3. Paradiso

Blake Ritson, Hattie Morahan and John Hurt star in Stephen Wyatt's dramatisation of Dante's epic poem - the story of one man's extraordinary journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise.

In Episode 3: Paradiso, Dante's spiritual journey comes to a glorious conclusion as he (Blake Ritson) is led by Beatrice (Hattie Morahan) through the spheres of Paradise and into the presence of God himself. As they ascend, they encounter a number of souls who have also achieved blessedness.

Many years later, the older Dante (John Hurt), still in enforced exile from his beloved Florence, reflects on the episodes from his life that have inspired his great poem.

Dante the Poet .... Blake Ritson
Older Dante .... John Hurt
Beatrice .... Hattie Morahan
Piccarda .... Priyanga Burford
Cacciaguida/ St Peter .... Sam Dale
Emperor Justinian/ St Benedict/ St James .... Michael Bertenshaw
Spirit 1 .... Clive Hayward
Spirit 2 .... Steve Touissaint
Cunizza .... Carolyn Pickles
Eagle .... Cassie Layton
St John .... David Cann

All other parts are played by members of the company

The Divine Comedy is dramatised by Stephen Wyatt

Sound design is by Cal Knightley

Directed by Emma Harding and Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2014.