Vivat Rex: Volume 2 cover art

Vivat Rex: Volume 2

Landmark drama from the BBC Radio Archive

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Vivat Rex: Volume 2

By: William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Martin Jenkins
Narrated by: full cast, Richard Burton
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About this listen

Richard Burton narrates the second volume of this famous dramatic chronicle of the English Crown, a treasure of the BBC radio archive published in audiobook for the very first time.

Vivat Rex is the landmark drama series first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977. Over the course of 26 instalments, each one narrated by Richard Burton with a full cast, the fortunes of the English Crown are followed through 225 years of British history, from Edward II’s accession in 1307 to the birth of Elizabeth I.

Each drama is adapted by Martin Jenkins from the works of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and their Elizabethan contemporaries.This second volume features the final 13 instalments, beginning with Martin Jarvis as Henry V and concluding with the birth of Elizabeth I. Vivat Rex includes a stirring musical score by Christopher Whelen.

©2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Historical Fiction Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant
This, along with volume one, make more than 24 hours of the best history. It covers 200 years ending with the birth of Elizabeth I ( no that isn't a spoiler...after all, it is history).

Well written, well cast and well presented all round.

A 'must listen to' download.

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This is an excellent BBC radio series. The stories are good, and the casting is excellent.

Very good

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l loved this production especially Marlow 's Edward the Second and Richard Burton 's narration.

brilliant

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It's good in places and has plenty of classic moments but Oh god the the thespian navel gazing and camp performances. Definatly of its time.

All the kings

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