Venta has been in the household of Pliny the Younger for five months, as secretary and scribe. Meanwhile, the Emperor Domitian's reign of terror continues. There's a rumour that he entertains people one day, then has them executed next morning on some trumped up charge. The atmosphere in the normally calm villa is uneasy. Pliny hears stories of slaves who are spying on masters. And then an invitation arrives - to dinner with the Emperor. They are instructed to wear black so Marcella arranges for their togas to be dyed. The night of the dinner arrives, and it proves just as alarming as they feared.

Hattie Naylor's drama is based on real letters written by Pliny to his family and friends nearly two thousand years ago.

Music composed by Pete Flood and performed by Pete Flood (percussion), Laura Cannell (recorder, crumhorn), Rhodri Davies (harp), and Paul Sartin (oboe, cor anglais)

Historical Consultant: Dr Peter Jones
Sound: Nigel Lewis
Production Coordinator: Eleri McAuliffe

Produced and Directed by Kate McAll. Show less