Original version

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.

BBC Radio 4 FM

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

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

BBC Radio 4 LW

BBC Radio 4 Extra

The Once and Future King

Paul Ready

David Warner

Edward Bracey

Ethan Hammer

Bruce Alexander

Michael Bertenshaw

Lyndsey Marshal

Paul Heath

Elaine Claxton

Jane Slavin

Monty d'Inverno

Bettrys Jones

TH White

Brian Sibley

Gemma Jenkins

Marc Beeby

David Hunter

The Once and Future King: Episode 1: The Coming of Merlyn

Drama

Drama: SciFi & Fantasy

The Coming of Merlyn

Episode 1

Episode 1: The Coming of Merlyn

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Once and Future King, The Coming of Merlyn

Merlyn and Arthur meet to discuss what has brought England to its current perilous state.

4 Extra Debut. England is in turmoil. On the night before a decisive battle, Merlyn and King Arthur are wondering why? Stars David Warner. From November 2014.

T. H. White's classic retelling of the King Arthur story dramatised by Brian Sibley. England is in turmoil. On the night before a decisive battle, Merlyn and Arthur meet to talk about what has brought the King and country to this perilous state.

Original music by Elizabeth Purnell
Directors: Gemma Jenkins, Marc Beeby and David Hunter

The radio debut of all five books of The Once and Future King in an adaptation by the award-winning dramatist, Brian Sibley, whose credits include dramatisations of The Lord of The Rings trilogy, Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast novels and most recently, Ray Bradbury's The Illustrated Man.

White's imagining of Arthur's childhood in The Sword in The Stone, his use of myth to deliver a powerful anti-war message and the humanity of his depiction of doomed love marks this cycle of novels as one of the defining works of 20th century fantasy fiction.

White uses the Arthurian legends to explore epic themes of national identity, democracy and the virtues of right over might.

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.

TH White's tale of King Arthur, adapted by Brian Sibley.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Once and Future King

Episode 1: The Coming of Merlyn

Contributors

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4