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Vivat Rex: Volume One (Dramatisation)
- Landmark Drama from the BBC Radio Archive
- Narrated by: Richard Burton, Full Cast
- Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins
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Vivat Rex: Volume One (Dramatisation)
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Summary
Richard Burton narrates this famous dramatic chronicle of the English Crown, a treasure of the BBC radio archive published on audible 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.
This first volume includes the first 13 instalments, beginning with John Hurt’s portrayal of Edward II. The stellar cast includes John Hurt, Paul Eddington, Keith Michell, Derek Jacobi, Michael Redgrave, Maureen O’Brien, Patrick Troughton, Timothy West, Robert Hardy, Martin Jarvis, Anthony Quayle, Robert Harris, Robert Powell, June Whitfield, Roy Dotrice, Billie Whitelaw and Colin Baker.
Each drama is adapted by Martin Jenkins from the works of Shakespeare, Marlowe and their Elizabethan contemporaries, and each includes a stirring musical score by Christopher Whelen. Also included in this collection are bonus interviews with Vivat Rex writer, producer and director, Martin Jenkins, studio manager Enyd Williams and actor Martin Jarvis, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
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What listeners say about Vivat Rex: Volume One (Dramatisation)
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Trefor Bark
- 11-06-15
Awesome Listening
A stunning big name cast bring this history saga to brilliant life. I was enthralled from the beginning and found myself making time to listen during my days.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- the
- 10-07-15
great plays but the music is very off-putting.
If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?
I would have enjoyed the audiobook more, had there been no musical introduction. It goes on for far too long and is very repetitive. The composer doesn't rank on the same level as the playwrights he accompanies for.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Edward II, interesting to have an openly gay king
How could the performance have been better?
Absolutely no music. It does nothing to enhance the experience. Also, there's no list of plays one gets on the information.
You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
I can still appreciate its redeeming qualities.
Any additional comments?
If you have no musical ear or a bit tone death or can look over the long dreadful musical introductions, I'd still recommend it.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dave A.
- 30-04-21
Radio classic lovingly produced
BBC classic from 1977, the cast is unrivalled. And Richard Burton! What more could you hope for?
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 26-04-20
incredible
a brilliant series with amazing stars like Richard Burton amazing performance a must have .
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rufus
- 29-04-16
Very impressive performances.
Loved it. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in historical dramas. If you like this then try the Plantagenet series.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Andyjn
- 11-04-16
Excellent
This BBC drama series is excellent. The story and the casting are very good. This is one of the BBC's best.
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