Masefield's story brought to life on screen (From Ledbury Reporter)

Masefield's story brought to life on screen

1:27pm Friday 27th November 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

A CLASSIC TV programme based on a fantasy story by Ledbury-born poet John Masefield will be screened at the Market Theatre tomorrow (Saturday).

The Box of Delights, screened by the BBC in 1984, is based on Masefield's novel for children of the same name, first published in 1935.

In the book, subtitled When the Wolves Were Running, Masefield created a fabulous world of magic, time travel, flying cars, wizards both good and evil, kidnapped bishops, wolves, snowstorms and floods.

On his way home for Christmas, Kay Harker meets Cole Hawkins, who gives him the magic Box of Delights, enabling him to travel back in time. But the evil wizard, Abner Brown, also the head of a gang of jewel thieves who can transform themselves into wolves, is after the box.

Starring former Dr Who Patrick Troughton as Cole Hawkins and Robert Stephens as Abner Brown, it features a mix of actors and animation, and was shot in part at Eastnor Castle.

The screening has been organised by the John Masefield Society for Saturday, November 28, at 2.30pm.

Admission is just £3 for adults and £1.50 for children.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)