Zorba the Greek & The Last Temptation

Synopsis

Nikos Kazantzakis’ two most popular novels, adapted for BBC RadioNikos Kazantzakis is widely regarded as the greatest Greek writer and philosopher of the 20th century. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature 14 times, and his works have been translated into over 50 languages. Included here are dramatisations of his two most famous and influential novels, both of which were adapted as hit films and became cultural phenomena.Zorba the Greek – When writer Nikos meets the irrepressible Zorba, his life is transformed. A grizzled, gregarious Greek hero, Zorba embraces every experience and adventure that life has to offer. As he befriends the young, intellectual Nikos, he introduces him to the real meaning of a life well lived… A moving coming-of-age tale and a classic story of heart vs head, this atmospheric adaptation stars Robert Stephens, Michael Maloney and Mary Wimbush.The Last Temptation – Starring John Hurt and Dame Judi Dench, this 1973 archive drama is based on Kazantzakis' controversial 1955 novel, banned by the Vatican but hailed by critics as a masterpiece. A powerful, passionate account of the days preceding Christ’s death, it explores his humanity, his divinity and the roles of Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot in fulfilling his destiny.Zorba the Greek © Nikos Kazantzakis 1952, © Helen Kazantzakis 1958The Last Temptation © 1961 Helen N KazantzakisProduction creditsWritten by Nikos KazantzakisZorba the GreekZorba – Robert StephensNikos – Michael MaloneyHortense – Mary WimbushMavrondoni – Terry MolloyMimiko – Dominic TaylorAnagnosti/Zacharias – Roger HumeAndonis – Peter MeakinMad Woman/Mourner – Hedli NiklausVilla Girl/Girl – Judy BennettZacharias – Roger HumeFather Demetrios – Paul WebsterWidow – Marian KemmerDramatised by Nick McCartyProduced by Phillip MartinFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12-19 December 1993The Last TemptationNarrator – Gabriel WoolfRabbi Simeon – John RuddockJesus – John HurtMary – Diana BishopCenturion – Vernon JoynerJudas – David BuckPeter – Walter HallMary Magdalene – Judi DenchBarabbas – John RoweGuestmaster – Timothy BatesonSaul – Peter WilliamsMelchizadek – Rolf LefebvreSimon of Cyrene/Monk – William SleighAbbot – Clive SwiftAndrew – Peter CrazeZebedee/Man in the crowd – Brian HainesThe Baptist/Man in the crowd – Haydn JonesThe Tempter – Heron CarvicWomen in the crowd – Julie Hallam & Betty Huntley-WrightMan in the crowd – David TimsonTranslated and adapted by Andreas Stavrou and Hallam TennysonMusic specially composed by Elizabeth Poston and conducted by Peter MarchbankAdditional singers: Veronica Lucas, Colin Appleton, Richard Bourne, Sandra Clark, Hilda Schroder, William Eedle, Fraser Kerr, David SinclairProduced by Richard WortleyFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16-23 September 1973© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd