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.

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