War And Peace

Episode

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

20150101

20150103 (R4)

The fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War.

A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky.

Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter.

There's a lively dinner party at the Rostov family home and Anna Mikhailovna Dubretskoy is in battle with Prince Vassily over the will and inheritance of the wealthy Count Bezukhov. It seems Pierre, his illegitimate son, may inherit the Count's vast fortune. Meanwhile, Andrei's decision to join the army causes tension between him and his pregnant wife, Lise.

The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times.

~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction.

Paterson Joseph - Pierre Bezuhkov

Lesley Manville - Countess Rostov

John Hurt - Prince Bolkonsky

Alun Armstrong - Count Rostov

Phoebe Fox - Natasha Rostov

Sam Reid - Nikolai Rostov

Tamzin Merchant - Sonya Rostov

Stephen Campbell Moore - Andrei Bolkonsky

Natasha Little - Marya Bolkonsky

Roger Allam - General Kutuzov

Harriet Walter - Mikhailovna Drubetskoy

Director: Celia de Wolff

Executive Producer: Peter Hoare

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015.

Prince Vassily and Anna battle over Count Bezukhov's Will. Stars John Hurt.

Dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic.

20150110

Having inherited his father's fortune, Pierre becomes the new Count Bezukhov and the richest man in Russia. Prince Vassily's charming daughter, Helene, captures Pierre's attention and before long they are married. But will it be a happy match?

Meanwhile, Princess Marya is being wooed by Helen's wily brother, Anatole, while war dominates for others - Prince Andrei is building a respectful relationship with General Kutuzov and courageously speaks out to Prince Bagration in defence of Captain Tushin while Nikolai is wounded at Shoengraben. The Battle of Austerlitz is imminent.

A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter.

Alex Shiels

20150101

Napoleon maps out his strategic plan against the Russians at Austerlitz. General Kutuzov and Andrei are both wounded in the battle and Andrei's family don't know if he is alive. Meanwhile, Pierre challenges Dolokhov to a duel over Helene - he suspects them of being lovers - and Pierre and Helene argue, but she refuses to separate. Denisov and Nikolai return to the Rostov home while at Bald Hills, Lise is in childbirth but will she and Andrei ever see each again?

Alex Shiels

20150101

Pierre meets a wise stranger, Bazdeev, and becomes a Freemason. Natasha catches the eye of Captain Denisov who rashly proposes - Countess Rostov sets him straight. Nikolai confesses his huge gambling debts to his father, Count Rostov, and vows never to gamble again. General Denisov vows never to propose again.

Following Lise's death, Pierre visits Bald Hills to try and console a broken Andrei and siblings Andrei and Marya draw close when Andrei's young son, Nikolenka, is dangerously ill. Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Denisov takes drastic action to feed his starving troops but the consequences are harsh. And following a business visit to Count Rostov, Andrei encounters Natasha Rostov and is enchanted - he wants to live again.

Alex Shiels

20150131

There is much excitement as the Rostov family is invited to the Emperor's New Year's Eve Ball where Andrei meets Natasha Rostov for the first time. The two of them fall deeply in love, but are the rumours of his proposal to her true? And how will Andrei's domineering father, Prince Bolkonsky, react to the news?

Pierre, still a freemason, is growing increasingly distant from Helene. Meanwhile the Rostov family is in an increasingly dire financial position and Countess Rostov is desperate for Nikolai to marry Julia Karagin whose wealth could save them. But Nikolai and his penniless cousin Sonya love each other and are determined to marry.

Alex Shiels

20150207

Natasha struggles to cope with Andrei's absence and is sent to stay with her Godmother in Moscow, so that she can meet with Prince Bolkonsky and Marya in an attempt to win them over. It all goes wrong when she is tempted to stray by the two timing Anatole Kuragin who immediately fills Natasha's head with promises of his love. Could Natasha be about to throw away everything she already has with her beloved fiancee, Andrei, for the hand of this wicked Prince?

20150214

Andrei grows ever more bitter about Natasha's behaviour with Anatole Karagin and, after a heated argument with his father, feels he has little choice but to leave Bald Hills in order to rejoin the army and forget the past. Petya, the youngest child of the Rostovs also wants to join the army much to the horror and worry of the Countess.

Meanwhile, Pierre is convinced that he is on a mission to single-handedly save Russia from Napoleon, while his own feelings towards Natasha could be something more than just those of a concerned 'guardian'. As the war continues to spread across Russia, Prince Bolkonsky and Marya are warned by Andrei that troops could be drawing closer to their home near Smolensk. The news is too much for the old Prince.

