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Queen Lucia: The BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

By: E. F. Benson, Aubrey Woods
Narrated by: Barbara Jefford, Jonathan Cecil, full cast
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Summary

Barbara Jefford is the hilariously outrageous Lucia in this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of the novel by E.F. Benson.

Lucia is the uncrowned queen of 1920s provincial society, the Everest of social climbers and the most delicious of snobs. In the pastoral serenity of the village of Riseholme, Lucia and her unforgettable cronies face up to an Indian guru, spiritualism, and a cultural usurper.

E.F. Benson's wickedly witty satires on the rivalries of English middle-class life have elevated Lucia's extravagant exploits to cult comedy status.

©2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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What listeners say about Queen Lucia: The BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

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  • Overall
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humorous satire

i really enjoyed this series of short stories about an opera singer and their vain pursuits
humorous insight into the attitudes of this olden era

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  • Overall
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Simply Brilliant!

This excellent BBC full cast production is superb. The pen of E F Benson at it's best.

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wonderful adaptation

my only complaint is that there's not more of it, excellent cast and adaptation

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Classic

Excellent stories of everyday political plotting and cunning, beautifully acted. I listened to it again immediately! More Lucia please.

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1 person found this helpful

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Wonderful

Really enjoyed this , can highly recommend. For a dramatization it follows the original story very well. The cast are perfect and none of the humour is lost. Will be listening to this many more times

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  • Overall
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Queen Lucia - a brilliant tour de force

Would you listen to Queen Lucia: The BBC Radio 4 dramatisation again? Why?

I can listen to this again and again. It is very close to the E.F.Benson book. The characters are brought to life in a superb performance.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lucia, of course. A control freak and social climber she may be, but you have to love her.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favourite?

The portrayal of Olga Braceley was brilliant, just the right balance of artiste and common sense.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Georgie says to Olga: 'Because...I adore you' - a lovely moment.

Any additional comments?

I have this production on tape and have all but worn it out. I know it inside out. So glad it is available as a an audio-book download.A great introduction to E.F Benson and his 'Lucia' novels.

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7 people found this helpful

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Marvellous

The cast and dramatisation is pure bliss. I wish every Mapp and/or Lucia book could be produced like this. I think EF Benson suits radio more than TV (apart from the tv series in the early 80s of course- that was gold). I might contact Fred through Abfou and ask if he can write more Lucia novels, modern fiction dare I say it, bores me in general.

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4 people found this helpful

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Such fun!

A real treat from beginning to end. Great characters who you feel fond if despite their plotting and scheming.

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