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One of Ibsen's greatest plays. A classic story of a middle-aged man who becomes infatuated with a young woman and uses her energy to revitalise his life.

The Master Builder by Henrik Ibsen. Adapted by David Hare based on a literal translation by Torkil Heggstad.

Episode 1.
The master builder Halvard Solness, is a self-made man, without professional qualifications. He has achieved ruthless domination in the town, but is increasingly frightened of being displaced by the next generation. A young woman, Hilde Wangel , appears from the mountains, claiming to have known Solness ten years previously, and telling him of a promise he made to her when she was thirteen. A searing tale of middle aged male hubris, with mystical undertones and resonances for the #MeToo movement.

Solness.......................David Schofield
Aline............................Siobhan Redmond
Hilde..........................Laura Aikman
Brovik........................Paul Bradley
Dr Herdal.................Jonathan Tafler
Kaja...........................Shannon Hayes
Ragnar.....................Joseph Ayre
Director/Producer Gary Brown.

57 minutes

On radio

Sat 4 Jul 2026 15:00

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Broadcasts

  • Sun 15 Aug 2021 15:00
  • Sat 4 Jul 2026 15:00