Katherine Mansfield: A BBC Radio Collection

A landmark collection of BBC Radio productions of the works of Katherine Mansfield - plus two bonus dramas. One of the great Modernist authors, Katherine Mansfield was a short story virtuoso, redefining the genre with her subtle, powerfully perceptive tales. A prolific writer, she penned over 60 stories and several poetry collections before her tragic death from tuberculosis in 1923, aged only 34. This collection opens with seven plays from Radio 4's 2020 series And Other Stories: Katherine Mansfield. It features dramatisations of 'Marriage a la Mode', 'Something Childish But Very Natural', 'Bliss', 'Daughters of the Late Colonel', 'The Garden Party', 'Ma Parker' and 'Her First Ball', all starring Hattie Morahan, supported by casts including Charlotte East, Luke Nunn, Ellie Piercy, Joel MacCormack and Cecilia Appiah. There are readings of 'The Stranger', 'Miss Brill', 'A Cup of Tea', Poison' and 'The Doll's House', by Hugh Bonneville, Barbara Flynn, Hattie Morahan and Blake Ritson. Also included are some of her lesser-known tales: 'Mr Reginald Peacock's Day' (read by Brian Gear), 'Sun and Moon' (read by Lin Sagovsky, and 'Honeymoon' (read by Emilia Fox). Finally, two original dramas explore moments in the life of the great author. Cherie Rogers' An Oddly Complete Understanding looks at Mansfield's friendship with Virginia Woolf and stars Rosalind Shanks and Penelope Wilton. Katie Hims' Luxembourg Gardens re-imagines Katherine Mansfield's last day in Paris and stars Hattie Morahan.

Rediscovering Katherine Mansfield's Literary Brilliance through BBC Radio Collection

Introduction: The audiobook "Katherine Mansfield" by BBC Radio Collection offers a captivating exploration of the works of the great Modernist author, Katherine Mansfield. Released on September 9, 1990, this collection showcases the brilliance of Mansfield's short stories and poetry through a series of radio productions and bonus dramas. In this review article, we delve into the diverse components of the audiobook, from the dramatizations of well-known stories to the exploration of Mansfield's life and friendships.

Dramatizations and Readings: The audiobook opens with seven plays from Radio 4's 2020 series "And Other Stories: Katherine Mansfield." These dramatizations breathe life into some of Mansfield's most celebrated works, including "Marriage a la Mode," "Bliss," and "The Garden Party." The cast, led by the talented Hattie Morahan, delivers powerful performances that capture the subtlety and perceptive nature of Mansfield's storytelling. The inclusion of additional readings by accomplished actors such as Hugh Bonneville, Barbara Flynn, and Blake Ritson adds depth to the collection.

Exploring Lesser-Known Tales: Beyond Mansfield's well-known stories, the audiobook introduces listeners to some of her lesser-known works, such as "Mr Reginald Peacock's Day," "Sun and Moon," and "Honeymoon." These selections, read by Brian Gear, Lin Sagovsky, and Emilia Fox, respectively, provide a well-rounded view of Mansfield's literary repertoire, showcasing her ability to explore diverse themes and genres.

Original Dramas: Two original dramas, "An Oddly Complete Understanding" and "Luxembourg Gardens," offer a unique perspective on Katherine Mansfield's life and relationships. The first drama delves into Mansfield's friendship with Virginia Woolf, skillfully portrayed by Rosalind Shanks and Penelope Wilton. The second drama re-imagines Mansfield's last day in Paris, providing insight into her struggles with illness and dedication to her craft. Hattie Morahan's portrayal in "Luxembourg Gardens" adds a poignant touch to the narrative.

Narration and Production Quality: The audiobook maintains a high standard of narration and production quality throughout. The cast's performances, coupled with Katie Hims' skillful dramatizations and Jessica Dromgoole's direction, create an immersive listening experience. The sound design and attention to detail contribute to the overall atmospheric quality of the audiobook, enhancing the audience's connection to Mansfield's literary world.

Conclusion: "Katherine Mansfield" by BBC Radio Collection serves as a commendable tribute to the iconic Modernist author. Through expertly crafted dramatizations, readings, and original dramas, listeners are transported into the nuanced and perceptive world of Mansfield's short stories. The audiobook successfully captures the essence of Mansfield's literary contributions, making it a must-listen for both dedicated fans and those discovering her work for the first time. Whether one is familiar with Mansfield's stories or a newcomer to her writing, this audiobook offers a rich and engaging exploration of a literary virtuoso's timeless work.