King Solomon’s Mines & She

Synopsis

BBC adaptations of H. Rider Haggard’s best-known novels, starring Tim McInnernyVictorian 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 creditsWritten by H Rider HaggardFirst published 1885 (King Solomon’s Mines) and 1887 (She)King Solomon’s MinesAllan Quatermain – Tim McInnernySir Henry Curtis – David SturzakerCaptain John Good – Simon LuddersUmbopa – Sope DirisuInfadoos – Maynard EziashiVentvogel/Scragga – Tonderai MunyevuSilvestre – Joe FerraraOfficer/George – Finlay RobertsonGagool – Adjoa AndohFoulata – Emmanuella ColeTwala – Femi ElufowojuDramatised by Chris HarraldDirected by Liz WebbFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-9 April 2017SheLudwig Holly – Tim McInnernyLeo – Oliver ChrisAyesha – Mia SoteriouJob – Howard CogginsBillali – Ben OnwukweAmenartas/Ustane – Janice AcquahVincey – Tom ShermanAgarah – Damian LynchYoung Leo – Oliver BaynhamAdapted by Hattie NaylorProduced by Sara DaviesMusic by Elizabeth PurnellFirst broadcast Radio 4, 2-9 July 2006© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd