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.

Love, bigotry, greed and justice are entwined in this clear, fast-moving production, where the precision of radio gives added resonance to the powerful words of the trial scene.

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
Entered in the Stationers' Register 22 July 1598

FIRST BBC RADIO BROADCAST
2LO
23 April 1923 (trial scene only) 15 June 1923 (full production)

FIRST BROADCAST OF THIS PRODUCTION
BBC Radio 4
18 November 1996

RECORDED AT
Bush House London WI