Plantagenet

The Epic Chronicle of a Dynasty

By: Mike Walker

Narrated by: Al Weaver, Carl Prekopp, David Warner, Ed Stoppard, full cast, Luke Treadaway, Neil Stuke, Patrick Kennedy, Philip Jackson, Sam Troughton

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Inspired by Holinshed's Chronicles, this series of radio dramas about the Plantagenet dynasty tells the story of the birth of a new Europe after the dark ages. The issues of control, freedom, belief and the temptations of power were new to an age which had no template for domination on this scale.

Henry II: What is a Man? - The first of the House of Anjou to be king of England, Henry II's long reign is beset by conflict with his sons. Starring David Warner as King Henry II and Jane Lapotaire as Queen Eleanor.

Richard I: Lionheart - Prince Richard has become heir apparent, but in the face of Henry II's refusal to acknowledge his position, he turns to the Crusades. Starring Ed Stoppard as Richard.

John, by the Grace of God - The fourth son of Henry II never expected to succeed to the English throne. When he does, he reveals a talent for making enemies. Starring Neil Stuke as King John.

Edward I: Old Soldiers - Edward Longshanks - the Hammer of the Scots - was grief-stricken after the death of his first wife. But he finds new love with Margaret, sister of the French King. Philip Jackson as Edward I and Ellie Kendrick as Margaret.

Edward II: The Greatest Traitor - While Edward's power is prey to his passions, his queen, Isabella, and his most powerful ally, Roger Mortimer, find a passion of their own. Starring Sam Troughton as Edward II.

Richard II: And All Our Dreams Will End in Death - Richard II, having proved his mettle in quelling the Peasants' Revolt, disappoints his courtiers as he pursues peace and culture as an alternative to fighting and swiving. Starring Patrick Kennedy as Richard II.

Henry V: True Believers - Young prince Hal will inherit an unstable throne and a kingdom riven with heresy and rebellion. Victory over the rebel Hotspur will bring peace to England and glory to the king - but at what cost to the man? Starring Luke Treadaway as Hal.

Henry VI: A Simple Man - The once-great England of Henry V is bankrupt and losing territory in France, but the weak, idealistic Henry VI is incapacitated by bouts of insanity. Queen Margaret is forced to take up arms to protect her royal line. Starring Al Weaver as Henry VI and Aimee Ffion Edwards as Margaret.

Richard III: The Three Brothers: Edward IV manages to bring a modicum of stability to the kingdom of England, but discontent erupts into civil war after his death, and his brother, Richard, is forced to take drastic steps to uphold Plantagenet power. Starring Nancy Carroll as Queen Elizabeth, Simon Bubb as Edward IV and Carl Prekopp as Richard III.

Directed by Jeremy Mortimer, Jessica Dromgoole and Sasha Yevtushenko.

©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Entertaining Plays Bring History To Life

These entertaining dramas feature excellent performances by some very fine actors like David Warner and Jane Lapotaire. These nine plays condense more than three hundred years of history and cover the reigns of most of the major Plantagenet kings. Women are well-represented in these plays with the roles of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Margaret of Anjou, both of whom wield statecraft and power. This series was well worth the time it took to listen to.

Brilliant, a true masterpiece!

I was pleasantly surprised with this audiobook! I love full cast dramas, and this one is no exception! The voices, the music, the sound effects are impeccable.
I would only recommend it if you have knowledge of the time period because it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the events and twists and turns in those times in England.
A true masterpiece!

Dreadful Characters:; I gave up quickly.

The men (and it’s almost all men) are a nasty sorry bunch. I don’t need to listen to these awful people, especially this year.

Good, not great

It's always enjoyable when someone produces a history-based drama that humanises it's subjects. This audio book is good but has some weak points. The author takes artistic license to the point of indulging in changing the nature of some of the figures and completely skipping the lives of others. He makes Richard I homosexual, which has been discredited, ane Richard II and Margaret of Anjou are presented as sensible and wise when both were, in fact, tyrannical, unstable and ruthless. He skips the life of Henry III and barely gives time to Edward III. Everyone has a southern English accent despite some characters being French and others being from Yorkshire. The dialog flows well but these oversights make this production less than it could have been.