Young hero Kay Harker sets out on a magical quest to find long-lost family treasure.

In a race against time, Kay is pitted against the evil Abner Brown and his dark magic. But Kay has the very special Midnight Folk to help him. Nibbins the cat, Bitem the fox and Blinky the owl. Not to mention a rat, an otter and a bat! Plus a tribe of toys, including his beloved Edward the Bear.

Kay's adventures take him to many exotic and magical locations.

Along the way, he rides on a magic broomstick, visits his great-grandfather inside his own portrait and after taking a swig of Invisible Potion eavesdrops on the Pouncer Seven, a tribe of witches.

Starring Sam Salter, Nickolas Grace and Charles Dance.

First published in 1927, John Masefield's book was described by The Times as one of 'the greatest children's books ever written.'

Dramatised in two parts by Christopher William Hill.

Kay...Sam Salter
Nibbins...Nickolas Grace
Abner......Charles Dance
Miss Sylvia Daisy.....Deborah Findlay
Captain Harker.....Andrew Sachs
Susan.....Liz Smith
Ellen.....Helena Breck
Bitem.....Jon Glover
Bilges/The Keeper.....Ewan Bailey
Jane/Keeper's wife.....Ann Beach
Twiney.....Harry Myers
Blinky.....Graham Seed
Nightshade.....Miranda Keeling
Belladonna.....Bethan Walker
Brother Venom.....Mark Straker
Sir Theopompus.....Sam Dale
Bert.....Ian Masters
Hollings.....Joseph Kloska
Woman......Christine Kavanagh

John Masefield was Poet Laureate from 1930 until his death in 1967.

Producer: Tracey Neale

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006. Show less