THE ARABIAN NIGHTS
Enter a world of wonder, magic and comedy but also of contemporary realism. Successive generations in the east and the west have reinterpreted these tales, recognising the inept rulers, the resourceful slaves and the wondrous magicians. That’s why this is one of the most enduring and influential books in literature
In this new version Ata Madri heads to modern day Cairo to track down an elusive medieval copy of The Nights - one that is said to contain the original ending. In modern day Cairo she finds that it is every bit as labyrinthine as the medieval city of the stories. Will she find the book she seeks and reach the end of the story?
An extraordinary ensemble of actors from east and west come together to tell the tales
New adaptation by Glen Neath
Sound by Alisdair McGregor
Music by Michael Ward
Directed and produced by Boz Temple-Morris
Cast in order of appearance:
Nadim Sawalha ... Narrator
Indira Varma ... Ata Madri
Nabil Elouahabi ... Shahrayar / Apothecary / Shop Keeper / Fisherman / Friend / Bakbak
Laura Hanna ... Shaharazad / Marjanaeh / Maid / Young Woman
Ewan Bailey ... Clive / King Yunan / Paramedic / Steward
Nayef Rashed ... Taxi Driver / Hasan / Hangman
Noa Bodner ... Ali Baba’s Wife / Cook / Fish / Jewish Physician’s Wife / Mother
Muzz Khan ... Ali Baba / Lame Young Man / Executioner / Al-Haddar / Blind Beggar 1
Noof McEwan ... Cassim / Robber 2 / King of the City’s Vizier / Blind Beggar 2
Alyssa Kyria ... Cassim’s Wife / Receptionist / Tailor’s Wife / Old Woman / Nurse
Niall Ashdown ... Cobbler / Vizier / Passerby / Christian / Neighbour / Chamberlain
Waleed Elgadi ... Robber 1 / Ali Zum / Chief / Thief
Alexei Sayle ... Captain / Barber
Amir El-Masry ... Ali Baba’s Son / Young Man / Jewish Physician / Bakbook
Renu Setna ... Veejay / Sage Duban / Guest / Paramedic / Caliph
Stewart Scudamore ... Professor / Demon / Vagrant / Watchman / Al-Ashar
Bhasker Patel ... King of the City / Tailor
Sharlit Deyzac ... Maiden / Fish / Evil Wife / Jewish Physician’s Maid / Judge’s Daughter
A Holy Mountain production for BBC Radio 4
Broadcast as BBC Radio 4 Classic Serial on 6 & 13 December 2015