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The Arabian Nights

BBC Radio full-cast drama
from archive.org

Tales from the Arabian Nights


Seven of Shahrazad's stories of love, magic and mystery.


A collection of fabulous tales of genies, heroes, flying carpets and fantastic voyages, The Arabian Nights has enchanted generations of children and adults.


Forged in the Islamic Golden Age, it was brought to Europe in the 18th Century, where it became an instant sensation.


Included here are seven full-cast BBC Radio dramatisations, starring Carolyn Backhouse as Shahrazad and Derek Jacobi as the King.


Ghanim, the Thrall of Love
To escape the executioner's sword, Shahrazad beguiles the King with a spellbinding tale of love, jealousy, betrayal - and a magic drum.
Shahrazad ..... Carolyn Backhouse
The King ..... Derek Jacobi
Ghanim, the Thrall of Love
Wazir ..... Simon Carter
Ghanim ..... Michael Lumsden
Leila ..... Moir Leslie
Caliph ..... Duncan Law
Rahil ..... Mary Wimbush
Slave ..... Richard O'Ryan
Old Man ..... Geoffrey Banks


The Ebony Horse
The magical story of a handsome prince, a beautiful princess, and a remarkable wooden horse.
Shahrazad ..... Carolyn Backhouse
The King ..... Derek Jacobi
Kamar ..... James Telfer
The Sage ..... Roger Hume
Shams ..... Teresa Gallagher
Kamar's father ..... John Baddeley


The Three Suitors
When Jamilla's lover is thrown in prison, she devises a cunning plan to free him, involving a carpenter, a magistrate, a bogus camel-cleaner, and a wardrobe...
Shahrazad ..... Carolyn Backhouse
The King ..... Derek Jacobi
Jamilla ..... Rachel Atkins
Hassan ..... William Chubb
Faris ..... Geoffrey Banks
Gaoler ..... Michael Mears
Magistrate ..... Philip Anthony
Carpenter ..... John Baddeley
Shahrazad's father ..... Simon Carter


The Ninth Pedestal
Prince Zain inherits eight valuable statues - but the ninth is missing. He goes on a quest to find it - but what he discovers is beyond price...
Shahrazad ..... Carolyn Backhouse
The King ..... Derek Jacobi
Prince Zain ..... James Telfer
Moubarak ..... John Baddeley
Genie ..... Steve Hodson
Maysun -Teresa Gallagher


Homza's Dance
The hunt for a lost arrow leads Prince Ahmed into an amazing adventure of sorcery and transformation.
Shahrazad ..... Carolyn Backhouse
The King ..... Derek Jacobi
Ahmed ..... James Telfer
Peri Banou ..... Rachel Atkins
Sultan ..... Philip Anthony
Sorceress ..... Mary Wimbush
Hussein ..... Steve Hodson


The Hunchback
A series of bizarre accidents befall an eccentric cast of characters in a tale that's full of twists and turns.
Shahrazad ..... Carolyn Backhouse
The King ..... Derek Jacobi
Tailor ..... Harry Landis
Tailor's wife ..... Maria Charles
Doctor's wife ..... Mary Wimbush
Doctor ..... Philip Anthony
Seamstress ..... Kate Binchy
Christian ..... John Baddeley
Watchman ..... Jonathan Owen
Magistrate ..... Maurice Denham
Hunchback ..... Tania Ison


The Dream of Baba Abdullah
In a final attempt to save her life, Shahrazad invites the king to enter the final story with her - or return alone...
Shahrazad ..... Carolyn Backhouse
The King ..... Derek Jacobi
Baba Abdullah ..... Daniel Strauss
Dervish ..... Geoffrey Banks




Adapted by Colin Haydn Evans
Directed by Nigel Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993

  1. Ghanim, the Thrall of Love (27.1Mb)
  2. The Ebony Horse (27.2Mb)
  3. The Three Suitors (26.8Mb)
  4. The Ninth Pedestal (27.2Mb)
  5. Homza's Dance (27.2Mb)
  6. The Hunchback (26.4Mb)
  7. The Dream of Baba Abdullah (27.2Mb)

MP3 files hosted by archive.org.