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The Markov File

The story of the Bulgarian dissident whose assassination by means of a poison tip umbrella on London's Waterloo Bridge in 1978 made shockwaves around the world.

For those that remember the Cold War, the name Georgi Markov might be familiar. His assassination sent shockwaves around the globe in 1978 and his death was the first instance of Soviet pugilism on British soil. But even more famous than the name, was the infamous weapon of execution - the poison tip umbrella.

In The Markov File, we go beyond the headlines to reveal the truly remarkable life of a writer, dramaturgist, journalist and broadcaster, who used his wit and guile to wage war against the communist state. It's a story about autocracy, rebellion and impunity from the rule of law.

Cast:
Simon McBurney - Georgi Markov
Christopher Eccleston - President Zhivkov
Lucy Phelps - Zlatka Dubova
Ben Onwukwe - Peter Udell / Pesho / Colonel Kolev
Steve Brody - Kiro / Pavel Matev
Joshua James - Zahariev / Anastas Stoyanov
Conrad Nelson - Mihail Antonov
Kate Anstey - Lada Galina
David Burnett - Dr Riley / Vanelin Kostev
Howard Ward - Piccadilly / Nikolai Markov

Writer - Marek Horn
Assistant Producer - Lucy Vallance
Director & Producer - Hunter Charlton
Executive Producer - David Hunter
Sound Design - John Scott

With special thanks to Luke MacGregor, without whom this drama would not have been possible.

An Ember production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

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57 minutes

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