BBC Radio 4

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

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

Radio 4 (FM)

This Orient Isle

Jerry Brotton

Derek Jacobi

David Roper

This Orient Isle: Episode 5

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 Extra - This Orient Isle, Episode 5

Derek Jacobi reads a captivating account of Britain's first contact with the Muslim world.

From the London stage, the Elizabethan fascination with Islam, particularly by Shakespeare and Marlowe. Read by Derek Jacobi.

Professor Jerry Brotton, one of the UK's leading experts on cultural exchange, examines Queen Elizabeth I's fascination with the Orient. He shows that England's relations with the Muslim world were far more extensive, and often more amicable, than we have ever appreciated, and that their influence was felt across the political, commercial and domestic landscape of Elizabethan England.
 
Derek Jacobi reads the captivating account of how Britain sent ships, treaties and gifts to the royal families of Morocco and Turkey, including a gold carriage and a full-size pipe organ.
 
In this episode, we visit the London stage to discover the Elizabethan fascination with the little-known world of Islam, particularly by Shakespeare and Marlowe.
 
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2016.

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.

Drama: Historical

4 Extra Debut. Queen Elizabeth I's fascination with the Orient and the origins of our taste for imports from there. Read by Derek Jacobi.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

This Orient Isle

Episode 5

Contributors

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4