Tales of London: Hawksmoor and Others

Four BBC Radio 4 Dramas

By: Peter Ackroyd

Narrated by: Philip Jackson, Norman Rodway, Adjoa Andoh, Jamie Foreman, Peter Marinker, Philip Glenister, Nigel Anthony, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Simon Callow, Miranda Foster, Anthony Ofoegbu, full cast

Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Stunning all-star adaptations of Ackroyd's intriguing London stories

A superb collection of dramas guaranteed to thrill and entertain from best-selling author Peter Ackroyd. Set in the heart of London, these star-studded adaptations feature parallel investigations into killings across two centuries, black magic, haunted houses, holy ghosts and a stunning performance by Simon Callow as the magnificent Charles Dickens.

Novelist, biographer and critic Peter Ackroyd has cemented his place at the heart of the culture and history of London. This fantastic collection is full of vitality from a world-class author and stellar cast.

Hawksmoor - London, 1711: Nicholas Dyer, an 18th-century architect, builds churches to the glory of God, but he is hiding a dreadful purpose. Nicholas Hawksmoor, a detective in contemporary London, is called to investigate a series of brutal murders. The key lies deep in the past, but will the detective be able to solve the case before another life is lost...? Philip Jackson, best known for his role as Chief Inspector Japp in the TV and radio productions of Poirot, stars in the title role.

The House of Doctor Dee - Matthew Palmer is left an old house in London's Clerkenwell. Once owned by an Elizabethan scholar who was reputedly involved in black magic, the house hides dark secrets. Featuring Philip Glenister, best known for his role in Life on Mars and Eastenders' Tracy-Ann Oberman.

The City Speaks - A unique series of dramas based on Ackroyd's short story in which the Virgin Mary makes an appearance in the City of London. The stories range from humorous to highly emotional, from heart-warming to bizarre: Canary Wharf resembles the Emerald City, voodoo goddesses wander the streets of East London casting evil before them, and a tube station exists beneath the capital, but doesn't appear on any map... Featuring Peter Marinker, Adjoa Andoh and Jamie Foreman.

The City Speaks was a co-production between BBC Radio Drama and Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network (FLAMIN).

The Mystery of Charles Dickens - Simon Callow delivers an outstanding performance of Peter Ackroyd's one-man show portraying both Charles Dickens and many of his best-loved characters. Readings from his novels interweave with Dickens' own words in an incisive, compassionate and unforgettable journey. This collection features an exclusive introduction by Simon Callow.

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