Homer - The Odyssey

HOMER - THE ODYSSEY (320kbs-m4a/532mb/3hrs51mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 8th to 10th July 2026

Starring Tim McInnerny and Amanda Redman.

Homer's ancient Greek epic seafaring tale.

Dramatised in three parts by Simon Armitage.

Music by Gary Yershon.

Musicians: Keith Thompson, Martin Allen, Robin Jeffrey, Chris Lacey, Elspeth Cowey and Phil Hopkins

Singer: Jon Glover

Director: Janet Whitaker

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.

HOMER - THE ODYSSEY - 1. MARKED MEN (320kbs-m4a/198mb/1hr26mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 8th July 2026

After 20 years away, the gods decide it is time for Odysseus, a hero of the Trojan wars, to return to Ithaca before his wife Penelope is forced to marry again.

But the angry god Poseidon still wants revenge.

Odysseus .... Tim McInnerny
Penelope .... Amanda Redman
Telemachus .... Benedict Cumberbatch
Athena .... Janet McTeer
Zeus .... John Wood
Eurycleia .... Mary Wimbush
Hermes .... Bertie Carvel
King Alcinous .... Geoffrey Whitehead
Queen Arete .... Cheryl Campbell
Princess Nausicaa .... Alice Hart
Calypso .... Adjoa Andoh
The Cyclops .... Barrie Rutter
Antinous .... Danny Webb
Eurymachus .... Jonathan Keeble
Amphinomus .... Chris Pavlo
Eurylochus .... Ewan Bailey
Polites .... John Rowe
Elpenus .... Stephen Hogan
Eurybates .... Philip Fox
Antiphus .... Jon Glover

HOMER - THE ODYSSEY - 2. WANDERINGS (320kbs-m4a/201mb/1hr28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 9th July 2026

Odysseus continues the story of his wanderings with his crew and their encounters.

The must face Circe the Enchantress, the descent into Hades, the Sirens, the monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis.

All ahead of the final disaster on the Isle of the Sun God...

Odysseus .... Tim McInnerny
Athena .... Janet McTeer
Hermes .... Bertie Carvel
Eurylochus .... Ewan Bailey
Polites .... John Rowe
Shipmate .... Jon Glover
Elpenus .... Stephen Hogan
Eurybates .... Philip Fox
King Alcinous .... Geoffrey Whitehead
Queen Arete .... Cheryl Campbell
Princess Nausicaa .... Alice Hart
Circe .... Frances Barber
Ghost of Anticleia .... Joanna McCallum

HOMER - THE ODYSSEY - 3. HOME (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th July 2026

Odysseus finally returns home, disguised as a beggar by Athena until he is ready for the final confrontation with the suitors and can be reunited with his wife Penelope.

Odysseus .... Tim McInnerny
Penelope .... Amanda Redman
Telemachus .... Benedict Cumberbatch
Athena .... Janet McTeer
Zeus .... John Wood
Eurycleia .... Mary Wimbush
Eurymachus .... Jonathan Keeble
Amphinomus .... Chris Pavlo
Antinous .... Danny Webb
Eumaeus .... Ioan Meredith