BBC Radio 4

20 Aug 2008     14:15

Paul B Davies's play is based on the story of how Elizabeth I mounted a reckless foreign adventure, convinced that in the Arctic there was enough gold to make the nation as wealthy as Spain. The finest alchemical technology was used to prove that the black rocks of Baffin Island were rich in precious ore. In a series of voyages, former pirate Martin Frobisher was sent to the frozen wastes to bring back as much of the rock as he could. Unfortunately, the alchemists were mistaken.

Frobisher ...... Roger Lloyd Pack

Michael Lok ...... John McAndrew

Elizabeth I ...... Phyllida Nash

Sir Francis Walsingham ...... Christian Rodska

Williams ...... Peter Ellis

Schutz ...... Kenneth Collard

Hall ...... Chris Donelly

Sarah ...... Susie Riddell

Directed by Sara Davies.