British Comedy Guide
Image shows from L to R: John Paul Hurley, Richard Conlon
Rough Magick

Rough Magick

  • Radio comedy drama
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 2012
  • 1 episode

A comedic drama set in 1605 in which, fearing terrorist activity, King James transports his court to the Scottish Highlands. Stars John Paul Hurley, Richard Conlon and Sally Reid.

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Key details

Genre
Comedy Drama
Broadcast
2012
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
1
Stars
John Paul Hurley, Richard Conlon and Sally Reid
Writer
Marty Ross
Producer
David Ian Neville
Company

A comedic drama by Marty Ross set in 1605 in the Scottish Highlands, in which the Royal playwright saves King James from assassination and attempts to save a girl from being burnt as a witch.

Fearing further terrorist activity following the gunpowder plot, King James transports his court to the Scottish Highlands, complete with The King's Men, his favoured theatre company.

This includes middle-aged, careworn, neurotic and pox-troubled playwright William Shaxberd - although he prefers 'Shakespeare'.

When the Royal wagons get bogged down on the moors and a seemingly supernatural attempt is made on the life of the paranoid, superstitious James, a local woman, Shona, is accused of witchcraft.

Yet Shaxberd owes Shona a debt and uses all his ingenuity and gift for theatre to help her escape the gallows.

Additional details

Production
Studio

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Thursday 12th April 2012 at 2:15pm on BBC Radio 4
Episode length
45 minutes
All previous repeats
  • Thursday 9th October 2014 at 2:15pm on Radio 4

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