War and Peace

BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

By: Leo Tolstoy

Narrated by: Paterson Joseph, John Hurt, Simon Russell Beale, Alun Armstrong, Lesley Manville, Stephen Campbell Moore, Roger Allam

Paterson Joseph, John Hurt, Lesley Manville and Harriet Walter are among the cast of BBC Radio 4's epic full-cast dramatisation. Adapted for radio by Timberlake Wertenbaker, Leo Tolstoy's epic story follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. First broadcast on New Year's Day 2015, the drama also features Alun Armstrong, Natasha Little, David Calder, Phoebe Fox, Sam Reid and Joanna David. Duration: 10 hours approx.

©2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Critic reviews

"Tolstoy's imagined world is recreated on air brilliantly by the extraordinary cast." ( The Spectator)

An excellent adaptation of a classic

Have tried to listen to War and Peace, but, it's rather long. The radio drama format makes it easy to follow, and using the framing device of letters and such with the children and others was a brilliant move. All the cast is in fine form, and I don't mind Denisov being played by a Scottish actor.

Amazing

Well preformed. I appreciate the actors clear articulation and command of the material. A joy to listen to.

Awesome dramatization of War and Peace!

This is a terrific work by BBC Radio 4! Superb!
The story in itself is one that keeps the listener hooked and reveals the greatness of Leo Tolstoy, but the dramatization adds a theatrical element that enhances the whole experience. One really feels that is in the trenches fighting alongside the Russian troops.
I loved it!

Engrossing

I tried to read War and Peace a few times but never stayed with it until this performance. The description of war were amazing- you really felt that you were on the battlefield.
I highly recommend.

Best of the best

This epic novel brilliantly performed. Very touching and I was moved to tears many times.

Couldn't stop listening.

Only took two days to finish this book. Loved the story and performance. Wonderful version.

Wow!

I loved it! I tried reading the book, but got lost in the characters. This was magnificent in telling the story and bring you in with great sound effects.

very enjoyable

Though War and Peace can be a daunting book, this BBC radio adaptation made it very enjoyable and the time (10 hours) passed quickly. I would definitely recommend it. Wonderful actors. Music and sound effects brought the story to life.

Know your characters

Hearing a dramatization of this magnificent novel that I had read years ago brought the story to life. However, I had to get a list of the characters to refresh my memory when I started listening. One of the actors had an accent that sounded strongly Irish or Scottish. I found it ill-placed in this narrative and at times very distracting. He portrayed a minor character yet one who appeared enough through the story to cause me to give 4 stars instead of 5.

bravo

Wonderful acting and production of a timeless story. I plan to listen to it again someday.