The Daniel Defoe BBC Radio Drama Collection

by Daniel Defoe, Philip Palmer

Genres: Classics; Historical Fiction

Synopsis

Three lively retellings of Daniel Defoe's classic novels, plus two bonus programmes about his extraordinary life and far-reaching influence.

"Robinson Crusoe and his Farther Adventures"

An imaginative blend of the famous castaway tale and its lesser-known sequel, this thrilling drama sees Crusoe setting sail for the far north. Facing danger in the Siberian wastes, he keeps terror at bay by telling his companions campfire tales of his many adventures on his beloved island. Starring Tim McInnerney as Crusoe.

"Moll Flanders"

When Daniel Defoe meets Elizabeth Atkins in Newgate jail, she recounts her stranger-than-fiction story of a rags-to-riches life that took her from prostitution to prosperity — but culminated in destitution. Inspired, Defoe mixes fact and fiction to re-invent her as one of his most engaging characters: Moll Flanders. Starring Ben Miles as Defoe and Jessica Hynes as Elizabeth Atkins.

"A Journal of the Plague Year"

Writing a fictional journal of the Great Plague of 1665, Defoe soon comes to be haunted by the characters he is conjuring. Starring Ben Miles as Defoe.

This exciting new collection of reinvented tales will also include two bonus programmes about Daniel Defoe himself:

"Defoe: Merchant, Writer, Convict, Spy" by Philip Palmer — A biographical drama about Defoe's life, starring Ben Miles as Defoe and Niamh Cusack as his wife Mary.

"Defoe: The Facts and Fictions"— A documentary by Mark Lawson, exploring the far-reaching influence of the pioneering author.