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An iconic radio play broadcast live by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ in 1946, The Dark Tower is widely acknowledged to be the finest of MacNeice’s many works for radio and one of the most critically acclaimed radio plays of the 20th century. The verse drama – set in the world of myth, but with strong allegorical, autobiographical and even satirical elements – has at its core music by Britten to whom MacNeice dedicated the published script.

This recreation of The Dark Tower's original broadcast will be performed under the tower of Orford’s medieval church in front of a live audience. The 12-strong cast act to the microphone in this most imposing and atmospheric of radio studios with Britten’s music and his musical sound-effects played ‘live’. Combining period touches with an entirely fresh approach, this production brings this momentous radio drama collaboration up to date for a contemporary audience.

A radio play by Louis MacNeice
Music by Benjamin Britten