Episode 1

Available for over a year

After decades of searching the Valley of the Kings, British archaeologist Howard Carter and his newly appointed Egyptian assistant Shafiq Tadros uncover a step leading to the tomb of Tutankhamun. Funder Lord Carnarvon and his daughter Lady Evelyn arrive and an unauthorised inspection of the tomb takes place. Decades later a chance meeting on the streets of Paris with an Egyptian student causes Shafiq to excavate his own story. In November 1922 the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb became the biggest news story in the world. Virtually untouched for over three thousand years, the tomb contained priceless artefacts including a solid gold coffin, thrones, archery bows, trumpets and fresh linen underwear. Egypt, newly liberated from British rule, hailed the discovery of Tutankhamun as a symbol of its glorious rebirth as an independent nation. But who should control the terms of the dig, and who should keep the treasure? Original drama based on true events. Written by Sebastian Baczkiewicz. Cast Shafiq ….. Noof Ousellam Howard Carter ..... Neil Stuke Fahima ….. Sarah Agha Mounira ….. Helene Maksoud Ahmed ….. Rami Nasr Abdullah ...... Liran Nathan Telegraph Clerk ….. Ajjaz Awad Evelyn ..… Isabella Inchbald George Carnarvon .…. Tim McMullan Boy / Saleh ….. Ali Khan Producer: Joby Waldman Director: Steve Bond and Joby Waldman Music and Sound design: Sami El-Enany Sound Recording: Steve Bond Script Advisor: Monica Hanna Language Consultant: Kareem Elshehawy Production Assistant: Louis Blatherwick Production Coordinator: Darren Spruce Executive Producer: Jeremy Mortimer A Reduced Listening Production for BBC Radio 4