20150221

Marya flees Bald Hills when it is subject to attack from the French army. After being rescued by Nikolai from a near peasants' revolt, they both realise their mutual love for one another, despite Nikolai already being promised to Sonya.

Pierre decides to visit the Battlefields at Borodino where he encounters Andrei who is now living in a broken down shed and desperately trying to forget his previous life. General Kutuzov is leading the cavalry. Despite Pierre warning Andrei of the rumours that Kutuzov is a traitor to the Russians and questioning whether Kutuzov is a skilled commander, Andrei believes that, with Kutuzov by their side, they will win the battle. Although, unknown to Andrei, Kutuzov may have to sacrifice Moscow in the process.

20150228

As the Rostovs pack up ready to leave Moscow, Natasha invites all the wounded soldiers to stay in their house. Nikolai is still in love with Marya but feels he cannot go back on his promise to Sonya. That night, a wounded officer is wheeled into the courtyard - Prince Andrei - who Sonya is told won't live long. She and the Countess decide not to reveal the news to Natasha.

Meanwhile, Pierre returns to the Queen-less hive that is Moscow where he receives a letter from Countess Bezukhov requesting a divorce. The French Army arrive to find Moscow deserted and completely out of control while Pierre wanders through the now-empty city, in disguise, as he initiates his solo mission to assassinate Napoleon. But fate could be about to interrupt his grand plan.

20150307

In this concluding episode, Pierre recalls his time in the barracks - a surprisingly happy time where he meets a prisoner, Platon Karateev. Kutuzov reluctantly leads the Battle of Tarutino, a Russian victory by a series of accidents.

Meanwhile, Sonya is left little choice but to return her promise to Nikolai so that he can marry his true love, Marya. Countess Rostov receives shocking news and Natasha is still suffering from the death of her beloved Prince Andrei. Kutuzov is called upon once again by the Emperor, this time to 'save Europe'. What will be the General's ultimate decision for Russia?

