The Dark Tower
A new production of Louis MacNeice's iconic radio play The Dark Tower, with Benjamin Britten's original music. Recorded under the tower of Orford Church with a live audience.
Louis MacNeice's iconic verse drama, widely acknowledged to be the finest of his many works for radio and one of the most critically acclaimed radio plays of the 20th century. The play is inspired by the mythical quest in Robert Browning's mysterious poem "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came", but includes strong autobiographical and even satirical elements. At its core is original music by Benjamin Britten, to whom MacNeice dedicated the published script.
Performed on 27th October 2017, in front of an audience at Orford Church, Suffolk, with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
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Music Played
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Benjamin Britten
Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes (Moonlight; Storm)
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: André Previn.- EMI.
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Christopher Gunning
Symphony No.2; III.
Orchestra: BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Conductor: Kenneth Woods.- SIGNUM CLASSICS.
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Performer | BBC Concert Orchestra |
| Roland | Harry Lloyd |
| Gavin | Matthew Tennyson |
| Sergeant-Trumpeter | Jude Akuwudike |
| Mother | Lucy Robinson |
| Tutor/Steward | Adrian Scarborough |
| Soak | Jonjo O'Neill |
| Blind Peter | Nicholas Murchie |
| Sylvie | Manjinder Virk |
| Priest/Officer/Stentor | Sam Dale |
| Neaera | Hannah Genesius |
| Barmaid/Clock Voice | Georgie Glen |
| Young Roland | William Gidney |
| Director | Robin Brooks |
| Producer | Fiona McAlpine |
Broadcasts
- Sun 29 Oct 201721:00BBC Radio 3
- Sun 17 May 202019:30BBC Radio 3
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