BBC Thursday 5th of January

New year, new BBC dramatizations to listen to, or so it seems :P.

Today’s list will be a bit long, but I just can’t skip any of these. There will be some mystery, some classic, a bit of fairy dust and some curious lands.

1. Sherlock Holmes: The Game’s Afoot

Hear the evidence gathered clue by clue – as Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, Nick Utechin investigates how the Baker Street sleuth has been portrayed on radio across the decades.

BBC Link | Days left: 25 | Duration: 3 hours

If you’re curious about Sherlock and you’re always ready to hear more this is something for you. 3 hours of various recording will certainly give you something to think about :).

2. Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Hungry for power and knowledge, the young wizard Ged tampers with long-held secrets and releases a terrible shadow into the world. Meanwhile, Tenar is taken away from her home and family to become Arha, the guardian of the ominous Tombs of Atuan.

BBC Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Goodreads

Day left: 25
Duration: 30 min | 6 episodes aired weekly – only first available today

Based on the first two volumes of the Earthsea cycle an interesting dramatization of this famous fantasy saga. It was an enjoyable introduction, but to be honest Pratchett’s dramas were way better ;P. Still, I had a nice time listening to this.

3. Persuasion by Jane Austen

The Elliot family, finding themselves in debt, are forced to rent out their baronial home to an Admiral of the Navy.

BBC Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Goodreads

Day left: 26
Duration: 70 min | 2 episodes aired weekly

And here’s a bit of classic to those who are like me and can’t find time to actually read it ;). Rather short two-part adaptation of Jane Austen’s story.

4. Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

When Geppetto’s wooden puppet miraculously comes to life, Geppetto names him Pinocchio and imagines a bright future together. Pinocchio must understand what it is to be a boy and the first step is school. But danger and folly lurk around every corner and it is hard for Pinocchio to find the right path. The world is full of temptation, contradiction and fear. Will Pinocchio find his way to becoming a real boy?

BBC Link | Goodreads

Day left: 26
Duration: 60 min | 1 episode

Some may call this story a fairy tale, but I always felt it’s rather dramatic and a bit depressing (well, maybe not the Disney version, but we all know how these are). It’s still worth reading or at least listening.

5. Busman’s Honeymoon by Dorothy L Sayers

Lord Peter Wimsey and his bride, mystery writer Harriet Vane, start their honeymoon with murder. The former owner of Talboys estate is dead in the cellar with a misspelled “notise” to the milkman, not a spot of blood on his smashed skull, and £600 in his pocket.

BBC Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Goodreads

Day left: 24
Duration: 30 min | 6 episodes

How about a nice and very British mystery to wrap it all up ;). I’m rather fond of Wimsey stories. Maybe this wasn’t the best, but it’s still enjoyable and rather curious. Perfect when you want to relax with a hot cup of tea ;).

Happy listening!