by Ivy Compton-Burnett adapted by CHRISTOPHER SYKES in collaboration with the author
Narration by JOHN GLEN
Production, CHRISTOPHER SYKES
Third broadcast
Patience Collier broadcasts by permission of the Governors of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
The producer writes: ' In The Mighty and their Fall Miss Compton-Burnett again presents us with a family setting, again with a great difference. The Middletons, ruled by a sly egoist. Ninian, and by a lovable eccentric, ' Grandma,' form an inward-looking group, in need of fresh air. This is suddenly provided by Ransom Middleton, Ninian's brother, who returns from a long wandering career in the outside world. He at last opens the window, but after his death it is shut again, not so much by wilful act as by family instinct. Such Is the main theme of this complex story. It is written with all Miss Compton-Burnett's vigour and brilliance.'
DURING THE INTERVAL
9.0*-9.10 Mendelssohn
First movement of String Quartet in E minor Op. 44 No. 2 played by the Tatrai Quartet on a gramophone record

GERHARD MANTEL (cello)
ERIKA FRIESER (piano)