Russian Gambler

Ed Stoppard stars as obsessive pianist Alexei in this modern-day take on Dostoevsky's classic The GamblerWhen brilliant but penniless pianist Alexei is hired to tutor the 10-year-old daughter of Russian oligarch Mikhail, he is drawn into a world of chance, obsession and violence. Hopelessly infatuated with Mikhail's beautiful stepdaughter Polina, he vows to do anything to win her love: and so begins his involvement in a dangerous, high-stakes game...Seduced by the lure of the roulette wheel, and embroiled in the complications and machinations of Polina and her family, Alexei's life takes a dark turn. The unexpected arrival of Mikhail's mother Anastasia from Russia offers hope of rescue from financial ruin: but an obsession with risk-taking threatens to destroy everything...This lively reimagining, set in contemporary London, was written by Dolya Gavanski, who also plays Polina. Ed Stoppard (Home Fires) stars as Alexei, with Eleanor Bron (A Little Princess) as Anastasia and Matthew Marsh (Love, Lies and Records) as Mikhail.Production creditsAdapted by Dolya Gavanski, from Fyodor Dostoevsky's The GamblerDirected and produced by John DrydenOriginal music composed by Sacha PuttnamAll music performed by Sacha PuttnamCasting: Toby WhaleScript Editor: Mike WalkerSound Design: Steve BondA Goldhawk Production for BBC Radio 4CastAlexei - Ed StoppardMikhail - Matthew MarshPolina - Dolya GavanskiVika - Isabella Blake ThomasAstley - Graham SeedFrancois - Orlando SealeKatie - Lucy May BarkerInokenti - George LashaMasha - Irina KaratchevaMullighan - Jay TaylorOffice Worker - Alana RamseyBlake - Timothy WalkerAnastasia - Eleanor BronFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 17-24 November 2013(c) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd