The Winter's Tale: BBC Radio 3

Eve Best, Danny Sapani, and Shaun Dooley star in this modern and captivating production of The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare, now available as an audiobook. This rendition encompasses a blend of tragedy, poetry, folklore, magic realism, and music, adding depth to Shakespeare's complex tale, often known as a 'problem play'. The narrative unfolds with King Leontes of Sicilia, whose consuming jealousy towards his wife Hermione and his friend Polixenes sets off a chain of tragic events that tear apart his marriage and threaten his newborn child.

As the story progresses, themes of honor, love, justice, and self-sacrifice emerge, particularly through the fate of the abandoned infant, Perdita, who is raised by a shepherd. When young Prince Florizel falls in love with her, destiny takes a turn that intertwines their lives. This audiobook features an original folk music score composed by Tim Van Eyken and Lisa Knapp, bringing an added layer of atmosphere to the performance, directed by David Hunter. Experience a fresh interpretation of a classic work through this engaging audio format.