Duchess of Malfi & The White Devil

A BBC radio full-cast drama collection of John Webster''s twin masterpieces, plus two documentaries examining their importance and enduring popularity

One of the great Jacobean playwrights and a contemporary of William Shakespeare, John Webster is best known for his classic revenge tragedies based on real events in Renaissance Italy, The Duchess of Malfi and The White Devil. Both are included here, along with two insightful programmes putting the plays in their historical context, and probing the life of their mysterious author - a shadowy character about whom very little is known.

The Duchess of Malfi - When the young, widowed Duchess dares to defy her brothers and marry again, the corrupt duo begin a chilling campaign to destroy her... Intercut with the music of Jimi Hendrix and Laura Marling, this visceral production moves from gentle romanticism to darkest cruelty. Introduced by Professor Emma Smith from Hertford College, Oxford, and starring Pippa Nixon as the Duchess of Malfi.

The White Devil - Set in a murky 1950s underworld of shifting alliances, betrayals and sudden violence, this radical reinterpretation of Webster''s bloodthirsty tragedy tells the story of Brachiano, who falls violently in love with the married Vittoria Corombona. Desperate to possess her, he arranges the murder of her husband and his wife - but in doing so, he makes a deadly enemy... Shaun Dingwall stars as Brachiano, with Anna Maxwell Martin as Vittoria.

Role Play - Michael Billington talks to acclaimed actresses Eleanor Bron and Juliet Stevenson about The Duchess of Malfi and its relevance today, and discuss their experiences playing the lead role.

The Skull Beneath the Skin - Elizabethan scholar and biographer Muriel Bradbrook delves into Webster''s life and plays, exploring how his childhood and family background informed his writing.

Cast and credits
Written by John Webster

The Duchess of Malfi
The Duchess of Malfi - Pippa Nixon
Bosola - Shaun Dooley
Antonio - Sandy Grierson
Ferdinand - Alexander Cobb
Cardinal - Jonathan Keeble
Delio/Pilgrim - Kevin Harvey
Cariola/Julia - Jenny Platt
Silvio/Pilgrim - Rupert Hill
Doctor - Lloyd Hutchinson

Abridged and adapted by Pauline Harris and Emma Smith
Directed by Pauline Harris
Original songs arranged and composed by Jules Maxwell and sung by Shaun Dooley and Jules Maxwell
Introduction by Professor Emma Smith from Hertford College, Oxford
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 11 July 2021

The White Devil
Flamineo - Patrick Kennedy
Vittoria - Anna Maxwell Martin
Brachiano - Shaun Dingwall
Francisco - Peter Wight
Monticelso - Sean Baker
Ludovico - Harry Myers
Isabella - Christine Kavanagh
Gasparo - David Seddon
Camillo - Sam Dale
Cornelia - Frances de la Tour
Marcello - Michael Shelford
Giovanni - Lloyd Thomas
Hortensio - Tony Bell
Zanche - Pippa Bennett Warner
Dr Julio - Jude Akuwudike

Adapted and directed by Marc Beeby
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 15 August 2010

Role Play
Presented by Michael Billington
With Eleanor Bron and Juliet Stevenson
Produced by Fiona McLean
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 16 July 1997

The Skull Beneath the Skin
Presented by Muriel Bradbrook
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 29 October 1980


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