Stories from the Archives

Gemma Jones performs this haunting folktale about a woman from the sea, who is captured by a human. But will her home and children on the shore be enough to keep her from her natural world? Introduced by Vernon Rose singing an extract of traditional folk song 'Selkie'.

Helen Fraser performs this hilarious sketch originally created by Dion Titheridge, and made famous by Cicely Courtneidge. How difficult can it really be to place an order for some napkins?

Sasha Mitchell and Matt Prendergast perform Kevin Crossley Holland's 'Sea Tongue', inspired by the true story of Dunwich, Britain's Atlantis. Dunwich was once among England's biggest towns, but now lies almost entirely beneath the North Sea, save for a tiny village. This eerie piece evokes the voices of what was lost, and the forces that took it. With original music by Sylvia Hallett. Cover image of a Dunwich seascape, by Ben Wardle.

Roger Lloyd Pack reads a darkly moving and eerie tale of a love that transcends earthly bounds.

Roger Lloyd Pack reads this funny folk tale following a fool's quest for a pottle of brains.

Poet, lyricist and dramatist Jehane Markham reads three of her own poems, based on traditional fairytales.

Colin Salmon tells this folk story from West Africa. A tale for all the family.

A Yiddish folk tale of a king's challenge to his daughter's suitor, and how a fool with a little luck is only half a fool. Told by Jonathan Pryce, Gemma Jones, Sam Scudder and Jane Barber. With original music by Sylvia Hallett.

Gemma Jones performs Welsh folk tale 'Be My Cariad', telling the story of a young Welsh lad who casts his line on a moonlit lake, and catches more than he bargains for. Recorded at the Almeida Theatre, 1st October 2000. With music performed by Sylvia Hallett.

Nicola Pesce inadvertently escapes death by bunking off school, and wild hilarity ensues. Marcello Magni retells and improvises this Italian folk tale in glorious, uproarious style.

A fiercely loyal sparrow picks a revenge fight with a wagoner, proving that even the littlest among us should not be underestimated. Funny and characteristically Grimm.

An Anglo-Scottish border version of the Frog Prince tale, told with perfect comedy timing by the brilliant Bill Patterson.

Comical folk tale. When a paperwork problem prevents a little spirit from passing through the pearly gates, it's forced to return to earth to find itself a name.

Hilariously funny story by Leonora Carrington, read by Dame Penelope Wilton. A debutante befriends a hyena, with the most unlikely consequences. Archive recording from The Almeida Theatre, October 2000.

Jon Canter reads his excellently funny story 'The Jewish Vicar' about a man who finds himself in the wrong clothes at the right time. Recorded at the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh, in 2012. The story was later developed into a BBC Radio 4 afternoon play starring Stephen Mangan, Claudie Blakley and Pauline McLynn (2014).

Jonathan Pryce performs this heartwarming Turkish folk tale, following the forgetful Hassan, whose curiosity and determination not to forget what he's told leads him into a spiralling comedy of errors.

A charming English folk tale performed by Judy Campbell at the Almeida Theatre, recorded on October 1st 2000.

Adrian Mitchell recites his poem telling the tale of his visit to a school in Offah, and a reading not to be forgotten.

Adrian Mitchell's parody of William Shakespeare, trying to help us find a way of remembering all his plays. Brilliantly performed by Roger Lloyd Pack, with music by Sylvia Hallett & Miguel Tantos.