Episodes

Episode	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	20150101	20150103 (R4)	The fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter. There's a lively dinner party at the Rostov family home and Anna Mikhailovna Dubretskoy is in battle with Prince Vassily over the will and inheritance of the wealthy Count Bezukhov. It seems Pierre, his illegitimate son, may inherit the Count's vast fortune. Meanwhile, Andrei's decision to join the army causes tension between him and his pregnant wife, Lise. The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. Paterson Joseph - Pierre Bezuhkov Lesley Manville - Countess Rostov John Hurt - Prince Bolkonsky Alun Armstrong - Count Rostov Phoebe Fox - Natasha Rostov Sam Reid - Nikolai Rostov Tamzin Merchant - Sonya Rostov Stephen Campbell Moore - Andrei Bolkonsky Natasha Little - Marya Bolkonsky Roger Allam - General Kutuzov Harriet Walter - Mikhailovna Drubetskoy Director: Celia de Wolff Executive Producer: Peter Hoare A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015. Prince Vassily and Anna battle over Count Bezukhov's Will. Stars John Hurt. Dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic.
02	20150110		Having inherited his father's fortune, Pierre becomes the new Count Bezukhov and the richest man in Russia. Prince Vassily's charming daughter, Helene, captures Pierre's attention and before long they are married. But will it be a happy match? Meanwhile, Princess Marya is being wooed by Helen's wily brother, Anatole, while war dominates for others - Prince Andrei is building a respectful relationship with General Kutuzov and courageously speaks out to Prince Bagration in defence of Captain Tushin while Nikolai is wounded at Shoengraben. The Battle of Austerlitz is imminent. A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter. The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. Alex Shiels
03	20150101		Napoleon maps out his strategic plan against the Russians at Austerlitz. General Kutuzov and Andrei are both wounded in the battle and Andrei's family don't know if he is alive. Meanwhile, Pierre challenges Dolokhov to a duel over Helene - he suspects them of being lovers - and Pierre and Helene argue, but she refuses to separate. Denisov and Nikolai return to the Rostov home while at Bald Hills, Lise is in childbirth but will she and Andrei ever see each again? A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter. The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. Alex Shiels
04	20150101		Pierre meets a wise stranger, Bazdeev, and becomes a Freemason. Natasha catches the eye of Captain Denisov who rashly proposes - Countess Rostov sets him straight. Nikolai confesses his huge gambling debts to his father, Count Rostov, and vows never to gamble again. General Denisov vows never to propose again. Following Lise's death, Pierre visits Bald Hills to try and console a broken Andrei and siblings Andrei and Marya draw close when Andrei's young son, Nikolenka, is dangerously ill. Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Denisov takes drastic action to feed his starving troops but the consequences are harsh. And following a business visit to Count Rostov, Andrei encounters Natasha Rostov and is enchanted - he wants to live again. A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter. The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. Alex Shiels
05	20150131		There is much excitement as the Rostov family is invited to the Emperor's New Year's Eve Ball where Andrei meets Natasha Rostov for the first time. The two of them fall deeply in love, but are the rumours of his proposal to her true? And how will Andrei's domineering father, Prince Bolkonsky, react to the news? Pierre, still a freemason, is growing increasingly distant from Helene. Meanwhile the Rostov family is in an increasingly dire financial position and Countess Rostov is desperate for Nikolai to marry Julia Karagin whose wealth could save them. But Nikolai and his penniless cousin Sonya love each other and are determined to marry. A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter. The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. Alex Shiels
06	20150207		Natasha struggles to cope with Andrei's absence and is sent to stay with her Godmother in Moscow, so that she can meet with Prince Bolkonsky and Marya in an attempt to win them over. It all goes wrong when she is tempted to stray by the two timing Anatole Kuragin who immediately fills Natasha's head with promises of his love. Could Natasha be about to throw away everything she already has with her beloved fiancee, Andrei, for the hand of this wicked Prince? A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter. The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. From this, Timberlake Wertenbaker has created a riveting radio dramatisation in ten episodes.
07	20150214		Andrei grows ever more bitter about Natasha's behaviour with Anatole Karagin and, after a heated argument with his father, feels he has little choice but to leave Bald Hills in order to rejoin the army and forget the past. Petya, the youngest child of the Rostovs also wants to join the army much to the horror and worry of the Countess. Meanwhile, Pierre is convinced that he is on a mission to single-handedly save Russia from Napoleon, while his own feelings towards Natasha could be something more than just those of a concerned 'guardian'. As the war continues to spread across Russia, Prince Bolkonsky and Marya are warned by Andrei that troops could be drawing closer to their home near Smolensk. The news is too much for the old Prince. A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter. The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. From this, Timberlake Wertenbaker has created a riveting radio dramatisation in ten episodes.
08	20150221		Marya flees Bald Hills when it is subject to attack from the French army. After being rescued by Nikolai from a near peasants' revolt, they both realise their mutual love for one another, despite Nikolai already being promised to Sonya. Pierre decides to visit the Battlefields at Borodino where he encounters Andrei who is now living in a broken down shed and desperately trying to forget his previous life. General Kutuzov is leading the cavalry. Despite Pierre warning Andrei of the rumours that Kutuzov is a traitor to the Russians and questioning whether Kutuzov is a skilled commander, Andrei believes that, with Kutuzov by their side, they will win the battle. Although, unknown to Andrei, Kutuzov may have to sacrifice Moscow in the process. A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. From this, Timberlake Wertenbaker has created a riveting radio dramatisation in ten episodes.
09	20150228		As the Rostovs pack up ready to leave Moscow, Natasha invites all the wounded soldiers to stay in their house. Nikolai is still in love with Marya but feels he cannot go back on his promise to Sonya. That night, a wounded officer is wheeled into the courtyard - Prince Andrei - who Sonya is told won't live long. She and the Countess decide not to reveal the news to Natasha. Meanwhile, Pierre returns to the Queen-less hive that is Moscow where he receives a letter from Countess Bezukhov requesting a divorce. The French Army arrive to find Moscow deserted and completely out of control while Pierre wanders through the now-empty city, in disguise, as he initiates his solo mission to assassinate Napoleon. But fate could be about to interrupt his grand plan. A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. From this, Timberlake Wertenbaker has created a riveting radio dramatisation in ten episodes.
10	20150307		In this concluding episode, Pierre recalls his time in the barracks - a surprisingly happy time where he meets a prisoner, Platon Karateev. Kutuzov reluctantly leads the Battle of Tarutino, a Russian victory by a series of accidents. Meanwhile, Sonya is left little choice but to return her promise to Nikolai so that he can marry his true love, Marya. Countess Rostov receives shocking news and Natasha is still suffering from the death of her beloved Prince Andrei. Kutuzov is called upon once again by the Emperor, this time to 'save Europe'. What will be the General's ultimate decision for Russia? A dynamic fresh dramatisation by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Leo Tolstoy's epic - from the translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokonsky - follows the fortunes of three Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Starring Lesley Manville, John Hurt, Alun Armstrong and Harriet Walter The story moves between their past and present as Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai talk to their children about the events that shaped their lives and the lives of every Russian who lived through these troubled times. ~War And Peace reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society in this period. The longest of 19th-century novels, it's an epic story in which historical, social, ethical and religious issues are explored on a scale never before attempted in fiction. From this, Timberlake Wertenbaker has created a riveting radio dramatisation in ten episodes.