fri 29/03/2024

Secrets of the Arabian Nights, BBC Four | reviews, news & interviews

Secrets of the Arabian Nights, BBC Four

Secrets of the Arabian Nights, BBC Four

Richard E Grant gives his unrevealing take on the ancient book

Richard E Grant travels the ancient trade route that brought 'The Arabian Nights' to Europe

Everybody knows One Thousand and One Nights, even if they don’t know they do. Ever been to the panto to see Aladdin? Watched Sinbad the Sailor on stage, or Sheherazade at the opera or ballet, or perhaps watched one the many film versions of The Thief of Baghdad? Yes to any of those and you’re a fan of possibly one of the greatest series of stories ever told.

Everybody knows One Thousand and One Nights, even if they don’t know they do. Ever been to the panto to see Aladdin? Watched Sinbad the Sailor on stage, or Sheherazade at the opera or ballet, or perhaps watched one the many film versions of The Thief of Baghdad? Yes to any of those and you’re a fan of possibly one of the greatest series of stories ever told.

Grant travelled from Cairo to Paris and back to Cairo via, you’ve guessed it, "a magic carpet" to interview various experts

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Richard E. Grants secrets of The Arabian Nights was truly magical. Flying thoughts were awakened tingling all senses to re visit these stories.a greater understanding of why the romantic side of the privileged Victorians so dressed in middle eastern stylised clothes.I pity the reviewer who obviously knows absolutely nothing about the power of stories. Some genie needs to enlighten the lost soul or just leave said person inside that narrow glass corked bottle . Fantastic programme. Memories of Marrakesh& 33years storytelling through teaching drama to children& adult ; of course I adored it.

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