anna: Rosalie Crutchley. Steve: Steven Dawson. Producer: Christopher Venning. (Repeated on 13 November 1973).

10 July 1973:
Drama Now: She Would Tell Him on the Island
By Francoise Xenakis (1930-2018), translated from the French by Barbara Wright. This drama, by the French novelist and journalist (1930-2018), is based on her 1971 novel The Fig Tree. Set on an island in the 1960s used by the then Greek military junta as a penal colony for dissidents, it shows a prisoner brutalised by the guards while on the mainland his young wife hopes to reconnect with her husband on her one permitted visit after years apart. Woman: Dorothy Tutin. Political Prisoner: Colin Blakely. Man of the Island: Cyril Shaps. Man of the Town: Peter Jeffrey. Other parts played by William Sleigh, David Gooderson, Peter Williams, John Samson, John Forrest and Nigel Graham. Sound sequences: David Cain. Producer: John Theocharis. (Repeated on 5 March 1974).

17 July 1973:
Drama Now: Audun and the Polar Bear
By Paavo Haavikko (1931-2008), translated from the Finnish by Dympna Connolly. Inspired by a traditional Icelandic saga, this tells the tale of a farmhand who buys a polar bear to give to the Danish king and impresses those he encounters with his determination and humility. Audun, a young man said to be lucky: Nigel Anthony. Egill. a man who married his future wife's sister, so that his future wife became his wife's sister: Fraser Kerr. Jofridur, his wife: Jan Edwards. Helga, Jofridur's sister, who was to have been Egill's wife, and who was older than Jofridur: Patricia Gallimore. Thor, the father of these girls who have got the order of their marrying wrong: Haydn Jones. Haraldur, King of Norway, who had a quarrel with the King of Denmark: Peter Williams. Sveinn. King of Denmark, who had a quarrel with the King of Norway: Timothy Bateson. Aki, a courtier of King Sveinn, who came off badly: Terry Scully. Music: Lionel Slater: Irish harp: Grainne Yeats. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 5 December 1973).

22 July 1973:
The Rescue
By Edward Sackville-West (1901-1965). This “melodrama for broadcasting”, first produced by Val Gielgud on the BBC Home Service (25 November 1943), is based on Homer’s Odyssey. This production features Benjamin Britten’s original 1943 score. The Goddess Athene: Jill Balcon. Mentor: George Hagan. Phemius: Marius Goring. Eurymachus: Vernon Joyner. Halitherses: Haydn Jones. His Wife: Katherine Parr. Callidice: Bonnie Hurren. Irus: Leslie French,. Leodes: David Timson. Penelope: Rachel Gurney. Eurynome: Diana Bishop. Telemachus: Hugh Dickson. Euryclea: Wynne Clark. A coxswain: Robin Browne. Two sailors: Haydn Jones, Fraser Kerr, Odysseus: Stephen Murray, Eumaeus: Will Leighton, Antinous: Clive Swift. Peisander: Fraser Kerr. Agelaus: Peter Williams. Amphinomus: John Forrest. Mourners, naiads and sirens: Marion Dodd. Yvonne Newman, Veronica Lucas, Leonie Henshilwood. Music: Benjamin Britten, played by Sinfonia of London, conducted by Rae Jenkins. Producer: Raymond Raikes. (Repeated on 17 February 1974).

24 July 1973:
Once Round Lill, Twice Round the Gasworks
By Jeremy Seabrook (1939-2024) and Michael O’Neill (b. 1938). The gossiping women of Apollo House, London, SE15, are delighted when Lill wins £100 at bingo. But Lill doesn’t welcome their attention while also being troubled by her son, Gary. ‘Bingo Lill’: Diana Olsson. Kath: Anne Jameson. Joyce: Miriam Margolyes. Mavis: Diana Bishop. Madge: Sheila Grant. Rose: Jane Knowles. Maureen and Janice: Maggie Don. Gary: David Howe. Tom: John Hollis. Lynn: Jean Rogers. Bingo Caller and Bus Conductor: David Valla. Psychiatric Social Worker and Tina: Eva Stuart. First Boy: Anthony Barnett. Second Boy: Tony Lawson. Third Boy, Barry and Sandra: Judy Bennett. Producer: Richard Wortley. (Repeat from 26 March 1972. Also on 26 September 1972).

29 July 1973:
Drama Now: Blood of the Lamb
By Lion Whiteson. “One thing is true; the immutability of the Basic Law. That the universe needs blood. a cosmic thirst, to coax a violent and capricious sun. No sunrise is a free gift to the world. It takes blood.” Albert: Alan Dobie. Alec Borrega: Sean Barrett. Theo Percival: Martin Jarvis. Steward: Roy Spencer. Spanish boy: J Hallam. Flautist: Susan Milan. Producer: Shaun MacLoughlin.

31 July 1973:
The Cat Game
By Istvan Orkeny (1912-1979), translated form the Hungarian by Mari Kuttna, adapted for radio by Martin Esslin. In this tragicomedy by the Hungarian writer (1912-1979), two elderly ladies are involved in a series of emotional upheavals about love, food and the past. Mrs Bela Orban: Joan Miller. Giza, her sister, who lives in West Germany: Margaret Rawlings. Mrs Paula Kausz, an old friend: Coral Browne. Mousey, her neighbour: Miriam Margolyes. Ilona, her daughter: Diana Bishop,. Jozsi, her son-in-law: Terry Scully. Viktor Csermlenyi, an ex-opera singer: Victor Lucas. Adelaide Csermlenyi, his mother: Gladys Spencer. Waiter: Brian Haines. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 13 January 1974).

7 August 1973:
Drama Now: Herman with Millie and Mick
By Howard Barker. In what has been described as “a parable of the work ethic”, Herman intends to look for work but can’t manage it and starts to lose his grip on reality. Herman: Richard O'Callaghan. Millie: Jane Knowles. Mick: Geoffrey Collins. Employment Officer: Ronald Herdman. Producer: Gerry Jones. (Repeat from 10 March 1972).

9 August 1973:
The Rhyme of the Flying Bomb
By Mervyn Peake (1911-1968). Described as both a “ballad” and a “melodrama for radio”, this poem by the Gormenghast author evokes the 1940s London Blitz. First produced for the Third Programme on 26 August 1964 with Marius Goring and Marjorie Westbury, this new production features a revised score by original composer Tristram Cary. Male Narrator and Sailor: Frank Duncan. Female Narrator and Child: Olwen Griffiths. Composer: Tristram Cary. Piano: Robert Docker. Percussion: Tristan Fry. Clarinet: John McCaw. Oboe: Sidney Sutcliffe. Flute: Edward Walker. Producer: Terence Tiller.

12 August 1973:
Drama Now: The Final Solution
By Frederick Bradnum (1922-2001). In this “modern morality tale for radio”, millionaire property tycoon Sir Fred Blagg expresses himself almost poetically: “People, people, people! Why do my properties have to have people? Decent, struggling, colourless people who haven’t the money to pay.” Osbert Upfield, a broadcaster: Sam Dastor. Sir Fred Blagg the Chairman: Robert Lang. Miss Alday, a secretary: Elizabeth Morgan. Jervis, the General Manager: Rolf Lefebvre. Grove, the accountant: Fraser Kerr. Girl in an Office: Diana Bishop. Lady Blagg: Irene Prador. Wilkinson-Say, the Rent Officer: Graham Armitage. Dove, the architect: Nigel Graham. Thoroughgood, the shareholder: John Sharp. Clare Arbuthnot: Jill Balcon. Simon Blagg, Sir Fred's son: David Timson. Rosemary Blagg, Sir Fred's daughter: Kate Coleridge. Len Smith, a tenant: Haydn Jones. Jane Smith, his wife: Diana Olsson. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeated on 19 May 1974).

14 August 1973:
I’ve Got a Beautiful Collection of Knives
By Timoteusz Karpowicz (1921-2005), translated from the Polish by Nicholas Bethell. This drama is by a leading Polish playwright and poet (1921-2005). A judge and a pedlar, travelling to the funeral of a mutual friend, each recall memories of the deceased that lead to horrifying results. Judge: Maurice Denham. Pedlar: Alan Dobie. Questioner: William Sleigh. Producer: Martin Jenkins. (Repeated on 21 April 1974).

19 August 1973:
Drama Now: The Disintegration of James Cherry
By Jeff Wanshel. This surreal black comedy, first seen on stage in 1970 at New York’s Lincoln Center, was written by American writer Jeff Wanshel in his early twenties. The titular hero guides us through revealing, increasingly nightmarish episodes from his life that result in awful things happening to those around him, including grandparents eaten by crocodiles and a car-devouring truck. James Cherry: Sean Barrett. Voices: Douglas Blackwell, Robin Brown and Ronald Herdman. Mendacious Porpentine: David March. Elizabeth Cherry: Beth Porter. Ophelia Beans: Miriam Margolyes. Betsey Cherry: Elizabeth Proud. William Cherry: David Bauer. Tunbunny: Beth Porter. Charley Johnson: Geoffrey Matthews. Susquehanna B Hominy: Michael Kilgarriff. Grandmother Cherry: Olwen Griffiths. Dirty Gertie: Miriam Margolyes. Erasmus Pygmy: Haydn Jones. Nicotine Flightpath: Beth Porter. Producer Martin Esslin. (Repeat from 10 December 1972).

29 August 1973:
Drama Now: At the Gate
By Jonathan Raban. In this “downbeat comedy”, two women counter the fetid, enclosed atmosphere of their London flat by conjuring up a fantasy male figure called Usborne-Stringer. Fiona: Elizabeth Proud. Anthea: Frances Jeater. Usborne-Stringer: Peter Marinker. Taxi Driver: David Gooderson. Taxi Control: Timothy Bateson. Director: Richard Wortley. (Repeated on 13 April 1975).

4 September 1973:
Drama Now: Madmen and Specialists
By Wole Soyinka, adapted for radio by the author, In this eighth play by the acclaimed Nigerian writer, Dr Bero, a medical specialist corrupted by power and civil war, imprisons and torments his physician father who continues to have influence over his conflict-damaged guards. Aafaa: Alton Kumalo. Injured Man: Alex Tetteh-Lartey. Goyi: Yemi Ajibadb. Blind Man: Frank Cousins. Si Bero, sister to Dr Bero: Jumoke Debayo. The Old Women: Iya Agba, Nadia Cattouse, Iya Mate and Jeillo Edwards. Dr Bero: Leonard Dixon. Priest: Ilario Pedro. The Old Man: Lionel Ngakane. Producer: Richard Wortley.

8 September 1973:
Workshop: Jarry
By John Anthony West. In the Radio 3 slot for dramas conceived with stereo in mind, this programme celebrates the centenary of the birth of the French writer Alfred Jarry (1873-1907), often regarded as the forerunner to 1920s and 1930s surrealism. Alfred Jarry: Henry Woolf. Pere Ubu: Clive Swift. Mere Ubu: Marika Rivera. Jarry’s Muse: Catherine Dolan. Other parts played by Nigel Anthony, Peter Bartlett, Nigel Graham, Betty Huntley-Wright, John Hollis, Fraser Kerr, Rolf Lefebvre, Elizabeth Morgan, Diana Olsson, John Samson, Jonathan Scott, Douglas Storm and David Timson. Technical Assistants: Jock Farrell, Marsail MacCuish and David Greenwood. Edited at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop by Lloyd Silverthorne. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeated on 2 May 1974).

16 September 1973:
World Drama: The Silent Woman
By Ben Jonson, adapted by Raymond Raikes. In Jonson’s 1609 comedy, an old man who hates noise is tricked into marrying an apparently silent woman who turns out to be a boy. Ned Clerimont: John Westbrook. His page: Barnaby Williams. Truewit, his friend: Marius Goring. Sir Dauphine Eugenie, nephew to Morose: Gabriel Woolf. Sir Amorous La-Foote: Ronald Herdman. Mute, servant to Morose: William Eedle. Morose, a gentleman that loves no noise: Heron Carvic. Cutbeard, a barber: John Ruddock. Sir John Daw: Michael Kilgarriff. Mistress Epicoene, the Silent Woman: Judy Bennett. Thomas Otter, a land and sea Captain: Norman Shelley. Mistress Otter, his wife: Peggy Mount. A Parson: Willlam Eedle. Lady Haughty: Kate Binchy. Lady Centaure: Betty Baskcomb. Music: Stephen Dodgson, performed by members of the English Chamber Orchestra, led by Jose-Luis Garcia, conducted by Rae Jenkins. Producer: Raymond Raikes. (Repeat from 24 September 1972).

18 September 1973:
Drama Now: Consider the Lillies
By Susan Hill. Haunted by the drowning of his sister decades ago and Blakean visions of angels, 53-year-old bachelor Charles Bowman is drawn to a dying girl, Susannah, who likes to visit the botanical gardens he oversees. Charles Bowman: Tony Britton. Lesage: Vernon Joyner. Mrs Lesage: Betty Huntley-Wright. Young Charles: Nicholas Dillane. Lottie: Julie Hallam. Susannah’s Nurse: Diana Olsson. Susannah: Helen Worth. Doctor: Clive Swift. Music: Geoffrey Burgon, performed by Doreen Price (soprano), John York Skinner (counter-tenor), Nona Liddell (violin), Geoffrey Burgon (celeste), David Corkhill (vibraphone) and John Marson (harp). Producer: Guy Vaesen. (Repeated on 11 August 1974. Also on Radio 4 Extra on 29 June 2009).

30 September 1973:
Perfect Happiness
By Caryl Churchill. When her husband does not come home, a wife invites two of his girlfriends over to find out where he might be. Felicity: Jill Bennett. Leanne: Angela Pleasence. Margo: Pamela Moiseiwitsch. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeated on 16 July 1974).

1 October 1973:
Danger
By Richard Hughes (1900-1976). A 50th anniversary production marking the BBC’s first play written specially for radio by the then 23-year-old Hughes. First broadcast on 15 January 1924 under the title A Comedy of Danger, it’s about a group of people trapped in a coal mine. As Hughes (1900-1976) recalled on the BBC Home Service in 1956: “We thought of using a narrator, but agreed it would be a confession of failure. No, we must rely on dramatic speech and sounds entirely... and it had never been done before.” (Also produced on Radio 4 on 2 October 1982.) Jack: Christopher Good. Mary: Carol Marsh. Mr Bax: Carleton Hobbs. Welsh miners: John Atterbury, Henry Davies, Richard Parry, John Rebs and Eilian Wyn. Producer: Raymond Raikes. (Repeated on 15 January 1974).

2 October 1973:
The Questionable Child
By Frederick Bradnum, adapted for radio by Terence Tiller. A ghost story by Bradnum (1922-2001), which features in The Seventh Ghost Book (Pan), edited by Rosemary Timperley. Thomas Blanco: Michael Deacon. Female Visitant: Hilda Schroder. Male Visitant: Godfrey Kenton. Other parts played by Diana Olsson, Michael Kilgarriff and Lewis Stringer. Music: Humphrey Searle, performed by members of the Sinfonia of London conducted by the composer. Producer: Terence Tiller.

5 October 1973:
Ondine
A music drama composed by Akira Miyoshi with words by Eriko Kishida and adapted from the story by Friedrich Baron de la Motte Fouqué. It tells of a water spirit marrying a knight to gain a soul. Made by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Company), it won the 1960 Italia Prize. This version for English presentation, first heard on Network Three on 14 October 1961, was overseen by Raymond Raikes with narration by John Humphry. Featuring the Tokyo Women’s Chorus and Radio Orchestra, conducted by Tadashi Mori.

9 October 1973:
Drama Now: The Mystery
By Bill Naughton (1910-1992). Writer Edward Grock is ordered by his rich wife to take the cat and dog to the vet to be neutered. He has some sympathy with their predicament. (Winner of the 1974 Italia Prize.) Edward: Norman Rodway. Edith: Irene Sutcliffe. Mrs Atkins: Ann Morrish. Mrs Kite: Peggy Aitchison. Alice: Julie Hallam. Henn: Fraser Kerr. Dingle: Anthony Jay. Peter: Sam Dastor. Poodle Owner: Diana Bishop. Vet: Leonard Fenton. Cat Owner: Doreen Andrew. Pianist: Winifred Davey. Producer: Guy Vaesen. (Repeated on 3 February 1974, 25 December 1974, 8 June 1980 and 19 May 1992).

14 October 1973:
The Infernal Machine
By Jean Cocteau, translated by Carl Wildman. First heard on the Third Programme on 23 November 1960, this production of Cocteau’s experimental play stars Albert Finney as Oedipus, destined by the gods to murder his father and marry his mother. Oedipus: Albert Finney. Jocasta: Coral Browne. The Sphinx: Catherine Dolan. Tiresias: Miles Malleson. The Ghost: Charles Simon. Anubis: Heron Carvic. Young Soldier: Nicholas Edmett. Soldier: Tom Watson. Captain: John Bryning. Matron: Kathleen Helme. Creon: Wilfred Babbage. The Messenger: Keith Buckley. The Shepherd: Arthur Ridley. The Drunk: Julian Somers. Antigone: Judy Horn. Music: Tristram Cary. Special effects by BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Producer: HB Fortuin. (Also heard on 16 December 1960 and 18 June 1961).

21 October 1973:
Eastward Ho!
By Ben Jonson, George Chapman, John Marston and Peter Barnes. This 1605 comedy by three Jacobean dramatists weaves money, sex and class into a plot involving a goldsmith in London’s Cheapside and his apprentices and two daughters. Peter Barnes (1931-2004) regarded his contribution here as a collaborator rather than adapter. Touchstone, a goldsmith: David Neal. Mistress Touchstone, his wife: Ann Heffernan. His apprentices – Quicksilver: Joe Melia. Golding: Peter Craze. His daughters – Gertrude: Dilys Laye. Mildred: Sandra Clark. Bettrice, Gertrude's maid: Bonnie Hurren,. Poldavy, a tailor: Anthony Hall. Sir Petronel Flash, a knight: Norman Rodway. Security, a moneylender: Cyril Shaps. Winnie, his wife: Hilda Schroder. Seagull, a mariner: Brian Haines. Other parts played by Peter Williams, Anthony Daniels, Vernon Joyner, Timothy Bateson, Godfrey Kenton, Rolf Lefebvre, Nigel Graham, Fraser Kerr, William Sleigh, David Sinclair and Jan Edwards. Music: Christopher Whelen. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 27 August 1974).

23 October 1973:
Nice
By Mustapha Matura (1939-2019). Stefan Kalipha performs this deeply ironic monologue by the award-winning Trinidadian, London-based playwright (1939-2019). Brimming with good humour, an imprisoned immigrant reflects on his adopted country and his experience of hypocritical British officialdom. Director: John Tydeman. (Repeated on 29 April 1975).

28 October 1973:
World Drama: Titus Andronicus
By William Shakespeare. In this full-blooded revenge tragedy, the Andronici family become involved in an increasingly murderous feud with the Roman Emperor Saturninus and his wife Tamora and her sons. Saturninus, Emperor of Rome: John Rowe. Bassianus, his brother: Sam Dastor. Titus Andronicus: Michael Aldridge. Lucius, his son: Sean Barrett. Quintus, his son: Nigel Graham. Martius, his son: William Sleigh. Mutius, his son: Neville Jason. Lavinia, his daughter: Frances Jeater. Young Lucius, his grandson: Crispin Gillbard. Marcus, his brother: Alan Webb. Tamora, Queen of the Goths: Barbara Jefford. Demetrius, her son: David Timson. Chiron, her son: Colin Baker. Aaron, a Black Moor and Tamora's lover: Julian Glover. Publius: Nigel Graham. Aemilius: Brian Haines. Captain/First Goth: Fraser Kerr. Second Goth: Neville Jason. Clown: Timothy Bateson. Messenger: William Sleigh. Music: David Cain, played by Martin Nicholls, Colin Sheen, Roger Brenner, Terence Emery, George Khan and Paul Rutherford. Producer: Martin Jenkins. (Repeated on 5 May 1974).

6 November 1973:
Double “Attack”
By Charles C Umeh. Praised by Wole Soyinka, this drama by the Nigerian educationist and playwright (1939-2019) deals with the “Attack” trade during the Biafra war, which entails smuggling fuel across enemy lines. The protagonist, Chief Enyimba, is horrified when he discovers that 10 drums of smuggled petrol contain only water. Joint winner of the fourth prize in the African Radio Playwriting competition. Paul: Lionel Ngakane. Chief Enyimba: Yemi Ajibade. Mrs Oriaku Enyimba: Jeillo Edwards. Attack 1: Ilario Pedro. Attack 2: Alton Kumalo. Captain Chike Enyimba: Alex Tetteh-Lartey. Producer: Charles Lefeaux. (Repeated on 30 July 1974).

11 November 1973:
Not to Disturb
By Christopher Holme, adapted from the 1971 novella by Muriel Spark. When Baron and Baroness Klopstock and Victor, their secretary, die in a suicide pact, Lister the butler leads the servants to capitalise on the deaths. Lister the butler: Michael Hordern. Eleanor: Sheila Grant. Heloise: Patricia England. Clovis: Frank Duncan. Hadrian: William Eedle. Pablo: Sam Dastor. Rene: Bonnie Hurren. Theo: David Timson. Clara: Julie Hallam. Sister Barton: Elizabeth Revill. Samuel: Nigel Anthony. McGuire: Jim Norton. The Reverend: Carleton Hobbs. Prince Eugene: Garard Green. Anne: Diana Bishop. Alex: Fraser Kerr. With Jader Oliviera and Percy Edwards. Music: Tristram Cary. Producer: Christopher Holme.

20 November 1973:
Damage
By Rosalind Belben. An “absurdist black comedy” in which guilt conjures up delusions about motherhood for one woman. Mother: Sheila Grant. Woman: Katherine Parr. Receptionist: Elizabeth Morgan. Doctor: Timothy Bateson. Good Friend: Eva Stuart. Gossips: Sandra Clark, Julie Hallam, Diana Olsson and Hilda Schroder. Special sound by Dick Mills of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Director: Charles Lefeaux. (Repeated on 7 August 1974).

25 November 1973:
The Dark Tower
By Louis MacNiece. The celebrated poet (1907-1963) also worked as a producer at the BBC from 1940, creating a series of remarkable radio features. His most celebrated work is this “parable play” exploring the ancient theme of the Quest, suggested by Robert Browning’s poem Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came. Its first production was heard on the BBC Home Service on 21 January 1946 with music specially composed by Benjamin Britten. It was produced again in 1956 with Richard Burton (14 May 1956) and in subsequent years, including here in 1973. Presenter: Margaret Gordon. Sergeant Trumpeter: John Laurie. Gavin: Robin Browne. Roland: Denys Hawthorne. Mother: Mary Wimbush. Tutor: Mark Dignam. Sylvie: Kate Binchy. Blind Peter: John Hollis. Soak-Solipsist: David March. Barmaid: Lynn Carson. Stentor: Wolfe Morris. Steward: Haydn Jones. Officer: William Fox. Neaera: Cecile Chevreau. Passenger: Alan Lawrence. Tout: Nigel Anthony. Priest: Gerald Cross. Father: Anthony Jacobs. Parrot: Julia Lang. Raven: Duncan McIntyre. Clock Voice: Brian Haines. Child's Voice: Diana Robson. Music: Benjamin Britten, played by John Wilbraham (trumpet) and the BBC Northern Ireland orchestra conducted by Frederick Marshall. Producer: R.D. Smith. (Repeated on 3 March 1974).

2 December 1973:
Drama Now: Catholics
By Brian Moore (1921-1999) from his 1972 novel and set in a near-future which imagines the Catholic church pursuing a more secular form of worship. A modernising young American priest pits his wits against those of a cynical abbot when the former visits an isolated island monastery off the coast of Kerry, Ireland, where they are defying the Catholic leadership by still saying Mass in Latin. (Also dramatised by Bill Taylor for Radio 4’s Saturday Play on 15 January 2000.) Abbot: Joseph O'Conor. Fr Kinsella: Peter Marinker. Librarian: William Sleigh. Fr General: Rolf Lefebvre. Padraig: William Sleigh. Brother Kevin: Fraser Kerr. Brother Paul: Harry Webster. Brother Martin: Maurice Good. Fr Manus: Denys Hawthorne. Fr Matthew: Kevin Flood. Fr Walter: Harry Webster. Producer: Richard Imison. (Repeated on 18 August 1974).

9 December 1973:
And Was Jerusalem Builded Here?
By Barry Collins. This first play by the Halifax-born dramatist, first seen at Leeds Playhouse in 1972, features the Luddites protesting against the mechanisation of the weaving industry in 1812 Yorkshire. Narrator: Robert Powell. Booth: Martin Jarvis. Anna: Pamela Craig. Mary: Carole Turner. Hartley: Jim Whelan. Mellor: Malcolm Terris. Walker: Peter Ellis. Lackleg: Anthony Collin. Thorpe: Edward Peel. Smith: David Hatton. Roberson: David Mahlowe. Sergeant: Ken Farrington. Father: John Franklyn-Robbins. Midwife: Lorraine Peters. Music: William Southgate. Producer: Tony Cliff (Leeds). (Repeated on 24 September 1974).

18 December 1973:
Drama Now: Pardon Monsieur
By Jeannine Worms, translated by Barbara Wright. In this black comedy by the French writer (1923-2006), two middle-aged gentlemen bump into each other and, in the ensuing conversation, discover a significant link between them. First Gentleman: Michael Hordern. Second Gentleman: David March. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 8 September 1974).

23 December 1973:
Hassan
By James Elroy Flecker with music by Frederick Delius. A 1973 production of this poetic drama by Flecker (1884-1915), subtitled “The Story of Hassan of Bagdad and How He Came to Make the Golden Journey to Samarkand”. It was a celebrated success when first staged at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London in 1923. It subsequently enjoyed broadcast versions in 1925 and 1926 and was produced for the BBC National Programme (7 February 1933). Ishak, the Poet: Robert Hardy. Hassan, a Confectioner: Norman Shelley. Selim, his friend: Leslie French. Porter of Yasmin’s house: Anthony Hall. Yasmin: Elizabeth Morgan. The Caliph Haroun al Raschid: Joss Ackland. Jafar, his Vizier: Carleton Hobbs. Masrur, his Executioner: Frank Cousins. Rafi, King of the Beggars: Stephen Murray. The Chief Beggar: Roger Heath (baritone). Herald: William Sleigh. Pervaneh: Rachel Gurney. A Muezzin: Leslie Fry (tenor). The Fountain Ghost: Vernon Joyner. Master of the Caravan: Neville Jason. Other parts played by Diana Bishop, Fraser Kerr, Diana Olsson, Sion Probert, Terry Scully and Stephen Thorne. With the BBC Singers (trained by Kerry Woodward) and the BBC Welsh Orchestra (led by Colin Staveley), conducted by Rae Jenkins. “The Serenade” sung by Gareth Roberts (tenor) with Persian lute played by Hugo D’Alton. Producer: Raymond Raikes. (Repeated on 19 January 1975).

DOCUMENTARIES

8, 15 & 22 January 1973:
Soft City
Three talks by Jonathan Raban (1942-2023), who became an established radio dramatist in the 1970s alongside journalism before becoming a major travel writer. Producer: George Macbeth.
1. The Rejected City
Raban argues that urban styles and performances survive and proliferate despite writers, planners and intellectuals rejecting the city.
2 The New Castes
Raban argues that membership of the city's “elective castes” Is advertised by clothes, housefronts, cars and modern urban dialects.
3. Brahims and Pariahs
Raban pinpoints what he sees as “two key London castes” – the intellectual and artistic entrepreneurs of Islington and those “with their guitars and hash joints” in Earls Court.

11 February 1973:
The Chocolate Project
By Antony Hopkins. This explores Verdi’s seven-year collaboration with the poet and musician Arrigo Boito that would culminate in Verdi’s masterpiece Otello, a project the composer only ever referred to as “the chocolate project”. Verdi: Marius Goring. Boito: Barry Foster. Othello: Fraser Kerr. Iago: Lewis Stringer. Emilia: Patricia Leventon. Roderigo: Robin Browne. Montano: William Sleigh. Gentleman: Anthony Hall. Operatic extracts – Emilia: Elaine Blighton (soprano). Emilia: Eileen Shaw (contralto). Otello: Stuart Kale (tenor). Lago: Antony Ransome (baritone). Piano: Antony Hopkins, Producer: Christopher Holme. (Repeated on 20 February 1974).

9, 16 & 23 February 1973:
Herbert Marshall Remembers
The author and academic (1906-1991), a pioneer of left-wing theatre in Britain who studied under Eisenstein at the Soviet Film Academy in the 1930s, recalls those years.
1. From Moscow to the Unity Theatre
2. Eisenstein, Meyerhold and Okhlopkov
3. Poets and Politicians.

