Original version

BBC Two

Knowledge, drama, comedy and the arts for a broad adult audience.

BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

BBC Two Scotland

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

BBC Two England

England

BBC Four

BBC Four HD

James Kent

Olivia Colman

Vanessa Redgrave

Sophie Turner

Alexandra Roach

Robert Pugh

Emily Beecham

Michael Jibson

Tom Goodman-Hill

Adam Long

Alice Barlow

Isabel Barlow

Gordon Winter

Martin Wimbush

Steven Mackintosh

Antonia Clarke

Janet Amsden

Madeleine Power

Lizzie Hopley

Jacqueline Davis

Christopher Hampton

Diane Setterfield

David Heyman

Norma Heyman

The Thirteenth Tale

Drama: Psychological

30/12/2013

BBC Four - The Thirteenth Tale

A biographer and a dying novelist both delve into their dark pasts.

Psychological drama. A biographer, hearing the previously untold dark and disturbing life story of a dying novelist, is compelled to finally face the trauma of her own past.

Psychological drama adapted by Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher Hampton from Diane Setterfield's bestselling novel.

Biographer Margaret Lea is summoned to the Yorkshire home of dying novelist Vida Winter, who has handpicked Margaret to write her biography. Though initially hesitant, as Vida has a reputation for distorting facts in interviews, Margaret becomes fascinated by her previously untold story.

As the novelist recounts her dark and disturbing childhood, Margaret is compelled to finally face the trauma of her own past. But as time runs out, Margaret, desperate to hear the end of Vida's story, begins to wonder if she is hearing the confessions of a murderer.

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Thirteenth Tale

Contributors

Genres

BBC Two Northern Ireland

About BBC Two