King Solomon’s Mines & She

BBC adaptations of H. Rider Haggard’s best-known novels, starring Tim McInnerny Victorian adventure writer Henry Rider Haggard is most famous for his novel King Solomon’s Mines, which launched the ‘Lost World’ genre of SF, featuring the discovery of long-forgotten or legendary civilizations. His follow-up, She, was also hugely successful, and has been hailed as ‘one of the great classics of fantasy fiction’. The radio dramatisations of both tales are collected here, with casts including Tim McInnerny, Adjoa Andoh, Finlay Robertson, Oliver Chris and Mia Soteriou. King Solomon’s Mines – Desperate to find his brother George, who disappeared a year ago while searching for the fabled diamond mines of King Solomon, Sir Henry Curtis recruits intrepid hunter Allan Quatermain to join him and his friend Captain John Good on a dangerous mission. Believing he will never return, Quatermain keeps a journal for his son recounting their adventures. As the explorers journey into the heart of Africa, they encounter fierce Kukuana warriors, the beautiful Foulata, the bloodthirsty King Twala and his witch-finder Gagool. But will they find the mine and the treasure that is rumoured to lie within it? She – Ludwig Holly and his ward Leo's quest for the truth behind the legend of Leo's ancestry takes them on an extraordinary adventure to the mysterious African interior. Surviving shipwreck and cannibals, they arrive in the lost city of Kor, where they meet the bewitching White Queen, Ayesha. Over 2000 years old, but still possessing a beauty that enthrals and terrifies all who see her, she rules despotically over her secret kingdom. Ayesha has waited two millennia for her lover to return – and on seeing Leo, she is convinced her wait is over… Cast and credits Written by H Rider Haggard First published 1885 (King Solomon’s Mines) and 1887 (She) King Solomon’s Mines Allan Quatermain – Tim McInnerny Sir Henry Curtis – David Sturzaker Captain John Good – Simon Ludders Umbopa – Sope Dirisu Infadoos – Maynard Eziashi Ventvogel/Scragga – Tonderai Munyevu Silvestre – Joe Ferrara Officer/George – Finlay Robertson Gagool – Adjoa Andoh Foulata – Emmanuella Cole Twala – Femi Elufowoju Dramatised by Chris Harrald Directed by Liz Webb First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-9 April 2017 She Ludwig Holly – Tim McInnerny Leo – Oliver Chris Ayesha – Mia Soteriou Job – Howard Coggins Billali – Ben Onwukwe Amenartas/Ustane – Janice Acquah Vincey – Tom Sherman Agarah – Damian Lynch Young Leo – Oliver Baynham Adapted by Hattie Naylor Produced by Sara Davies Music by Elizabeth Purnell First broadcast Radio 4, 2-9 July 2006 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd