BBC adaptations of H. Rider Haggard’s best-known novels, starring Tim McInnerny

Victorian adventure writer Henry Rider Haggard is most famous for his novel King Solomon’s Mines, which launched the ‘Lost World’ genre of SF, featuring the discovery of long-forgotten or legendary civilizations. His follow-up, She, was also hugely successful, and has been hailed as ‘one of the great classics of fantasy fiction’. The radio dramatisations of both tales are collected here, with casts including Tim McInnerny, Adjoa Andoh, Finlay Robertson, Oliver Chris and Mia Soteriou.

King Solomon’s Mines – Desperate to find his brother George, who disappeared a year ago while searching for the fabled diamond mines of King Solomon, Sir Henry Curtis recruits intrepid hunter Allan Quatermain to join him and his friend Captain John Good on a dangerous mission. Believing he will never return, Quatermain keeps a journal for his son recounting their adventures. As the explorers journey into the heart of Africa, they encounter fierce Kukuana warriors, the beautiful Foulata, the bloodthirsty King Twala and his witch-finder Gagool. But will they find the mine and the treasure that is rumoured to lie within it?

She – Ludwig Holly and his ward Leo's quest for the truth behind the legend of Leo's ancestry takes them on an extraordinary adventure to the mysterious African interior. Surviving shipwreck and cannibals, they arrive in the lost city of Kor, where they meet the bewitching White Queen, Ayesha. Over 2000 years old, but still possessing a beauty that enthrals and terrifies all who see her, she rules despotically over her secret kingdom. Ayesha has waited two millennia for her lover to return – and on seeing Leo, she is convinced her wait is over…

Cast and credits
Written by H Rider Haggard
First published 1885 (King Solomon’s Mines) and 1887 (She)

King Solomon’s Mines
Allan Quatermain – Tim McInnerny
Sir Henry Curtis – David Sturzaker
Captain John Good – Simon Ludders
Umbopa – Sope Dirisu
Infadoos – Maynard Eziashi
Ventvogel/Scragga – Tonderai Munyevu
Silvestre – Joe Ferrara
Officer/George – Finlay Robertson
Gagool – Adjoa Andoh
Foulata – Emmanuella Cole
Twala – Femi Elufowoju

Dramatised by Chris Harrald
Directed by Liz Webb
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-9 April 2017

She
Ludwig Holly – Tim McInnerny
Leo – Oliver Chris
Ayesha – Mia Soteriou
Job – Howard Coggins
Billali – Ben Onwukwe
Amenartas/Ustane – Janice Acquah
Vincey – Tom Sherman
Agarah – Damian Lynch
Young Leo – Oliver Baynham

Adapted by Hattie Naylor
Produced by Sara Davies
Music by Elizabeth Purnell
First broadcast Radio 4, 2-9 July 2006