Iris Murdoch: The Sea, the Sea, a Severed Head & Something Special

A BBC Radio Collection

By: Iris Murdoch

Narrated by: Catherine Cusack, Full Cast, John Wood, Joyce Redman, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Victoria Hamilton

Full-cast dramatisations and a reading of works by Iris Murdoch, plus a bonus interview with the author herself.

Booker Prize-winning author Iris Murdoch is renowned for her sublime fiction, exploring themes such as art, passion, morality and human freedom. Included in this collection are adaptations of two of her finest novels and a reading of her only published short story, as well as an edition of Writers Revealed in which Murdoch discusses her ideas and beliefs.

The Sea, the Sea

Charles Arrowby, celebrated actor, writer and director, has retired from his London world and come to the sea to become a hermit and draft his memoirs. But the past will not let him rest.... This dramatisation of Murdoch’s most famous novel, which won the Booker Prize in 1978, stars John Wood as Charles and Joyce Redman as Hartley.

A Severed Head

When Martin Lynch-Gibbon's wife runs off with her analyst and his best friend, Palmer Anderson, the three characters attempt to behave in a civilised manner. But there is the matter of Martin's mistress and Palmer's sister to contend with - and undoubtedly the thin veneer of civilisation will crack.... Iris Murdoch’s blackly comic satire on analysis and amorality stars Julian Rhind-Tutt, Victoria Hamilton and Matthew Marsh.

Something Special

Young Irishwoman Yvonne passionately believes that there is more to life than marriage to Sam, a respectable tailor's apprentice. But a night out in Dublin forces her to confront reality.... Read by Catherine Cusack.

Writers Revisited: Iris Murdoch

Iris Murdoch talks about faith, religion and the creative process in conversation with Rosemary Hartill.

©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Feels very dated

These characters feel dated and completely unbelievable, even if written for comedy. I don’t think their personalities, dialogue, or situations would work in their own time unless to a drunk or extremely unsophisticated audience.

Fun adaptation

Disagree with the previous review. The performance matches the era of the original work. Charming, like watching a classic black and white film.