Aesop's Fables: Afternoon Play

When I was a kid, my Dad used to read me these stories at bedtime, and I've recently been listening to them again, thanks to the fabulous (free downloads of public domain audiobooks) Librivox.

So, when I heard that today's Afternoon Play was to be

Aesop's Fables

Michael Morpurgo's imaginative and humorous retelling of a clutch of Aesop's best-known stories, adapted from a stage production.

I was very excited!

14:15. So far, silly songs, summing up some of the 'morals of the stories' which feature at the end of the fables.

14:20. It's a bit giddy, but fun.

14:23. Starting to do my head in. This song involves two blokes making donkey noises, and though it is to illustrate the donkey in the story, it hurts my head.

14:25. The songs are reminding me of The 15 Minute Musical. Wonder if the same people are involved?

14:29. Kindness is more important than strength.

14:29. The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg! I love this one!

14:32. I don't think the guy in the original fable wanted a big, fast, red car. But modern adaptation is quite fun. I know what he's about to do... he's so stupid!

14:35. Be happy with what you've got and look after it.

14:40. How did Little Red Riding Hood get into this?

14:42. Ooh, the wind versus the sun. Who will win? (I already know the answer... which spoils it a tad).

14:44. Interesting that they're both Italian, "Watcha this!". The sun sings chilled-out jazz, too.

14:46. Gentle persuasion is often the best.

14:47. The Hare and the Tortoise. Another fantastic nostalgic one!

14:52. Phew! I am glad the lion wasn't hungry...!

14:52. Silly, silly hare.

14:53. Go tortoise, go tortoise, go tortoise!

14:54. Speed isn't everything; there are other ways of winning.

14:55. That'll teach the Boy Who Cried Wolf! Poor sod.

14:56. Too many munchy sound effects, though I guess it made the point.

14:56. Noone believes a liar even when he's telling the truth.

14:57. Fair-Weather Friends Aren't Worth Having.

14:57. Try to please everyone, you end up pleasing noone.

14:59. The End.
If I didn't already love these stories, I suspect I would have hated this play. As it was, though it had its annoying aspects (head-hurty songs), I loved it. Better generally for kids than adults, I suspect. Silly for Christmas.

For a week, you can 'listen again' on your computer (even if it's for the first time) here. If I haven't put you off it, of course.