Tales of the Night Sky | Greek & Roman Star Myths

Original audio drama with spectacular soundscapes, based on the Greco-Roman myths behind the constellations. Written and directed by Bibi Jacob, these moving and sometimes humorous tales, brim with tragedy, injustice, and violence.

Trailer: Late Night Classics with Bibi Jacob 03/10/2024

Trailer: Late Night Classics with Bibi Jacob Discover our new show and follow us on your favourite podcast player! For more info, visit /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/30308818

S2 E14 Hermes & Aphrodite: The Constellation of Aquila 02/14/2024

S2 E14 Hermes & Aphrodite: The Constellation of Aquila How do a slipper and an eagle lead to love? Hermes explains all. Written by Chris Mack with Bibi Jacob. Featuring Chris Mack and Bibi Jacob. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. Discover our new show, /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/29954718

S2 E13 Castor & Polydeuces: The Constellation of Gemini 12/16/2023

S2 E13 Castor & Polydeuces: The Constellation of Gemini You may know them as the Dioscuri - sons of Zeus - or as the Gemini Twins. In this episode discover the very unusal afterlife of the inimitable Castor and Polydeuces. Written and directed by . Starring as Polydeuces, as Castor and as Hermes. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. Recorded at the studios in Paris. The quote from the Homeric Hymn to the Dioscuri comes from the Evelyn-White translation. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/29108743

S2 E12 The Trojans: 1869 PHILOCTETES 11/01/2023

S2 E12 The Trojans: 1869 PHILOCTETES In this final Trojan episode, the ghosts of the war rise up and tell tales of loss and consolation. Sensitive listeners be aware - some of the stories are disturbing. Written and narrated by Bibi Jacob. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. Extracts from 17314 Aisakos and 884 Priamus feature Ciaran Cresswell and Les Clack. A thank you to Chloe Dunn. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/28484981

S2 E11 The Trojans: 175 ANDROMACHE 08/07/2023

S2 E11 The Trojans: 175 ANDROMACHE Andromache appears in the university observatory to recount her tragic tale. 175 Andromache is a main-belt asteroid – not a Trojan in the L4 or L5 Lagrange points in Jupiter’s orbit. But since her character is central to the Trojan war, we’ve included her in this special series. Written and directed by KJ Dwyer. Edited by Bibi Jacob. With Mia Leahy as Dardana and Kate Colebrook as Petra. Original violin and vocal compositions written and performed by Chloe Dunn. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. Recorded at the studios, Paris. You can listen to more of Chloe Dunn’s beautiful music, on / /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/27680598

S2 E10 The Trojans: 617 PATROCLUS 07/15/2023

S2 E10 The Trojans: 617 PATROCLUS Strange things happen one night, in a university observatory as Éloi struggles to stay awake and observe the 617 Patroclus asteroid. Written and directed by KJ Dwyer. With KJ Dwyer as Elio. Mitchell Moreno as Patroclus. Ken Starcevic as Menoetius. Bibi Jacob as the radio announcer. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. The actors recorded at the Podcast Studio, Paris. And in London - with huge thanks to Nigel Pilkington. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/27472815

S2 E9 The Trojans: 588 ACHILLES 06/30/2023

S2 E9 The Trojans: 588 ACHILLES Achilles, ‘the best of the Greeks’, slaughters Trojans mercilessly as he battles with his own grief and regrets. Starring Tom Morton. Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound by Geoff Chong. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/27337380

S2 E8 The Trojans: 112 IPHIGENIA 05/28/2023

S2 E8 The Trojans: 112 IPHIGENIA There’s an eerie stillness in the port town of Aulis when Iphigenia arrives there for her wedding. What exactly will it take to bring back the winds and allow the Greek ships to sail to Troy? This original series was co-created with and KJ Dwyer.  And the original concept was sparked off in our writers' group, run by Chris Mack. Written and performed by Julie Kayla. Directed by Bibi Jacob. Sound and production by Geoff Chong Outro by Bibi Jacob. 112 Iphigenia is a main-belt asteroid – not a Trojan in the L4 or L5 Lagrange points in Jupiter’s orbit. But since her character is central to the Trojan war, we’ve included her in this special series. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/26971281

S2 E7 The Trojans: 884 PRIAMUS 04/29/2023

S2 E7 The Trojans: 884 PRIAMUS In this second Trojan episode, King Priam remembers all that was lost in the first terrible siege of Troy. This original series was co-created with Chris Mack and KJ Dwyer.  And the original concept was sparked off in our writers' group, run by Chris Mack. Starring Les Clack. Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Original violin compositions and playing by Chloe Dunn. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. Recorded at the Podcast Studio, Paris. If you want to listen to more of Chloe Dunn’s beautiful music, click on the links: / /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/26689488

