Classic BBC Radio Shakespeare: Romances

These three legendary plays, performed by some of the best-known theatrical actors of the 20th Century, are the perfect way to commemorate England's greatest dramatist. The Winter's TaleOne man's consuming jealousy threatens to destroy both himself and those around him, but his actions arouse a passionate sense of honour, love, justice and self-sacrifice in members of his Court and family. Starring Ronald Pickup as Leontes, with Hannah Gordon as Hermione and John Gielgud as Time. Produced and directed by Martin JenkinsFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 3, 21 January 1982Music composed by David Timson and sung by Alan Dudley, Theresa Streatfeild, David Timson and Patience TomlinsonPericlesPericles is haunted by Fate, buffeted by storms, driven from country to country and cruelly separated from his wife and daughter.

Having endured the waywardness of Fortune, will he be reunited with his family?

First broadcast in 1981, starring Tim Pigott-Smith as Pericles and Angharad Rees as Marina. Produced and directed by David SpenserFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 3, 8 October 1981Music specially composed by Nick BicatThe TempestSet on an enchanted island ruled by the sorcerer Prospero, this spellbinding tale of magic, illusion, forgiveness and repentance is one of Shakespeare's greatest plays.

First broadcast in 1974, starring Paul Scofield as Prospero and Patrick Stewart as Caliban. Adapted for radio by Ian CotterellProduced by Ian CotterellFirst broadcast BBC Radio 3, 24 March 1974Music by David CainRecorded at BBC Broadcasting House and featuring the BBC Drama Repertory company, with specially composed music, this is classic radio drama at its finest.