Anansi Boys. Image shows from L to R: Julian Rhind-Tutt, Bird Woman (Adjoa Andoh), Mr Nancy (Lenny Henry), Charlie (Jacob Anderson), Spider (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett). Copyright: BBC

Key details

Genre
Comedy Drama
Broadcast
2017
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
6 (1 series)
Stars
Lenny Henry, Jacob Anderson, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Joseph Marcell, Cecilia Noble, Angela Wynter, Adjoa Andoh, Pippa Bennett-Warner and more
Writers
Neil Gaiman and Dirk Maggs
Director
Allegra McIlroy
Producer
Allegra McIlroy
Company

Returning to the territory Neil Gaiman explored in American Gods, Anansi Boys is a kaleidoscopic journey deep into mythology.

When Fat Charlie's dad named something, it stuck. Like calling Fat Charlie "Fat Charlie." Even now, twenty years later, Charlie Nancy can't shake that name, one of the many embarrassing "gifts" his father bestowed - before he dropped dead on a karaoke stage and ruined Fat Charlie's life.

Mr. Nancy left Fat Charlie things. Things like the tall, good-looking stranger who appears on Charlie's doorstep, who appears to be the brother he never knew. A brother as different from Charlie as night is from day, a brother who's going to show Charlie how to lighten up and have a little fun ... just like Dear Old Dad. And all of a sudden, life starts getting very interesting for Fat Charlie.

Because, you see, Charlie's dad wasn't just any dad. He was Anansi, a trickster god, the spider-god. Anansi is the spirit of rebellion, able to overturn the social order, create wealth out of thin air, and baffle the devil. Some said he could cheat even Death himself.

Additional details

Production
Studio

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Monday 25th December 2017 at 11:30pm on BBC Radio 4
Most recent repeats
  • Saturday 2nd January 2021 at 3:00pm on Radio 4 - Episode 6
  • Friday 1st January 2021 at 11:30pm on Radio 4 - Episode 5
  • Wednesday 30th December 2020 at 11:30pm on Radio 4 - Episode 4