Three more series of Natalie Haynes’ BBC Radio 4 show combining comedy with classicism – plus Christmas special ‘Saturnalia’

‘Rock star mythologist’ and reformed comedian Natalie Haynes is obsessed with the ancient world. Here, she explores key tales from the classical era that still have resonance today. They might be biographical, mythological or epic, but they are always hilarious, enthralling and revelatory. And they tell us more about contemporary humanity than seems possible of stories from several thousand years ago.

In these three series, she stands up for the first-century Roman poet Martial, whose satirical epigrams were both perfectly crafted and absolutely filthy; tells the powerful story of Demeter's fight to get justice for her daughter Persephone in a tour-de-force solo performance recorded at the Hay Festival; profiles the charismatic and bloodthirsty Athene, goddess of wisdom, war and...handicrafts; and looks at Livia, the first Empress of Rome and faithful wife to Augustus, who has gone down in history as a serial killer.

In addition, she discusses Cleopatra, (a brilliant politician with charisma to burn, but probably not an Elizabeth Taylor lookalike); Hesiod (cataloguer of the gods and author of a flatpack wagon manual); and Aphrodite (the goddess of love and beauty, who is mostly depicted naked and/or wet). Examining Artemis, she discovers that the celebrated huntress was not averse to the odd human sacrifice; and investigating Aesop, she finds that everything we think we know about this famous fable writer is contradicted somewhere. And it’s a similar story with Tacitus, whose fascinating works are long on persuasive prose, but short on evidence...

Joining Natalie for some witty conversation and well-informed analysis are guest experts including Robin Ince, Adam Rutherford and Dan Snow. Also included is a special festive show, ‘Saturnalia’, in which Natalie celebrates the midwinter festival of Ancient Rome, described by Catullus as ‘the best of days’, in the company of André Vincent and Professor Llewelyn Morgan. Expect anarchy, jokes, cross-dressing, sweets, drinking games and the wearing of traditional pointy hats...

Production credits
Presented by Natalie Haynes
Music by Sarah Gabriel and Sarah Angliss
Produced by Mary Ward-Lowery

Special guests: Professor Llewelyn Morgan, Robin Ince, Dr Emma Southon, Jane Draycott, Professor Edith Hall, Alicia Stallings, Dr Adam Rutherford, Dan Snow, André Vincent

© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd