The 17th Century classic brought to life in a bold new telling

The Pilgrim's Progress is regarded as one of the most significant works of theological fiction in English literature and is considered by some to be the first novel written in English. First published in 1678, it has been translated into more than 200 languages and had never been out of print. John Bunyan's seminal work has influenced writers across the centuries from Charlotte Brontë to Enid Blyton and beyond.

In this innovative and beautifully paced production of John Bunyan's classic novel, dramatist Brian Sibley takes us deftly on the pilgrim Christian's life-changing journey to the Celestial City, whilst also delicately weaving into the narrative the author's own journey. Arrested and imprisoned in the late 1600s for holding improper religious services, the drama unfolds through Bunyan's plight behind bars as he wrestles with his relationship to God, sense of duty and creativity - and begins to pen the novel from his cell.

Sibley delivers a fresh perspective and wonderful re-telling of the adventures of Christian, a pilgrim who embarks on a perilous journey from his hometown, the allegorical City of Destruction, to the Celestial City, or Heaven. Dramatised across three episodes, we follow Christian as he meets with death, despair, hope and ultimately salvation. It is the story of the everyman pilgrim who seeks to gain knowledge, making mistakes along that way that inform and inspire him on his path to grace.

Starring Anton Rodgers (May to December) as Bunyan and Neil Dudgeon (Midsomer Murders) as Christian, this full-cast production also features the well-known voices of Anna Massey and Peter Bowles. Brian Sibley is perhaps best known as the writer behind the hugely popular, landmark BBC radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings.

Written by Brian Sibley based on the novel by John Bunyan

Directed by Pam Fraser Solomon

Cast

Bunyan - Anton Rodgers

Christian - Neil Dudgeon

Evangelist - Alec McCowen

Beelzebub - Don Warrington

Interpreter - Anna Massey

Caged Man - Peter Bowles

Elizabeth - Caroline Lee Johns

Jailer - Ioan Meredith

Judge - Derek Waring

Pliable/Watchful/Sincere - Philip Fox

Obstinate/Clerk/Knowledge - Chris Moran

Help/Prudence/Angel - Jaimi Barbakoff

Goodwill/Charity/Angel - Lydia Leonard

Angel/Piety/Deceiver - Cherie Taylor-Battiste

Child - Sophie Levy

Child - Nyla Lev

Faithful - Graham Crowden

Cobb/Giant Despair - Stephen Thorne

Discretion - Eve Karpf

Talkative/Ignorance - Rachel Atkins

Timorous/Experience - Damian Lynch

Hopeful - Paul Medford

Mrs Despair - Frances Jeater

False-Confidence - Declan Wilson

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 January 2004