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15 Minute Drama: Elizabeth von Arnim - The Enchanted April

Jenny Funnell

Pippa Nixon

Lyndsey Marshal

Joanna Monro

Rhiannon Neads

Stephen Critchlow

Neet Mohan

Chris Pavlo

Jessica Turner

Tracey Neale

Elizabeth von Arnim

Vivienne Allen

15 Minute Drama: Elizabeth von Arnim - The Enchanted April: Episode 1

The Enchanted April

Episode 1

Elizabeth von Arnim - The Enchanted April

BBC Radio 4 - 15 Minute Drama, Elizabeth von Arnim - The Enchanted April, Episode 1

An ad in The Times lures four women away from rainy London to a castle on the Riviera.

4 Extra Debut. An ad in The Times lures four women away from rainy London to a castle on the sunny Italian Riviera. Narrated by Jenny Funnell.

By Elizabeth von Arnim
Dramatised by Vivienne Allen

While at their Shaftesbury Avenue club on a rainy February day, Rosie and Lottie discover they have been reading the same advertisement in The Times:-

To Those who Appreciate Wisteria and Sunshine. Small mediaeval Italian Castle on the shores of the Mediterranean to be let Furnished for the month of April.

Can they seize this opportunity and escape to the sunny Italian Riviera or is it just an impossible dream?

Produced and Directed by Tracey Neale

An advertisement in The Times, addressed to 'Those who Appreciate Wisteria and Sunshine' is the impetus for a revelatory month for four very different women. High above the bay on the Italian Riviera stands San Salvatore, a mediaeval castle. Beckoned to this haven are Lotty, Rose, Mrs Fisher and Lady Caroline Dester, each craving escape. Lulled by the Mediterranean spirit, they gradually shed their skins and discover a harmony each of them has longed for.

As soon as we arrive in Italy from rainy London the warmth, colour and smells of this enchanting place take over. The descriptions are intoxicating. The four women blossom in the sunshine but there are a few surprises in store for them.

Although these women live in the 1920s, their worries and concerns are as relevant today as they have always been. Times change, fashions change, but people do not change so much. Who wouldn't say no when given the chance to escape from the dismal gloomy rain to the sunshine of the Italian Riviera and have a welcome break from their day to day lives.

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.

By Elizabeth von Arnim. Four very different women spend a revelatory month in Italy.

By Elizabeth von Arnim. Four very different women spend a revelatory month in Italy. Dramatised by Vivienne Allen.

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