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The Pillow Book

Drama: Classic & Period

Drama: Historical

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Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Robert Forrest's thriller, inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th-century Japanese court.

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Woman's Hour Drama: The Pillow Book, series 4

The Pillow Book: Series 4: Episode 1

Drama: Crime

The Pillow Book, series 4

Episode 1

Series 4

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Pillow Book, Series 4, Episode 1

The Emperor has disappeared into the wilderness beyond the palace walls.

The Emperor has disappeared into the wilderness beyond the palace walls and challenges Lieutenant Yukinari and Lady Shonagon to find him.

Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari reunite for a new adventure in 10th century Japan.

The young Emperor has disappeared from the Palace into the wilds of Japan, to learn the ways of his people. Mischievous as ever, he leaves behind him a challenge addressed to his champion and favourite, Lieutenant Yukinari, to find him. And, of course, Yukinari must be accompanied by his guide in the ways of palace life, the Lady Shonagon. The Emperor makes two conditions: that the couple travel unaccompanied and in disguise, dressed in peasant garb, a prospect that Lady Shonagon - a connoisseur of all the finer luxuries of life - finds both appalling and humiliating. 

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court. 

Written by Robert Forrest. 

Shonagon............... Ruth Gemmell
Yukinari...................Cal Macaninch
Emperor...................Freddie Rayner
Kei..........................Brian Ferguson
Peasant..................John Paul Hurley

Directed by Lu Kemp.

The Pillow Book: Series 4

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Robert Forrest's thriller set in the Palace of the Sun Goddess in 10th-century Japan

Robert Forrest's thriller, inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th-century Japanese court

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