The Dark Tower Part 1
A parable play on the ancient theme of the Quest, suggested by Robert Browning's poem Childe Roland to the Dark Tower came. Written and produced by Louis MacNeice (b.1907). Music specially composed by Benjamin Britten (NS), played by an ad hoc orchestra conducted by Walter Goehr.
Other parts played by Malcolm Thomas and members of the BBC Repertory Company.
"This is the BBC Home Service. The Dark Tower. The programme which follows is a parable play suggested by Robert Browning's poem 'Childe Roland to the Dark Tower came'. The theme is the ancient but ever-green them of the Quest - the dedicated adventure; the manner of presentation is that of a dream, but a dream that is full of meaning. Browning's poem ends with a challenge blown on a trumpet - 'and yet Dauntless the slughorn to my lips I set And blew. ""Childe Roland to the Dark Tower came"".' Note well the words 'And yet'. Roland did not have to - and yet in the end he came to The Dark Tower.""
Olga Lindo and Mark Dignam broadcast by permission of the Arts Theatre Group of Actors.
Cast:
Roland.................................................Cyril Cusack
The Mother...............................................Olga Lindo
The Tutor...............................................Mark Dignam
Sylvie................................................Lucille Lisle
Sergeant Trumpeter.................................Harry Hutchinson
Gavin..............................................Frank Partington
Blind Peter............................................Ivor Barnard
The Soak.........................................Robert Farquharson
The Stentor..........................................Laidman Browne
The Steward..................................Howard Marion Crawford
Neaera..................................................Vera Maxime
The Priest............................................Alexander Sarner
