King of Alsander (Dramatic Reading)

First published in 1914, the King of Alsander is the only novel by James Elroy Flecker, best known as a poet, but also a noted scholar, linguist and diplomat. Flecker's love of learning, language and travel, and his keen satirical insight into politics are all in evidence in this phantasmagoric tale. As the author himself describes it: Here is a tale all romance - a tale such as only a Poet can write for you, O appreciative and generous Public - a tale of madmen, kings, scholars, grocers, consuls, and Jews: a tale with two heroines, both of an extreme and indescribable beauty: a tale of the South and of sunshine, wherein will be found disguises, mysteries, conspiracies, fights, at least one good whipping, and plenty of blood and love and absurdity: a very old sort of tale: a tale as joyously improbable as life itself. - Summary by Algy Pug

Cast list:

Norman Price: Phil Benson

John Oggs: Phil Benson

Labourer: Phil Benson

Mrs Gaffekin: Michele Eaton

Nancy: Michele Eaton

Peronella: Michele Eaton

Malsprita: Michele Eaton

Guard: Michele Eaton

Crowd: Michele Eaton

Vicar: Patrick Wallace

Old Man: Patrick Wallace

William Price: Patrick Wallace

Canthrop: Patrick Wallace

Cesano: Patrick Wallace

Wizened Man: Patrick Wallace

Consul: Patrick Wallace

Vorza: Patrick Wallace

Colonel: Patrick Wallace

Vicar’s Daughter: Eden Rea-Hedrick

Widow Prasko: Eden Rea-Hedrick

Shopkeeper: Eden Rea-Hedrick

President: Eden Rea-Hedrick

Arnolfo: Eden Rea-Hedrick

Ianthe: Eden Rea-Hedrick

Drakina: Eden Rea-Hedrick

Cuvas: Eden Rea-Hedrick

Peter Smith: Eden Rea-Hedrick

Lady: Eden Rea-Hedrick

John Gaffekin: Alan Weyman

King: Alan Weyman

Butler: Alan Weyman

Doctor: Alan Weyman

Clerk: Alan Weyman

Makzelo: Alan Weyman

Father Algio: Alan Weyman

Captain of the Guard: Alan Weyman

Shoemaker: Algy Pug

Count Arnolfo: Algy Pug

Stage Directions: Algy Pug

Edited by: Algy Pug

Proof Listener: Mark Chulsky