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BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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The Pillow Book

Drama: Classic & Period

Drama: Historical

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

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.

BBC Radio 4 LW

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

The Pillow Book: Series 4: Episode 4

Drama: Crime

The Pillow Book, series 4

Episode 4

Series 4

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

The young Emperor has been kidnapped by his nemesis, the bandit king Inokichi.

The young Emperor has been kidnapped by his nemesis, the bandit king Inokichi. Meanwhile, Yukinari and Lady Shonagon find themselves, and each other, in a secret rose garden.

Episode four in a new series of Robert Forrest's popular thriller, set in 10th century Japan. Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari are reunited for another adventure, this time beyond the safety of the Palace walls.

The young Emperor has disappeared from the Palace into the wilds of Japan, to learn the ways of his people. Mischievous as ever, he has left behind him a challenge addressed to his champion Lieutenant Yukinari, and the detective's associate the Lady Shonagon, to find him. 

As the couple travel anonymously through Japan on the trail of the young Emperor, the boy has been kidnapped by his nemesis, the Bandit king, Inokichi. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Yukinari and Lady Shonagon find themselves, and each other, in a secret rose garden. 

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
Inokichi.............Gary Lewis

Directed by Lu Kemp.

The Pillow Book: Series 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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