3. Paradiso

Available for 27 days

Concluding the story of one man's incredible journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. Blake Ritson, Hattie Morahan and John Hurt star in Dante's epic poem - dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Dante's spiritual journey comes to a glorious conclusion as he is led by Beatrice through the spheres of Paradise and into the presence of God himself. As they ascend, they encounter a number of souls who have also achieved blessedness. Many years later, the older Dante still in enforced exile from his beloved Florence, reflects on the episodes from his life that have inspired his great poem. Dante the Poet .... Blake Ritson Older Dante .... John Hurt Beatrice .... Hattie Morahan Piccarda .... Priyanga Burford Cacciaguida/ St Peter .... Sam Dale Emperor Justinian/ St Benedict/ St James .... Michael Bertenshaw Spirit 1 .... Clive Hayward Spirit 2 .... Steve Touissaint Cunizza .... Carolyn Pickles Eagle .... Cassie Layton St John .... David Cann All other parts are played by members of the company Sound design is by Cal Knightley Directed by Emma Harding and Marc Beeby First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2014.