Episode 2

Available for over a year

Following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, pressure builds for lead archaeologist Howard Carter and his assistant Shafiq Tadros. Chief funder Lord Carnarvon’s deal with The Times of London for exclusive media coverage causes resentment among other news organisations in Egypt and beyond. The British team controlling the excavation come under increasing pressure from the Department of Antiquities. When Carnarvon contracts a mysterious illness, rumours of a curse abound. In November 1922, the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb became the biggest news story in the world. Virtually untouched for over 3,000 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. 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 Pierre Lacau ….. Philip Arditti Mounira ….. Helene Maksoud Ahmed ….. Rami Nasr Policeman ...... Liran Nathan Doria ….. Ajjaz Awad Evelyn ..… Isabella Inchbald George Carnarvon .…. Tim McMullan Boy ….. 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