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  The Poetry Of William Cowper

  William Cowper

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  William Cowper was born 26th November 1731 in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Traumatically he and his brother, John, were the only survivors, out of seven, to survive infancy. His mother died when he was six. 
  His education, after several temporary schools, was stabilised at Westminster school. Here he established several life-long friendships and a dedication to Latin. Upon leaving he was articled to a solicitor in London and spent almost a decade training in Law.  In 1763 he was offered a Clerkship of Journals in the House of Lords. With the examinations approaching Cowper had a mental breakdown. He tried to commit suicide three times and a period of depression and insanity seemed to settle on him. The end of this unhappy period saw him find refuge in evangelical Christianity, becoming the inspiration behind his much-loved hymns. 
  This led to a collaboration with John Newton in writing ‘Olney Hymns’. 
  However dark forces were about to overwhelm Cowper. In 1773, he experienced a devastating attack of insanity, believing that he was eternally condemned to hell, and that God was instructing him to make a sacrifice of his own life. With great care and devotion his friend, Mary Unwin, nursed him back to health. 
  In 1781 Cowper had the good fortune to meet a widow, Lady Austen, who inspired a new bout of poetry writing including what some have considered his most substantial work, ‘The Task’. 
  In 1786 he began his translations from the Greek into blank verse of Homer's ‘The Iliad’ and ‘The Odyssey’. These translations, published in 1791, were the most significant since those of Alexander Pope earlier in the century. 
  Mary Unwin died in 1796, plunging Cowper into a gloom from which he never fully recovered though he did continue to write. 
  William Cowper was seized with dropsy and died on 25th April 1800.

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  The Winslow Boy

  Terence Rattigan

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  Based on the real-life court case of a young naval cadet unjustly accused of stealing a five-shilling postal order and first staged in 1946, The Winslow Boy has been revived many times since, including at The Old Vic in 2013.
  Ronnie Winslow is expelled from naval college, having been accused of petty theft. Enraged, his father Arthur engages a lawyer to challenge the Admiralty to prove the charges in court – but public opinion is very much against the Winslows, and each member of the family is suffering...
  This edition includes an authoritative introduction by Dan Rebellato, a biographical sketch and a chronology.
  'A sterling example of Rattigan's dramatic skill and humanity... deeply poignant' Telegraph
  'A playwright of acute emotional intelligence, elegant wit, and an extraordinary gift for expressive construction... thrilling' Independent

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  A Midsummer Night's Dream

  William Shakespeare

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  A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's best early works: an airy, romantic romp in the woods among bumbling rustics, temporarily star-crossed lovers, and the charming fairies who bewitch them all. Drawing on a popular English folk legend and annual, Shakespeare weaves a chaotic and comical tale of misunderstanding, mischief, and magic in which, like the dream-state it mimics, no harm is permanent and all is pleasantly resolved by the play's end. A joyous celebration of love, language, and life itself, A Midsummer Night's Dream is Shakespeare at his lyrical best.

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  One-Act Plays

  Charles Dickens, Gordon...

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  Step into a world of riveting drama and captivating storytelling with our digital audiobook collection of classic One-Act Plays. Whether you're a seasoned theater enthusiast or a newcomer seeking to explore the world of drama, this collection is bound to leave you spellbound. 
   
  Featuring Four Remarkable Plays  
   
  "Is She His Wife?" by Charles Dickens: 
  Delve into the intriguing realm of mystery and deception as Charles Dickens masterfully weaves a tale of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With expert narration, you'll feel the tension rise as secrets are unveiled and relationships are tested. Experience the brilliance of Dickens in a whole new dimension. 
   
  "Mr. Nightingale's Diary" by Charles Dickens: 
  Embark on a journey of laughter, romance, and unexpected twists with this charming play. Charles Dickens invites you to witness the whimsical escapades of Mr. Nightingale as he navigates the complexities of life and love. Let the dynamic narration transport you to a bygone era, where every emotion is palpable and every character comes to life. 
   
  "King Lear's Wife" by Gordon Bottomley: 
  Shakespeare's iconic tragedy "King Lear" takes an intriguing twist in this thought-provoking play. Gordon Bottomley explores the untold story of King Lear's wife, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale. Immerse yourself in the complexities of power, loyalty, and family dynamics, expertly narrated to capture the essence of Shakespearean drama. 
   
  "War Brides" by Marion Craig Wentworth: 
  Experience the poignant stories of love, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of wartime challenges. Marion Craig Wentworth's "War Brides" brings to life the emotions and struggles of women separated from their loved ones by war. Let the heartfelt narration transport you to a time of courage and determination that will leave a lasting impact.

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  Goats (NHB Modern Plays)

  Liwaa Yazji

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  In a small town in Syria, soldiers are celebrated as heroes and grieving families are nourished on propaganda.
  As coffins pile up, a local party leader decides on a radical compensation scheme: a goat for each son martyred.
  Goats is a major new work by Syrian playwright and documentary film-maker Liwaa Yazj, translated by Katharine Halls.
  Developed as part of the Royal Court International Department's long-term project with writers from Syria and Lebanon, the play premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, on 24 November 2017, in a production directed by Hamish Pirie.

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  Henry IV A Tragedy in Three Acts

  Luigi Pirandello

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  A talented actor and historian falls off his horse in a historical pageant while playing the role of Henry IV. When he comes to, he believes himself to be Henry. For the next twenty years his nephew, Count de Nolli, funds an elaborate hoax in a remote villa, where actors play the roles of Henry's privy councillors and simulate the 11th century court. 
   
  On request from his dying mother, de Nolli brings a Doctor referred to as the latest in a succession to try to cure Henry (whose real name, if it is not Henry, is never mentioned). All the action of the play occurs in this one day of the visit. - Summary by Wikipedia 
   
  Narrator: KHandHenry IV: Peter TuckerThe Marchioness Matilda Spina: P. J. MorganFrida: Amanda FridayThe young Marquis Charles Di Nolli: Vin ReillyBaron Tito Belcredi: Delmar H DolbierDr. Dionysius Genoni: ToddHWHarold (Frank): Will IraceLandolph (Lolo): Levi ThrockmortonOrdulph (Momo): Adele de PignerollesBerthold (Fino): Mary JJohn: Mark ChulskyFirst Valet: Alex LaneSecond valet: Andrew ColemanProof-listened by Jeanie & Roohi

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