Once Upon a Time...

A series of fairy tales reimagined by leading writers to celebrate a major new exhibition at The British Library dedicated to fairy tales, as well as the National Year of Reading.

Radio 4,5 episodes

Episodes

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Cinderella and the Duke by Katherine Rundell
Katherine Rundell rewrites Cinderella to Jazz Age New York. Read by Helena Bonham Carter.
03 Jul 2026,14 mins
What Happens When a Bell Rings in Heaven by Ben Okri
Ben Okri riffs on a Yoruba tale. Read by Burt Caesar.
02 Jul 2026,14 mins
The Three of Shoes by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Frank Cottrell-Boyce reimagines the story of the Elves and the Shoemaker.
01 Jul 2026,14 mins
Kakapos by Jo Lloyd
In Jo Lloyd’s story, very ordinary Muriel meets Rip Van Winkle in the below world.
30 Jun 2026,14 mins
Mermaid by David Almond
David Almond reimagines The Little Mermaid on Holy Island.
29 Jun 2026,14 mins