All for Love or, The World Well Lost

Synopsis
Radio version of Dryden’s play of the same name (1678). Based on Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, Dryden’s blank verse take on the story focuses on the clash between the personal and political. In contrast to the original, the action is confined to one place: the Temple of Isis at Alexandria. For the radio version producer Peter Creswell wrote a new Prologue and an Epilogue, spoken by the poet’s descendant, Noel Dryden. Creswell also inserted a hymn to Isis which was sung to music by Purcell.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Radio
Transmission details
14 Feb 1937 at 17:35 (Channel: BBC National Programme)
Duration
105 mins
Availability
No copy extant

Credits

Producer
Peter Creswell
Writer
John Dryden
Music
Julian Herbage
Contributor
Noel Dryden
Cast
Maurice ColbourneMark Antony
Fay ComptonCleopatra
Arthur EvansSerapios, Priest of Isis
Edmund WillardVentidius
Jack AllenMyris, another priest
Joyce RedmanIras
Mary HintonOctavia
Robert HolmesAlexas
Rosalinde FullerCharmian
Terence de MarneyDolabella

Additional Details

Production type
Television and Radio Drama
Plays
Antony and Cleopatra
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

Notes
The Radio Times entry for the broadcast suggests that producer Peter Creswell tried to reproduce the atmosphere of the Restoration playhouse (for which Dryden would have written the play) by including period-specific cries of hucksters.
History
A full-length adaptation of Antony and Cleopatra was broadcast on BBC radio two weeks later.
Textual information
A written transcript of the production is being held at the Birmingham Central Library as part of their Shakespeare Collection.

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "All for Love or, The World Well Lost". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av37586 (Accessed 11 Dec 2024)