THE ARABIAN NIGHTS


Enter a world of wonder, magic and comedy but also of contemporary realism. Successive generations in the east and the west have reinterpreted these tales, recognising the inept rulers, the resourceful slaves and the wondrous magicians. That’s why this is one of the most enduring and influential books in literature

In this new version Ata Madri heads to modern day Cairo to track down an elusive medieval copy of The Nights - one that is said to contain the original ending. In modern day Cairo she finds that it is every bit as labyrinthine as the medieval city of the stories. Will she find the book she seeks and reach the end of the story?

An extraordinary ensemble of actors from east and west come together to tell the tales


New adaptation by Glen Neath

Sound by Alisdair McGregor

Music by Michael Ward

Directed and produced by Boz Temple-Morris


Cast in order of appearance:

Nadim Sawalha ... Narrator

Indira Varma ... Ata Madri

Nabil Elouahabi ... Shahrayar / Apothecary / Shop Keeper / Fisherman / Friend  / Bakbak

Laura Hanna ... Shaharazad / Marjanaeh / Maid / Young Woman

Ewan Bailey ... Clive / King Yunan / Paramedic / Steward

Nayef Rashed ... Taxi Driver / Hasan / Hangman

Noa Bodner ... Ali Baba’s Wife / Cook / Fish / Jewish Physician’s Wife / Mother

Muzz Khan ... Ali Baba / Lame Young Man / Executioner / Al-Haddar / Blind Beggar 1

Noof McEwan ... Cassim / Robber 2 / King of the City’s Vizier / Blind Beggar 2

Alyssa Kyria ... Cassim’s Wife / Receptionist / Tailor’s Wife / Old Woman / Nurse

Niall Ashdown ... Cobbler / Vizier / Passerby / Christian / Neighbour / Chamberlain

Waleed Elgadi ... Robber 1 / Ali Zum / Chief / Thief

Alexei Sayle ... Captain / Barber

Amir El-Masry ... Ali Baba’s Son / Young Man / Jewish Physician / Bakbook

Renu Setna ... Veejay / Sage Duban / Guest / Paramedic / Caliph

Stewart Scudamore ... Professor / Demon / Vagrant / Watchman / Al-Ashar

Bhasker Patel ... King of the City / Tailor

Sharlit Deyzac ... Maiden / Fish / Evil Wife / Jewish Physician’s Maid / Judge’s Daughter


A Holy Mountain production for BBC Radio 4

Broadcast as BBC Radio 4 Classic Serial on 6 & 13 December 2015