Episode 1

An intrepid explorer sets out on the impossible quest for the fabled King Solomon's diamond mines

Tim McInnerny stars in Sir H Rider Haggard's classic Victorian adventure story, set in a mythical African interior.

Hunter Allan Quatermain is asked by Sir Henry Curtis to join in the search for his brother George, who disappeared a year ago on a quest to find the legendary diamond mines of King Solomon, in an uncharted part of Africa.

Quatermain regards this as a suicidal mission but, fatalistic and wishing to provide for his son Harry, he finally agrees to go and keeps a journal for his son of the trip from which he never expects to return.

Quatermain, Sir Henry, his friend Captain John Good and their bearers set off into the unknown ... on a challenging and near fatal journey, eventually encountering the fierce Kukuana tribe led by Chief Infadoos who agrees to take them to the town of Loo near the fabled King Solomon's Mines.

This gripping story is a treasure hunt, a mystery, a psychological drama, and a kaleidoscope of sound.

Dramatised in two parts by Chris Harrald.

Allan Quatermaine …. Tim McInnerny
Sir Henry Curtis …. David Sturzaker
Captain John Good …. Simon Ludders
Umbopa …. Sope Dirisu
Infadoos …. Maynard Eziashi
Ventvogel …. Tonderaj Munyevu
Scragga …. Tonderai Munyevu
Silvestre …. Joe Ferrara
Officer …. Finlay Robertson

Director: Liz Webb

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2017.