Sunday Chronicles

Brand new BBC Radio 4 Classic Serial The History of Titus Groan received its broadcast premiere on Sunday 10th July.

The series is based on the celebrated ‘Titus’ novels written by Mervyn Peake and on the recently discovered concluding volume written by his widow, Maeve Gilmore.  A satirical allegory on the fancies, foibles and phobias of the world around us, the story chronicles Titus’ life from birth, through childhood and adolescence to his decision to renounce his title and embark on an exploration of the alien world beyond the confines of his home.

The BBC has created six one-hour episodes which will be broadcast weekly. Hamilton Hodell’s LUKE TREADAWAY stars in the titular role, alongside a 20-strong cast including David Warner (pictured left, with Luke), Miranda Richardson, Paul Rhys, Tamsin Greig, James Fleet, William Gaunt, Carl Prekopp and Gerard McDermott.

The History of Titus Groan has been adapted by Brian Sibley to mark the centenary of Mervyn Peake’s birth in July 1911. The series was recorded over an intense twelve days in late May 2011 and features dozens of deaths, a number of falls from great height, fires, floods and mayhem in a menagerie!

Executive Produced for BBC Radio by Jeremy Mortimer, with an original score by composer Roger Goula and sound design by Peter Ringros, the serial is set to be a huge success.

The History of Titus Groan continues on Sundays at 3pm on BBC Radio 4.  If you missed the first episode this week, then don’t worry – it’s repeated on Saturday 16th at 9pm. Alternatively, you can listen on the Radio 4 website and the full serial will be Series Stacked and available until the 21st August.