For people, like myself, enchanted with the Age of Fighting Sail, the BBC is broadcasting online a radio dramatization of HMS Surprise, the second book in Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey and Maturin series of novels, on Afternoon Play. It’s 1804, the Napoleonic Wars are in full swing, and Lucky Jack Aubrey is back at sea!
It’s a three-part production, running from Wednesday through Friday, and it’s available to listen to for a week. Aubrey is played by David Robb, and Maturin is played by Richard Dillane.
I’ve heard there was an adaptation of Master and Commander a few years ago that starring David Troughton as Aubrey, but I’ve decided that must be a rumor — I’ve never found any sort of independent confirmation, from airdates to reviews.
All of that said, if you’re interested, give HMS Surprise a listen! 🙂
Hi,
The David Troughton adaptation is not a rumour – there really was one. I even taped it at the time, but sadly I don’t have them any more. As i recall it was broadcast in four parts on consecutive evenings on Radio 4. Quite a while ago, though. I don’t remember much else about it; sorry.