Colin Redgrave stars as Lear with Geraldine James as Goneril in Shakespeare's bitter tragedy of loyalty, power and politics.

BBC radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard.

Some of the most stirring scenes Shakespeare ever wrote vibrate with powerful resonance in this grippingly dramatic radio production. Tortured madness, pure evil and the fatal struggle for power grip the listener until the final, shockingly tragic conclusion.

The play is introduced by Richard Eyre, former Director of the Royal National Theatre, and the accompanying booklet includes a scene-by-scene synopsis, full character analysis, brief biographies of the leading actors and of Shakespeare himself, as well as an essay from the producer on their interpretation of the play.

Revitalised, original and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the new millennium.

Written By
William Shakespeare

FIRST KNOWN PERFORMANCE
1606

FIRST BBC RADIO BROADCAST
2LO
11 September 1928

FIRST BROADCAST OF THIS PRODUCTION
BBC Radio 3
16 September 2001

RECORDED AT
On location at the Chapel at Lincoln's Inn Fields and at BBC Maida Vale London W9

Just a stunning performance. Corin Redgrave vulnerable, old and mad and at times tender - always utterly convincing. Kika Markham genuinely scary as Regan and Geraldine James almost her equal. All actors always wonderfully clear and sound effects and music only add - never intrusive. Overall a stunning performance.