Daughters of Venice

Daughters of Venice is a radio play by Don Taylor, based on his stage play of the same name. It was first broadcast on BBC Radio in December 1993. It was repepeated on BBC Radio7 in February 2008. The running time is 90 minutes.

Plot

Vivaldi and the girl musicians of the Ospedale de la Pieta in Venice.

Set in 18th century Venice, this romantic comedy follows the fortunes of 3 girls who, having reached the age of 20, must decide how to make their way in the world. The daughters of the title are the orphans taken in and cared for by the 'Sisters of the Convent of the Pietà', famous for its orchestra, the 'Coro'. With colourful characters such as the eccentric Vivaldi, the English Milord and his servant Bodger, and the revelry of the Venetian Carnival, masks and mystery lead to confusion, mischief and a marriage proposal! Full of rich comedy and powerful drama, audiences will be transported back to Vivaldi's Venice as the fates of the daughters are decided.

Cast

Vivaldi	………	Norman Rodway
The Madre	………	Susan Fleetwood
The Contessa	………	Frances Barber
Anna-Maria	………	Eve Hopkins
Sylvia	………	Amanda Root
Vandini	………	Philip Anthony
The Governor	………	James Taylor
Milord	………	Timothy Watson
Bodger	………	Chris Emmett
Pazzo	………	Bill Wallis
Grimaldo	………	Gordon Costello
Perduta	………	Daisy Guard
Candida / Sister Nunciata	………	Rachel Atkins
Meister Luciana	………	Caroline John
Sister Theresa	………	Kristin Millward
Prudenza / Lucietta	………	Lucy Taylor
Pellegrino	………	Erica Rossi
Paulina	………	Juliet Ames-Lewis

Directed by Don Taylor