In Search of Lost Time

A landmark BBC radio production of Proust's epic masterpiece, starring Derek Jacobi as the narrator, Marcel'Beautiful' - Charlotte Runcie, The TelegraphWaking in the small hours, Marcel Proust embarks on a retrospective journey, endeavouring to capture the elusive moments that shaped his life. A sip of tea and the taste of a madeleine prompt further recollections, and the floodgates of memory open, pouring forth a torrent of vivid reminiscences.Beginning with his childhood summers in Combray, and the long nights waiting for his mother to come and kiss him goodnight, he looks back on the places and people who have had a significant, lasting impact on him. The tragic story of his neighbour Charles Swann's obsessive love for the seductive Odette brings to mind his own youthful experiences and amours in Paris, Balbec and Venice; his mistress, Albertine; his closest companion, Robert; his predatory acquaintance the Baron de Charlus; and his many high-society friends and associates.Time, and the Great War, take their toll on Marcel and his circle, rendering the world he knows unrecognizable. But as he attempts to reconcile his past with his present, an encounter with an old flame sparks an epiphany, enabling him to finally become the writer he has always yearned to be...Adapted from the French by acclaimed playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker, this superb dramatisation of Proust's allegorical reflection on time, memory, art and love boasts an all-star cast including Derek Jacobi, Frances Barber, Paterson Joseph, Simon Russell Beale, Hattie Morahan and Robert Glenister.Production creditsTranslated and adapted from the French by Timberlake WertenbakerProduced and directed by Celia de WolffProduction Co-ordinator: Sarah TomblingRecording and Sound Design: David Chilton and Lucinda Mason BrownExecutive Producer: Peter HoareA Pier production for BBC Radio 4CastMarcel (narrator) - Derek JacobiYoung Marcel - Isaac WattsMaman - Sylvestra le TouzelPapa - Oliver CottonGrand-mere - Joanna DavidFrancoise - Susan BrownMadame Verdurin - Frances BarberMonsieur Verdurin - Jeff RawleDoctor Cottard - Lloyd HutchinsonTante Leonie/Marquise de Sainte Euverte/Madame de Sazerat - Pamela MilesMademoiselle Vinteuil/Prostitute/Madame d'Arpajon - Charlotte BlandfordMademoiselle Vinteuil's friend/Another prostitute - Phoebe MarshallOdette - Bessie CarterPianist/Lift boy/Servant - Daniel WhitlamCharles Swann - Paterson JosephRemi/Ski/Man at desk - Nicholas ArmfieldElstir Biche/Monsieur de Breaute/Butler - Daniel FlynnMadame de Gallardon/Queen of Naples - Christine KavanaghBrichot - Hugh RossForcheville/Boss/Bloch - Nicholas GleavesSaniette/Older man - Roger WatkinsMadame Cottard/Princess de Parme/Madame de Cambremer/Woman guest - Emma AmosYoung Gilberte - Mary GlenYoung Marcel - Isaac WattsMarcel - Blake RitsonGilberte - Emma MackeyMonsieur de Norpois/De Boulbon/Servant/Jupien/Marquis de Cambremer - Ben CroweRobert de Saint Loup - Kyle SollerBasin, Duke of Guermantes - Robert GlenisterOriane, Duchess of Guermantes - Fenella WoolgarBaron de Charlus - Simon Russell BealeAlbertine - Hattie MorahanMorel - Tom GlenisterAndree - Georgina BeedleMadame de Villeparisis - Serena EvansServant/Concierge/Manager/Doctor - Finlay PaulOther voices - Nicholas Armfield, Phoebe MarshallSoldiers - Daniel Whitlam, Nicholas Armfield, Toheeb Jimoh, Tom GlenisterTelephone operator - Alice HoskynsYoung men - Toheeb Jimoh, Finlay Paul, Daniel Whitlam, Sam RawleOther parts played by members of the companyFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24-26 August 2019(c) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd