Audiobooks by Simon Armitage

Greek Myths: Modern re-tellings: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama collection

"Award winning classic stories from Greek mythology, reimagined by Simon Armitage and Linda Marshall Griffiths - plus bonus material With their epic tales of gods, heroes, magic and monsters, the Greek myths have thrilled us for over 2000 years, and inspired countless adaptations. Now, in this captivating collection, two award-winning playwrights bring their own fresh, contemporary takes to the famous legends of Odysseus, Orpheus and Eurydice. Simon Armitage's Missing Presumed Dead: The Odyssey weaves together Homeric myth and modern-day politics, as a senior politician with a colourful past is sent on a diplomatic mission to Istanbul, only to find himself at the centre of an international incident. On the run from the authorities, he is plunged into the ancient past where his Odyssey begins, as he contends with supernatural beings and unnatural phenomena from the Cyclops and Circe to Sirens, storms and shipwreck. Will he survive, and get back home? Meanwhile, in the present day, his wife and son are besieged by the press, desperate to hear the full story... This gripping dramatisation stars Colin Tierney as Smith/Odysseus. In two linked plays, with a 4-minute introduction by Simon Armitage, he and Linda Marshall Griffiths each give their versions of the tragedy of Orpheus and his doomed bride. Armitage's Eurydice and Orpheus: Her Story tells the tale of two lovers - lab technician Sanna and busking musician Zak - and a harp that will have a profound, irreversible effect on both their lives. Claire Price stars as Sanna, with Bryan Dick as Zak. And in Orpheus and Eurydice: His Story, by Linda Marshall Griffiths, grief-stricken singer Orfeo journeys into the Underworld to bring back his dead wife, Eurydice. But is love stronger than death, if a backward glance can destroy everything? Starring Nico Mirallegro as Orfeo and Emily Taaffe as Eurydice, and with music by PJ Harvey, this moving drama won the Grand Prix Marulic in 2016. Also included is a bonus extract from Radio 4's Start the Week, in which Simon Armitage talks to Anne McElvoy about his dramatisation of Homer's Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid, The Last Days of Troy. Cast and credits Missing Presumed Dead: The Odyssey Cast: Colin Tierney, Simon Dutton, Polly Frame, Susie Trayling, Lee Armstrong, Roger Evans, David Hartley, Ranjit Krishnamma, Chris Reilly,Sule Rimi, Danusia Samal Written by Homer. Adapted by Simon Armitage Originally directed for the stage by Nick Bagnall and co-produced by The Liverpool Everyman and the English Touring Theatre. Directed by Susan Roberts. Music composed by James Fortune First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24 April-1 May 2016 Eurydice and Orpheus: Her Story Cast: Claire Price, Bryan Dick, Jonathan Keeble, Alexandra Mathie, Stephen Fletcher Written by Simon Armitage. Produced by Susan Roberts With music composed by PJ Harvey. Harpist: Jon Banks. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 September 2015 Orpheus and Eurydice: His Story Cast: Nico Mirallegro, Emily Taaffe, Jonathan Keeble, Alexandra Mathie, Stephen Fletcher Written by Linda Marshall Griffiths. Directed by Nadia Molinari With music composed by PJ Harvey First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 September 2015 ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Linda Marshall Griffiths, Simon Armitage (Author), Bryan Dick, Claire Price, Colin Tierney, Emily Taaffe, Full Cast, Jonathan Keeble, Nico Mirallegro, Polly Frame, Simon Dutton (Narrator)

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The Bayeux Tapestry: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

"A combination of verse from Simon Armitage and prose from Jeff Young lends a voice to the chain of events depicted on the famous Bayeux Tapestry. This production chronicles the history surrounding the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the ascension of Duke William of Normandy to the English throne. Harold, Duke of Wessex, takes the English throne, despite Edward the Confessor's wish that William Duke of Normandy should be his heir. Seeking retribution, William sails to England and heads his troops towards Hastings, where the battle eventually concludes with Harold's death by an arrow shot to the eye. Poetry and prose are interspersed with war correspondent-style reports on the action. As the royal dukes ponder their lot, assorted commoners of the day discuss fear, heroism and grief."

Jeff Young, Simon Armitage (Author), Christopher Eccleston, Full Cast, Kirsty Wark (Narrator)

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The Last Days of Troy: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

"Lily Cole stars as Helen of Troy, ‘the face that launched a thousand ships’, in Simon Armitage’s vivid, visceral adaptation of Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid For ten years, the Greeks have been laying siege to Troy to win back their abducted queen, Helen. But as the war drags on, and the battlefields run scarlet with blood, the opposing forces are entrenched in a bitter stalemate. As Gods and mortals squabble amongst themselves for the spoils of war, the exhausted warriors go to extreme lengths in a desperate grab for victory… Dramatised by multi-award-winning poet and playwright Simon Armitage, The Last Days of Troy was first produced as a stage play at the Manchester Royal Exchange and Shakespeare’s Globe, and this radio version features the original cast. Both a tense action adventure and a powerful commentary on the futility of war, it brings Homer’s ancient myth to dynamic life and explores themes that still resonate today, in a world locked in cycles of conflict and revenge, East versus West and with the same dangerous combination of pride, lies and self-deception that fuelled the Trojan War. ‘Armitage was the real star, with his vivid and muscular dialogue and occasional flashes of humour…The Last Days of Troy was a powerful reflection on the folly of men and the cruelty of war.’ – Independent Cast and credits Agamemnon..................................................................David Birrell Achilles..................................................................Jake Fairbrother Zeus..................................................................Richard Bremmer Odysseus..................................................................Colin Tierney Hera..................................................................Gillian Bevan Andromache/Thetis................................................Claire Calbraith Hector..................................................................Simon Harrison Helen..................................................................Lily Cole Paris..................................................................Tom Stuart Athene/Briseis..................................................................Francesca Zoutewelle Priam..................................................................Garry Cooper Patroclus..................................................................Brendan O’Hea Astyanax..................................................................Luca Rawlinson Original music by Alex Baranowski Directed for radio by Susan Roberts First directed for The Royal Exchange Theatre by Nick Bagnall"

Simon Armitage (Author), Brendan O’hea, Claire Calbraith, Colin Tierney, David Birell, Francesca Zoutewelle, Garry Cooper, Gillian Bevan, Jake Fairbrother, Lily Cole, Luca Rawlinson, Richard Bremmer, Simon Harrison, Tom Stuart (Narrator)

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