Esther

Summary

1961 BBC production of Esther, the biblical drama by Saunders Lewis.

Theatre play

Esther by Saunders Lewis (1893-1985) [more information]

Play synopsis

Esther is a Biblical tale of heroism, sacrifice and intrigue. According to legend, Esther was the Jewish wife of Assuerus the King of Persia (485-465 B.C.). However, she chose to risk everything, including her life, to defend her family, her faith and her people.

Production history

Published in 1960.

Date of transmission

Monday 17 July 1961

Time

9.10-10.25pm

Channel

BBC Television

Production company

BBC

Credits

Producers

Emyr Humphreys, Christian Simpson

Playwright

Saunders Lewis (1893-1985)

Translator

Elwyn Jones (from the Welsh)

Designer

Alan Taylor

Wardrobe Supervisor

Mary Husband

Make-up Supervisor

Judy Tarling

Cast

Walter Brown	Assuerus
William Devlin (1911-1987)	Haman
Clifford Evans	Mordecai
Brinley Jenkins	Herald
Molly Kenny	Dancer
David Spenser	Harbona
Margaret Whiting	Esther

Additional details

Extant status

No archival copy is known to exist.

Play tags

biblical stories; Welsh drama

Print sources

Title

Radio Times, 13 July 1961 (Magazine)

Linking notes

portrait shot of Margaret Whiting, p. 2; illustrated article, p. 19; listing, p. 21