S2 E6 The Trojans: 17314 AISAKOS 04/29/2023

S2 E6 The Trojans: 17314 AISAKOS In this special series, Tales of the NIght Sky takes you into the heart of a large group of asteroids that orbit with Jupiter around the sun. These two camps of heavenly bodies - the Greeks leading and the Trojans trailing Jupiter - are known as the Trojan asteroids. Each identified asteroid is named after a protagonist in Homer’s Iliad. And these characters find themselves locked in orbit, endlessly reliving the trauma of war. This original series was co-created with and KJ Dwyer.  And the original concept was sparked off in our writers' group, run by Chris Mack. In the first of the Trojans, the seer Aisakos interprets Queen Hecuba’s dream. Starring Ciaran Cresswell. Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Introduction written by KJ Dywer and Bibi Jacob. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. Useful sources for this episode: , /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/26689467

S2 E5 Helen: The Constellation of Cygnus 03/31/2023

S2 E5 Helen: The Constellation of Cygnus She was known as Helen of Sparta until her face launched a thousand ships and started the Trojan War. Now Helen of Troy examines the multiple versions of her life - sifting through the beauty and sorrow - as the battle rages on outside. Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Starring Hester Wilcox as Helen. Original violin, vocal and bodhrán compositions written and performed by Chloe Dunn. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. If you want to listen to more of Chloe Dunn’s beautiful music, click on the links: / /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/26405979

S2 E4 Themis & Astraea: The Constellation of Virgo 03/24/2023

S2 E4 Themis & Astraea: The Constellation of Virgo Where is Justice? Who is she? And what does she have to do with the Trojan war? Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Starring Sandy Bernard and Bibi Jacob. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/26331666

S2 E3 Eos: The Dawn 02/25/2023

S2 E3 Eos: The Dawn Can Eos, goddess of the dawn, really love the Trojan prince Tithonus for all eternity? Written and narrated by Bibi Jacob. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/26045682

S2 Bonus Episode: Delphinus, Dionysus & Arion 01/15/2023

S2 Bonus Episode: Delphinus, Dionysus & Arion The party in the sea realm is fizzling out and the gossip Kat* finds herself left behind by her friend Lalli.* While looking for him, she stumbles upon a terrible truth. *KATALALIA meaning gossip or defamation in Ancient Greek. Written by Morag Cross. Starring Morag Cross as Kat. Featuring Nigel Pilkington and Doug Rand. Directed by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound by Geoff Chong. All ‘Kithara’ strumming by Morag Cross. The sea shanty is an original violin and vocal composition written and performed by Chloe Dunn and remixed by Geoff Chong. The track, ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business,’ is by the Underscore Orkestra. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/25612986

S2 E2 Thetis & Amphitrite: The Constellation of Delphinus 12/29/2022

S2 E2 Thetis & Amphitrite: The Constellation of Delphinus It's party time in the sea realm - the Nereid Amphitrite is about to wed Poseidon - but she’s having second thoughts. Can her sister Thetis persuade her to tie the knot in time? And what’s really behind the ominous rumours the party guests are spreading? This episode was written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound design by Geoff Chong. It stars: Sharon Mann as Thetis. Elizabeth Wautlet as Amphitrite. Sandy Bernard as Doto. Nigel Pilkington and Morag Cross as the Gossips, Lalli and Kat. Doug Rand as Peleus. Dharni Mistry as the child. Bibi Jacob and Doug Rand as party guests. The actors recorded in studios in both Paris and London. A huge thank you to Marie Prevost at Voice Addict Studio, Paris, for her support. And thank you to Nigel Pilkington for the London recording. And an enormous thank you to the wonderful Underscore Orkestra - https://www.theunderscoreorkestra.com - for permission to use their music. These tracks feature at the party: Swing Gitane; It Ain’t Right; Blue Drag; I’se a Muggin. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/25457034

S2 E1 Ganymede: The Constellation of Aquarius 11/30/2022

S2 E1 Ganymede: The Constellation of Aquarius Ganymede, Prince of Troy, shuns the company of men and only finds pleasure in nature. But when his exceptional beauty comes to the attention of men and gods, his life will never be the same. This episode was written and performed by Mitchell Moreno. Direction by Bibi Jacob. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. Recorded in the studio of the National Theatre, London with Richard Coleby as sound engineer. Thanks to Suzanne Diakun. And thanks to Michel - for his help - and Jean René at Studio Scopitone, Paris. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/25179879

Bonus Episode: Zagreus 01/30/2022

Bonus Episode: Zagreus In this, the final episode of Season 1, discover the surprising and shocking myth of Zagreus, the horned baby. Sensitive listeners be warned: the story contains violence and allusions to incest and rape. Adapted, narrated and directed by Bibi Jacob.  Original music, sound and production by Geoff Chong.  Extracts of Chloe Dunn’s music from the Persephone and Orpheus episode feature in the outro. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/21952541

16 Orpheus & Persephone: The Constellation of Lyra, Part 2 10/31/2021

16 Orpheus & Persephone: The Constellation of Lyra, Part 2 Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, recounts Orpheus’ extraordinary descent into her kingdom and her own shocking abduction. Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Sound and production by Geoff Chong. Starring Chloe Dunn as Persephone and Chris Mack as Hermes. Original violin, viola and vocal compositions written and performed by Chloe Dunn. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/20998331

15 Hermes: The Constellation of Lyra, Part 1 07/24/2021

15 Hermes: The Constellation of Lyra, Part 1 No sooner is he born than Baby Hermes leaps out of his cradle and embarks on a slapstick adventure to charm his way into the Olympian pantheon. Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound by Geoff Chong. Starring: Chris Mack as Hermes. Margeaux Lampley as Maia. Kester Lovelace as Apollo. Joseph Marshall as the farmer. And Dario Costa as Zeus. Thanks, as ever, to Jean-Paul Palmyre for his support. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/19915715

14 Deltoton: The Constellation of Triangulum 06/07/2021

14 Deltoton: The Constellation of Triangulum Hermes tries to make some order in the night sky in spite of Zeus’ meddling. Centuries later the Starlink mega-constellations disrupt everything…. Starring Chris Mack as Hermes and Dario Costa as Zeus. Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound by Geoff Chong. A big thank you to Jean-Paul Palmyre at Studio Quali’sons, Paris. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/19386014

13 Via Lactea: The Milky Way 04/30/2021

13 Via Lactea: The Milky Way Hera, the Queen of the Gods, is having trouble with her afternoon nap. One by one the memories of her husband’s betrayals return, building a devastating portrait of a dysfunctional marriage. (This story - like so many Greek myths - contains references to assault and violence.) Starring Natasha Cashman as Hera. Featuring Dario Costa as Zeus. Written, directed and presented by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound design by Geoff Chong. Enormous thanks to Jean-Paul Palmyre at Studio Quali’sons, Paris. The Ovid quote comes from Vol. 1 of Frank Justus Miller’s translation of ‘The Metamorphoses’ published by the Loeb Classical Library. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/18927344

12 Equus Primus: The Constellation of Equuleus 03/21/2021

12 Equus Primus: The Constellation of Equuleus **SPOILER ALERT** This is an unofficial constellation myth! /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/18407690

11 The Constellation of Pegasus 02/14/2021

11 The Constellation of Pegasus Fly with me into this tapestry of tales, to mountains full of mythical beings. The winged horse Pegasus, the Muses, some gods, a centaur, the Chimaera, an anti-hero and a gadfly await you. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/17943593

10 Apollo’s Arrow: The Constellations of Sagitta and Ara 01/18/2021

10 Apollo’s Arrow: The Constellations of Sagitta and Ara An eclectic episode about plagues, magical arrows, cyclops and writer’s block. Written and presented by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound design by Geoff Chong. Much of the information about Abaris comes from Thanks to Pål Martin Tvete for recommending Tim Harford’s ‘Cautionary Tales’. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/17593703

09 Asclepius: The Constellations of Ophiuchus and Serpens 12/20/2020

09 Asclepius: The Constellations of Ophiuchus and Serpens /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/17263664

08 Coronis: The Constellation of Corvus 10/31/2020

08 Coronis: The Constellation of Corvus Corvus, the crow, is set to watch Apollo’s lover, the Princess Coronis. But when boundaries are transgressed, the consequences are gruesome in this tale of jealousy, rage and regret. Starring Nigel Pilkington as Corvus Written, directed and presented by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound design by Geoff Chong /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/16628378

Bonus episode: Creusa’s Diary 09/30/2020

Bonus episode: Creusa’s Diary What happened to the two drops of blood Erichthonius received from Athena? This intimate and moving diary reveals all. Starring Morag Cross as Creusa Oboe playing by Morag Cross Written, directed and presented by Bibi Jacob Production and sound design by Geoff Chong /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/16223111

07 Erichthonius: The Constellation of Auriga 08/04/2020

07 Erichthonius: The Constellation of Auriga A gold-tipped arrow, a gilded casket, a snake-tailed child and two drops of the gorgon’s blood. The goddess Athena narrates her tale of love and power. Starring Sharon Mann as Athena With Dario Costa as Hephaestus and Homer, Morag Cross as Daughter 2 and Bibi Jacob as Erichthonius and Daughter 1 Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound design by Geoff Chong Special thanks to Christine Hooper and to Jean-Paul Palmyre Recorded at Studio Quali’sons, Paris (Morag Cross recorded in London) Quote from Martin Hammond’s translation of Homer’s Iliad (4.17) /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/15483098

Bonus Episode: The Complaint of Perseus 06/22/2020

Bonus Episode: The Complaint of Perseus Perseus is not happy and he’s about to tell you why. /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/14916935

06 Andromeda Part 2: Constellations of the Perseus Family 06/11/2020

06 Andromeda Part 2: Constellations of the Perseus Family How does the celebrated Ancient Greek hero, Perseus, change the course of Andromeda’s destiny and seal Medusa’s fate? And what does it really mean to be a hero? /episode/index/show/talesofthenightsky/id/14782199

Tales of the Night Sky | Greek & Roman Star Myths

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