17 February 1973
Decisions and Revisions: Heinrich and Thomas Mann in 1914.
By Joyce Crick. While Heinrich Mann opposed the First World War, his brother Thomas supported it, resulting in the latter’s Reflections of a Non-Political Man. (Repeated on 6 April 1973).

6 March 1973:
A Terribly Strange Man
By Frederick Bradnam (1922-2001). A portrait of Wilkie Collins (1824-1889), the younger contemporary friend and colleague of Charles Dickens. Chiefly remembered for his novels The Moonstone and The Woman in White, this programme explores the author in his 44th year. With Patricia Gallimore, Margaret Wolfit, Kerry Francis, Brian Hewlett and John Rye. Producer: Terence Tiller. (Repeat from 28 January 1971).

26 March 1973:
Did Mr Punch have an Aryan Grandmother?
Fritz Spiegel examines some of the more bizarre attempts by Hitler to purge the arts of Jewish influences, with examples from captured Nazi documents.

30 July 1973:
Conversations with Brecht
Compiled and narrated by Martin Esslin. The conversations between Bertolt Brecht and the German critic Walter Benjamin reveal much about Brecht's attitude to politics and art. Readers: Nigel Anthony, Bonnie Hurren and John Forrest. Producer: Martin Esslin.

26 August 1973:
Passionate Friends
By Derek Parker. The correspondence in later life between Henry James and three close friends reveals much about the man and the writer. Narrator: Derek Parker. Henry James: Carleton Hobbs. Hugh Walpole: Gary Watson. Miss Woolson: Sheila Grant. Producer: Ian Cotterell.

31 August 1973:
The Good Bohemian Hasek
By Cecil Parrott and Archie Gordon. This programme tells the story of the life of Jaroslav Hasek, author of The Good Soldier Svejk. Narrator: Cecil Parrott. With the voices of Clive Swift, John Forrest, Walter Hall, Leonard Fenton and Denis McCarthy. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 23 September 1974).

11 September 1973:
A Mind of Universal Sympathy
By Desmond King-Hele. A portrait of Dr Erasmus Darwin whose ideas on evolution were more radical than those of his grandson Charles Darwin. He was also a pioneer in meteorology, medicine and industrial technology. Narrator: Nigel Anthony, Dr Erasmus Darwin: Freddie Jones. With Patricia Leventon, David Brierley, Stephen Thorne, David Gooderson, William Eedle and Fraser Kerr. Producer: John Scotney. (Repeated on 23 February 1974 and 30 March 1978).

13 September 1973:
Byron’s Letters
By Douglas Cleverdon. A portrait of Lord Byron drawn from his letters and journals. They cover his years at Harrow and Cambridge, his two-year stay in Greece and Turkey and his overnight rise to fame with the publication of Childe Harold 's Pilgrimage. Byron: Julian Glover. John Cam Hobhouse: Timothy Bateson. Susanna Vaughan: Elizabeth Morgan. Samuel Rogers: Sam Dastor. Lady Caroline Lamb: Hilda Schroder. Producer: Douglas Cleverdon.

11 October 1973:
Jean Cocteau – Enfant Terrible
Devised by Carl Wildman. An evocation of Cocteau, a poet, novelist, playwright, film-maker, designer and socialite, which aims to put his work into perspective. With the views and voices of Jean Cocteau, Edwige Feuillere, Jean Marais, Pierre Fresnais, Sir Cecil Beaton, Raymond Mortimer, Tamara Karsavina and others. Readers: David Brierley, Bernard Finch and Robin Lefebvre. Producer: John Theocharis. (Repeated on 24 April 1975).

30 November 1973:
Leningrad Speaks
By Eva Strauss. Three women writers kept journals recording their experiences during the siege of Leningrad in 1944, during which time Shostakovich also wrote his Leningrad Symphony. Narrator: Alan Dobie. Vera Inber: Mary Wimbush. Olga Berggolts: Colette O'Neill. Vera Panova: Miriam Margolyes. Voice: Geoffrey Matthews. Voice: John Rowe. Voice: Betty Huntley-Wright. Producer: Maurice Leitch. (Repeated on 4 May 1975).

READINGS & SHORT STORIES

2 January 1973:
The Lost Ones by Samuel Beckett (read by Patrick Magee)
First published in French under the title Le Depeupleur. The enigmatic title refers to a line of Lamartine: “One human being is missing and everything is emptied of people”. The story constructs a self-contained world inhabited by beings searching for such a lost being, whose absence makes the world empty of humanity. Producer: Martin Esslin.

6 January 1973:
Solzhenitsyn Speaks (read by Paul Scofield)
The dissident writer’s 1970 Nobel Prize address, translated for broadcast by Nicholas Bethell. Producer: Robert Cradock.

11 January to 29 March 1973:
Byron’s Don Juan (read by Ronald Pickup)
A weekly 12-part reading of Byron’s epic satirical poem arranged by Terence Tiller. Producer Hallam Tennyson. (Repeated May to July 1974).

26 February 1973:
Searchlight by Alex Hamilton (read by Hugh Dickson and Gary Watson).
Two soldiers discuss their commanding officer and how they can interfere with his plans for love. Producer: George Macbeth. (Repeated on 9 November 1973).

11 March 1973:
The Spinster's Sweet-arts by Alfred Lord Tennyson (read by Mary Wimbush)
One of Tennyson's dialect poems, written 30 years after he had left his native Lincolnshire. Producer: Hallam Tennyson. (Repeat from 31 October 1967).

14 March 1973:
The Shipwreck of the Juno by William Mackay (adapted by Tony Gould).
Mackay wrote an account as Second Officer of the famous shipwreck of the English East India Company vessel off the coast of Aracan (now Myanmar) in 1795. Narrator: Hugh Burden. William Mackay: Henry Stamper. Reader: Davld Gooderson. Producer: Tony Gould. (Repeated on 13 October 1973).

21 March 1973:
Molly Bloom by James Joyce (read by Siobhan McKenna)
The last chapter of Joyce’s novel Ulysses in which Molly Bloom lies in bed with her memories and fantasies. Producer Guy Vaesen. (Repeated on 18 June 1974).

26 March 1973:
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe (read by Timothy Bateson)
A reading of one of Poe’s best known poems. (Repeat from 14 September 1965).

17 April 1973:
Four Quartets by TS Eliot (read by Alec Guinness)
Eliot’s interconnected poems on time, faith and meaning has music specially composed by Peter Maxwell Davies, played by The Fires of London. Producer: Hallam Tennyson. (Repeat from 17 November 1972).

22 April 1973:
A Anscombe by Nelson Graham (read by Cyril Shaps)
A short story.

6 May 1973:
The Fascist by Brian Glanville (read by the author).
A short story by Glanville (1931-2025), a respected Times football writer and novelist.

26 May 1973:
Escape to Eden (read by Edward Woodward)
By Roger Frith. A description of John Clare's flight from Epping Asylum in 1841, taken from his poems and journals. (Repeated on 9 December 1973).

13, 14 & 16 June 1973:
Beowulf (new translation by Michael Alexander, read by John Glenn)
Accompanied by Mary Remnant playing a replica of the Sutton Hoo lyre. Producer: Michael Mason. (Repeated on 13, 20 & 27 May 1977).
1 The Coming of Grendel
2 The Fight with Grendel
3 The Fight with the Barrow Dragon.

18, 19 & 20 June 1973:
Death in Venice by Thomas Mann (read by Paul Scofield)
Three-part reading translated by H.T. Lowe-Porter and abridged by Frederick Bradnum. Producer: John Tydeman. (Repeated 17,18 & 19 December 1975)
1 The Traveller
2 Tadzio
3 Pestilence and Death.

8 July 1973:
On Looking Back
Sir Ralph Richardson reads from his autobiography. First heard on the BBC Home Service in 1960. (Repeat from 20 December 1972).

23 June 1973:
A Yorkshire Childhood by Herbert Read (read by David Markham)
An account by the poet, art historian, literary critic and philosopher (1893-1968) of his childhood in rural Yorkshire at the turn of the century. Producer: John Theocharis. (Repeated on 27 November 1975).

7 July 1973:
First Love by Samuel Beckett (read by Patrick Magee)
In Beckett’s 1946 short story, an old man looks back at the only amorous episode in his life, revealing an ironically comic view of human love. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 4 June 1974).

8, 17, 23, 31 August, 5 & 9 September 1973:
Six Henry James Short Stories
Producer: John Theocharis.
1 The Two Faces (read by Geraldine McEwan)
2 The Tree of Knowledge (read by Frederick Treves)
3 The Beldonald Holbein (read by Jill Balcon and Mark Dignam)
4 Europe (read by Robert Beatty)
5 Miss Gunton of Poughkeepsle (read by Jill Balcon)
6 Brooksmith (read by Mark Dignam).

25 & 26 August 1973:
The Good Soldier Svejk by Jaroslav Hasek (read by Clive Swift).
A reading of the celebrated novel in a translation by Cecil Parrott. Producer: Martin Esslin. (Repeated on 8 April 1976).
1 Svejk's Adventures as Batman to Lieutenant Lukas
2 Further Adventures of Svejk as Batman to Lieutenant Lukas.

28 September 1973:
Axolotl by Julio Cortazar (read by Robert Eddison)
In this story by Latin American author (1914-1984), the unnamed first-person narrator becomes obsessed with the axolotl (a species of salamander) in the aquarium exhibit of the zoo at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. Translated by John McDonnell. (Repeated on 13 February 1974).
===end===








Many thanks to Ian Johns for compiling the entries.

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