Seven of Shahrazad's stories of love, magic and mystery - plus bonus documentary

A collection of fabulous tales of genies, heroes, flying carpets and fantastic voyages, The Arabian Nights has enchanted generations of children and adults. Forged in the Islamic Golden Age, it was brought to Europe in the 18th Century, where it became an instant sensation. Included here are seven full-cast dramatisations, starring Carolyn Backhouse as Shahrazad and Derek Jacobi as the King, as well as a bonus edition of In Our Time exploring the story behind the tales.

Ghanim, the Thrall of Love - To escape the executioner's sword, Shahrazad beguiles the King with a spellbinding tale of love, jealousy, betrayal - and a magic drum.

The Ebony Horse - The magical story of a handsome prince, a beautiful princess, and a remarkable wooden horse.

The Three Suitors - When Jamilla's lover is thrown in prison, she devises a cunning plan to free him, involving a carpenter, a magistrate, a bogus camel-cleaner, and a wardrobe...

The Ninth Pedestal - Prince Zain inherits eight valuable statues - but the ninth is missing. He goes on a quest to find it - but what he discovers is beyond price...

Homza's Dance - The hunt for a lost arrow leads Prince Ahmed into an amazing adventure of sorcery and transformation.

The Hunchback - A series of bizarre accidents befall an eccentric cast of characters in a tale that's full of twists and turns.

The Dream of Baba Abdullah - In a final attempt to save her life, Shahrazad invites the king to enter the final story with her - or return alone...

In Our Time: The Arabian Nights - Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the myths, tales and legends of this ever-shifting sea of stories.

Cast and credits

Adapted by Colin Haydn Evans

Directed by Nigel Bryant

Music: Sue Harris and Steafan Hannigan

Starring Carolyn Backhouse as Shahrazad and Derek Jacobi as the King.

Ghanim, the Thrall of Love

Wazir - Simon Carter

Ghanim - Michael Lumsden

Leila - Moir Leslie

Caliph - Duncan Law

Rahil - Mary Wimbush

Slave - Richard O'Ryan

Old Man - Geoffrey Banks

The Ebony Horse

Kamar - James Telfer

The Sage - Roger Hume

Shams - Teresa Gallagher

Kamar's father - John Baddeley

The Three Suitors

Jamilla - Rachel Atkins

Hassan - William Chubb

Faris - Geoffrey Banks

Gaoler - Michael Mears

Magistrate - Philip Anthony

Carpenter - John Baddeley

Shahrazad's father - Simon Carter

The Ninth Pedestal

Prince Zain - James Telfer

Moubarak - John Baddeley

Genie - Steve Hodson

Maysun -Teresa Gallagher

Homza's Dance

Ahmed - James Telfer

Peri Banou - Rachel Atkins

Sultan - Philip Anthony

Sorceress - Mary Wimbush

Hussein - Steve Hodson

The Hunchback

Tailor - Harry Landis

Tailor's wife - Maria Charles

Doctor's wife - Mary Wimbush

Doctor - Philip Anthony

Seamstress - Kate Binchy

Christian - John Baddeley

Watchman - Jonathan Owen

Magistrate - Maurice Denham

Hunchback - Tania Ison

The Dream of Baba Abdullah

Baba Abdullah - Daniel Strauss

Dervish - Geoffrey Banks

In Our Time

Presented by Melvyn Bragg

With Robert Irwin, Marina Warner and Gerard van Gelder

Produced by James Cook