Curtmantle

Can Henry II rule his kingdom wisely and keep faith with his friends like Thomas Becket?

King Henry II was simple and royal, (his nickname of "Curtmantle" derived from the plain short cloak he wore) direct and paradoxical, compassionate and hard, a man of intellect, a man of action, God-fearing, superstitious, blasphemous, far-seeing, short-sighted, affectionate, lustful, patient, volcanic, humble and over-riding.

It's difficult to think of any facet of man which at some time he didn't demonstrate, except chastity and sloth.

Starring Brian Cox, Bernard Hepton and Barbara Leigh-Hunt.

Royal historical drama written by Christopher Fry

Henry II …… Brian Cox
Becket …… Bernard Hepton
Eleanor …… Barbara Leigh-Hunt
William Marshal …… Norman Rodway
Gilbert Foliot …… Hugh Dickson
Young Henry …… Roger Allam
Richard …… Andrew Seear
Geoffrey …… Stuart Organ
John …… Gary Cady
Roger …… Kevin McNally
Philip of France …… Simon Hewitt
Richard Anesty …… John Livesey
Blae …… Frances Jeater
Old Woman …… Katherine Parr
Barber …… Stephen Thorne
Juggler …… Alex Jennings

Music composed and conducted by David Firman.

Music played by Douglas Wootton and Keith Thompson

Director: Jane Morgan

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1982