The Leopard in Autumn: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

Comedy about the ruling family of Renaissance Italy's most inconsequential city-state.In Monte Guano, a ridiculously small and penniless principality in Renaissance Italy, Prince Ludovico II finds his rule constantly undermined by those around his shrewd wife, his official mistress and his three disappointing—if not outright humiliating—sons.As well as having to manage the ever-increasing tributes demanded by the Pope, Prince Ludovico must also contend with feeble conscripts in search of war booty, getting on the pilgrim map, fake currency, religious battles and worst of all, English tourists. Can they keep their family together despite the chaos of their lives?Perfect for fans of Blackadder and The Castle, the brilliant comedy cast includes David Swift as Ludovico, Sian Phillips as Plethora, Graham Crowden as Francesco and Paul Bigley as Alessandro, as well as Saskia Wickham, Nick Romero, Christopher Kelham and Kim Wall.Production creditsDevised by Neal AnthonyWritten by Neal Anthony, Roger Danes and Sue LimbProduced by Helen Williams and Dawn EllisLudovico—David SwiftPlethora—Sian PhillipsFrancesco—Graham CrowdenAlessandro—Paul BigleyRosalie—Saskia WickhamSalvatore—Nick RomeroGuido—Christopher KelhamBrother Michael/Father Ignazio—Kim WallLord Luton—Nicholas GraceSeries 1 First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2001Series 2 First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002