The Bank Holiday weekend in Britain has a nicely ‘Bondian’ and Jamaican feel to it. Not only has production commenced on the latest EON 007 movie in Jamaica, but actor Toby Stephens is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond in Live and Let Die, the latest in the BBC Radio-4 radio adaptations by Archie Scottney of the 007 novels. It will be broadcast on Saturday, 4th May, 2019, at 2.30pm.

ThisĀ is the eighth adaptation of a Fleming story narrated and produced by the talented team of Martin Jarvis and his co-producer Rosalind Ayres. As with the previous Jarvis/Ayres productions, it promises to be a faithful adaptation of the classic second novel written by the 007 creator.

The role of Solitaire will be taken by Rutina Wesley, with John Standing back as ‘M’. Fleming’s highly memorable villain ‘Mr. Big’ will be played by Kevin Daniels, while other key roles will be Felix Leiter (Josh Stamberg), Tee-Hee (Michael A. Shepperd), Quarrel (Ron Cephas Jones), and Strangways (Jonathan Cake).

Those of you familiar with Fleming’s novel Dr. No will recognise the last two characters in particular. As with the previous adaptations, Jarvis has lined up a strong range of supporting cast, in what will be (according to reports) an especially interesting take on the James Bond character for this story, which will see a very tender side to 007’s personality.

Ian Fleming’s Live and Let Die can be heard at 2.30-4.00pm British Summer Time on BBC Radio-4 on Saturday, 4th May, 2019. And, for those of you who want to hear a previous Toby Stephens 007 dramatization, you can then immediately switch over to BBC Radio-4 Extra for Diamonds Are Forever at 4.00-5.30pm. Pure bliss!

Publicity still used at the time Fleming published his second 007 novel

 

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