Tumanbay is recovering from a brutal occupation by the followers of Maya. Manel (Aiysha Hart), daughter of Tumanbay’s greatest commander, now sits on the throne. Her chief adviser and lover is the mysterious traveller Alkin (Nathalie Armin), who she once tried to kill. 

The city has been plundered for much of its wealth and, desperate for allies, a marriage has been arranged between Manel and Herod (Amir El-Masry), the feckless son of a powerful provincial governor.
 
Gregor (Rufus Wright), Manel’s uncle and commander of the Palace Guard, is convinced that Maya and her followers are still a threat to Tumanbay.

Cast:
Gregor........Rufus Wright
Manel........Aiysha Hart
Cadali........Matthew Marsh
Bavand........Peter Polycarpou
Alkin........Nathalie Armin
Herod........Amir El-Masry
Heaven........Olivia Popica
General Qulan........Christopher Fulford
Frog........Finn Elliot
Matilla........Humera Syed
Akiba........Akin Gazi
Selim........Farshid Rokey
Spider........Yusuf Hofri
Librarian........Antony Bunsee
Cafe Owner........Muzz Khan
Deiner........Vivek Madan
Swords trader........Nadir Khan

Tumanbay is created by John Scott Dryden and Mike Walker and inspired by the Mamluk slave rulers of Egypt.

Original Music by Sacha Puttnam

Sound Design by Eloise Whitmore
Additional Music by Jon Ouin

Produced by Emma Hearn, Nadir Khan and John Scott Dryden
Written and directed by John Scott Dryden

A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4 Show less