British Comedy Guide
How To Survive The Roman Empire, By Pliny And Me. Copyright: BBC
How To Survive The Roman Empire, By Pliny And Me

How To Survive The Roman Empire, By Pliny And Me

  • Radio comedy
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 2015 - 2018
  • 15 episodes (3 series)

Comic drama series is based on real letters written by Pliny to his friends and colleagues in the 1st Century AD. Stars Kieran Hodgson, Nigel Barrett, Joanna Scanlan and Mia Soteriou.

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Episode menu

Series 1, Episode 3

Pliny has an unnerving visit from his fellow lawyer, and arch-rival, Regulus.

Further details

Venta has now been Pliny's servant and scribe for four months. They've been happy months, despite living under the unstable Emperor Domitian. But as time goes on, news of arrests and executions begins to circulate.

Doris the cook sees portents of evil everywhere, especially in the entrails of small animals. The uneasiness only gets worse when Pliny receives a visit from his fellow lawyer, and arch-rival, Regulus. Then Pliny makes a trip to Comum to open a new library he has built for his old home town.

When he drops in on his former mother in law, and is given preferential treatment from one of her slaves, Venta too begins to worry about his future.

Broadcast details

Date
Wednesday 28th October 2015
Time
10:45am
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Length
15 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Kieran Hodgson Pliny the Younger
Nigel Barrett Venta
Joanna Scanlan Marcella
Mia Soteriou Doris
Guest cast
Matthew Gravelle Regulus
Mia Soteriou Pompeia
Matthew Gravelle Pompeia's Slave
Writing team
Hattie Naylor Writer
Production team
Kate McAll Director
Kate McAll Producer

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