BBC radio dramatisations of classic novels featuring some of literature’s most devious and compelling villains

Cunning. Corrupt. Charismatic. The degenerate characters in this collection shun conventional morality, and will stop at nothing to get what they want... These five sensational dramas, set in locations ranging from 16th century Venice to Victorian England, revolve around their unscrupulous actions – and the devastating consequences of the choices they make.

Othello – Lenny Henry stars in this acclaimed production of Shakespeare's great tragedy of love turned sour by unfounded jealousy. Othello is a brave general and a noble man – but the evil manipulations of his lieutenant, Iago (Conrad Nelson) provoke his descent into deluded rage.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde – Introduced by David Tennant, this fast-moving dramatisation tells the disturbing tale of a scientist who experiments on himself to release his uncontrollable dark side, and of the lawyer’s daughter determined to bring him to book. Starring Stuart MacQuarrie, John Dougall and Madeleine Worrell.
The Picture of Dorian Gray – Vain, hedonistic aristocrat Dorian Gray makes a Faustian pact to preserve his youthful beauty. But after years of decadence and selfish pleasure, is retribution on the horizon? Jamie Glover and Ian McDiarmid star in this adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s famous novel.
Lady Audley’s Secret– Newly married to rich widower Lord Audley, former governess Lucy Graham glories in the delights of her new life. When her scandalous past is discovered, she will dare anything to preserve the security and wealth she has gained… Starring Hattie Morahan, Charlotte Emerson and Alex Wyndham, this thrilling serial retains all the mystery and suspense of Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s Gothic ‘sensation novel’.
Confessions of a Justified Sinner – Robert Colwan believes he is destined for salvation no matter what crimes he commits. If you can kill without paying the price, how murderous can you become? And what, if anything, does that do to your psyche? Lorn Macdonald stars in this tense, eerie reimagining of James Hogg’s seminal novel about a young man radicalised by religious fanaticism.
Cast and credits
Othello
Written by William Shakespeare
Cast: Lenny Henry, Conrad Nelson, Matt Connor, Geoff Leesley, Richard Standing, David Beckford, Simon Holland Roberts, Jessica Harris, Andy Cryer, Sara Poyzer, Chris Pearse, Victoria Gee
Directed by Barrie Rutter
Produced by David Hunter
Music arranged by Conrad Nelson and performed by cast
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 Feb 2010
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Written by Robert Louis Stevenson
Cast: David Tennant, Stuart McQuarrie, John Dougall, Madeleine Worrall, Hugh Ross, Catriona McFarlane, Nick Underwood, David Sterne, John Bowler, Kenny Blyth, Luke MacGregor, Michael Bertenshaw, Nicholas Murchie, Karen Bartke, Natasha Cowley, Keziah Joseph
Dramatised by Neil Brand
Directed by David Hunter
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 Nov 2016
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Written by Oscar Wilde
Cast: Jamie Glover, Ian McDiarmid, Steven Pacey, Tilly Gaunt, Harry Myers, Elizabeth Mansfield, Brett Usher, Mary Wimbush, Gavin Muir, Elizabeth Bell, Tessa Worsley, Tom George, Edward de Souza, Stephen Critchlow, Geoffrey Beevers, Alice Arnold
Dramatised by Nick McCarty
Directed by Gordon House
Music composed and played by David Chitton
Piano: Simon Morecroft
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 Jan-6 Feb 2000
Lady Audley’s Secret
Written by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Cast: Hattie Morahan, Charlotte Emmerson, Sam Dale, Lizzy Watts, Benjamin Askew, Alex Wyndham, Joseph Kloska, Perdita Weeks, Jonathan Tafler, Paul Rider, Charlotte West-Oram, Deborah McAndrew
Dramatised by Theresa Heskins
Directed by Julie Beckett and Fiona Kelcher
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 Apr-1 May 2009
Confessions of a Justified Sinner
Written by James Hogg
Cast: Lorn Macdonald, Shauna Macdonald, Wendy Seager
Dramatised by Robert Forrest
Directed by Kirsty Williams
Studio Recordings by Niall Young
Sound Design and Original Music by Fraser Jackson
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 Mar 2023