Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Episode 1

The Greeks are laying siege to Troy to win back their abducted queen Helen. But the conflict faces a bitter stalemate. Stars Lily Cole, David Birrell and Jake Fairbrother.

The Last Days of Troy. Simon Armitage's dramatisation of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔr's Iliad . The Greeks are laying siege to Troy to win back their abducted queen, Helen. But as the conflict drags on, and despite battlefields scarlet with blood, opposing forces have reached a bitter stalemate. Desperate and exhausted, both Gods and mortals squabble amongst themselves for the spoils of war and the hand of victory.

The Last Days of Troy reveals a world locked in cycles of conflict and revenge, of east versus west, and a dangerous mix of pride, lies and self-deception.

Lily Cole gives her radio debut as Helen of Troy - the face that launched a thousand ships.

Original Music by Alex Baranowski
Directed for Radio by Susan Roberts
First directed for The Royal Exchange Theatre by Nick Bagnall.

'Beyond the battlefield, the original tale is a back-room story of wounded pride, and the push and pull of family ties and national loyalty - tense and intriguing, with moments of great tragedy and breath-taking humility. Everything we have come to expect of the great myths'
Simon Armitage.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 21 Aug 2018 03:00

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

See all episodes from Drama on 4

Credits

Role Contributor
Agamemnon David Birrell
Achilles Jake Fairbrother
Zeus Richard Bremmer
Odysseus Colin Tierney
Hera Gillian Bevan
Andromache Clare Calbraith
Thetis Clare Calbraith
Hector Simon Harrison
Helen Lily Cole
Paris Tom Stuart
Athene Francesca Zoutewelle
Briseis Francesca Zoutewelle
Priam Garry Cooper
Patroclus Brendan O'Hea
Astyanax Luca Rawlinson
Director Susan Roberts
Writer Simon Armitage

Broadcasts

  • Sun 11 Jan 2015 15:00
  • Sat 23 Jul 2016 21:00
  • Mon 20 Aug 2018 10:00
  • Mon 20 Aug 2018 15:00
  • Tue 21 Aug 2018 03:00

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

The Shakespeare Sessions

The Shakespeare Sessions

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world