Waiting for the Boatman

A BBC Radio 4 Dramatisation

By: Stephen Wakelam

Narrated by: David Tennant, Anton Lesser, Full cast

The painter Mario Minniti has travelled to Naples to seek out his old friend and former mentor Caravaggio. But on arrival, the great painter is nowhere to be found. In a bid to find him, Mario retraces Caravaggio's last known movements. His search reveals a life lived dangerously.

Starring David Tennant as Mario Minniti, with Anton Lesser, Peter Hamilton, Joe Dempsie, Tracy Wiles and Harry Livingstone. Written by Stephen Wakelam. Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko. Editor: Colin Guthrie. Studio Managers: Colin Guthrie, Keith Graham, Alison Craig. Production Coordinator: Nicole Fitzpatrick.

©2012 Stephen Wakelam (P)2012 AudioGO Ltd

Poignant performance of a study of art and love

I love Tennant's audiobooks, but have never read anything by Wakelam. This gem was amazing

Beautifully performed, too maudlin for me

Well written and lovely casting. Good sound engineering. The story just wasn't to my taste. If you like tragic but not dramatic historical pieces this will probably be just your cup of tea.

Cinematic!

Beautifully done. My only wish is that it be longer….I wanted it to go on.

A Gem

What made the experience of listening to Waiting for the Boatman (Afternoon Drama) the most enjoyable?

It's a short piece masterfully written and gorgeously performed. Like all great short pieces, it manages to deliver a tremendous amount with powerful brevity.

What other book might you compare Waiting for the Boatman (Afternoon Drama) to and why?

The pathos of this piece remind me of Jeanette Winterson's The Passion. Although the form of the prose, as intended for an "afternoon drama", is quite unlike anything else I've listened to.

What about David Tennant’s performance did you like?

He's absolutely stunning. His voice conveys incredible depth and a wide range of emotions: longing, pain, recognition, obsession, surprise, regret, resignation... I hung on to every word. How delightful to see him shine in a serious drama/literary piece.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I listened to it twice in two days. Each time a somewhat different facet is revealed. The poignancy of the prose and the mastery of the actor(s) make this piece unforgetable.

Any additional comments?

Timeless theme of love and passion. Magnificently written and breathtakingly performed.

A quiet story, well told

Listened to this because it was David Tennant. I like the way the story moves and the descriptions of the paintings and the artist's interactions through the eyes of the narrator. I listen to it often.

David tennant...

This was really lovely and atmospheric. And David Tennant- I could get lost in his voice.

Meh

What disappointed you about Waiting for the Boatman (Afternoon Drama)?

The story was a bit boring. The narration was fine, I just found it a tad dry, and ultimately not all that interesting.

Has Waiting for the Boatman (Afternoon Drama) turned you off from other books in this genre?

No. This genre is always a gamble. Some writers are great at it, others not so much.

What does David Tennant bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

David Tennant is always a good narrator, so I have no complaints there. I think I would have made it through the book a lot faster on my own, but then again, I may not have finished it in that case. I finished it in audiobook format because I listen to audiobooks while I draw, so I just sorta let them play.