The Ultimate Iliad & Odyssey

Synopsis

The ultimate, full-cast dramatisations of Homer’s two epic Greek masterpieces, with exceptional casts including Derek Jacobi, Christopher Eccleston, Tim McInnerny and Benedict CumberbatchREDISCOVER THE EPIC MYTHS BEFORE YOU SEE CHRISTOPHER NOLAN'S MAJOR MOTION PICTUREAttributed to the Greek poet Homer, The Iliad and The Odyssey are among the greatest and most influential works of the past 3000 years, often claimed as the cornerstones of Western literature. These unmissable BBC dramas breathe new life into the classic stories, adding an extra dimension with stunning casts and specially composed music. Vivid, visceral and action-packed, they will transport you to the battlefield of Troy, and take you on a fantastic journey with the wandering king of Ithaca...The Iliad – In pursuit of the beautiful Helen, stolen by the Trojan prince Paris, an Achaean battle fleet has sailed from Greece. For nine years the army of the Achaeans has lain siege to Troy, but still the great city stands – and in the ranks, failure breeds resentment and feuding. When the great warrior Achilles is humiliated by his leader, Agamemnon, he refuses to take any further part in the fight. But when the Trojan hero Hector kills his closest friend, Patroclus, he rampages back into battle to take a terrible revenge… Derek Jacobi narrates Homer's gripping tale of fury, grief, love and war, dramatised by Tom Holland and starring Christopher Eccleston, Iain Glen, Imogen Stubbs and Andrew Sachs.The Odyssey – The Trojan War is long over, but Odysseus is still struggling to get home. After a decade of fighting and a further ten years battling storms and calamities, the Gods have decided that it is time for him to return to Ithaca. But Poseidon still wants revenge… As Odysseus is freed from the coils of Calypso, who had held him prisoner for seven years, we hear the incredible tale of his seafaring adventures, and his encounters with enchantresses, nymphs, monsters, prophets and ghosts. And we learn of his faithful wife Penelope who waits for him, besieged by suitors, and their son Telemachus who has a quest of his own… This stunning production won Gold at the 2005 Spoken Word Awards and was acclaimed Best Audio Drama at the 2009 Audie Awards. Tim McInnerny stars as Odysseus, with Amanda Redman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bertie Carvel, Adjoa Andoh and Frances Barber.The IliadHomer – Derek JacobiAchilles – Christopher EcclestonHector – Iain GlenAgamemnon – Bill WallisHelen – Imogen StubbsChryses – Clive MantleAthena/Andromache – Suzanna HamiltonHero/Hecuba – Mia SoteriouOdysseus – Michael ElwynPriam – Andrew SachsParis – Tom EspinerMenelaus – John MacKayThetis – Jacqueline TongZeus – Michael Fenton StevensPatroclus – Jamie GloverApollo – Chris DonnellyDramatised by Tom HollandProduced and directed by Viv Beeby and Jeremy HowesThe OdysseyOdysseus – Tim McInnernyPenelope – Amanda RedmanTelemachus – Benedict CumberbatchAthena – Janet McTeerZeus – John WoodEurycleia – Mary WimbushHermes – Bertie CarvelKing Alcinous – Geoffrey WhiteheadQueen Arete – Cheryl CampbellPrincess Nausicaa – Alice HartCalypso – Adjoa AndohThe Cyclops – Barrie RutterAntinous – Danny WebbEurymachus – Jonathan KeebleAmphinomus – Chris PavloEurylochus – Ewan BaileyPolites – John RoweElpenus – Stephen HoganEurybates – Philip FoxAntiphus/Shipmate – Jon GloverEumaeus – Ioan MeredithCirce – Frances BarberGhost of Anticleia – Joanna McCallumThe Sirens: Elena Ferarri, Belinda Sykes, Harriet WilliamsDramatised by Simon ArmitageDirected by Janet Whitaker© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd