Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics

BBC Radio 4

Natalie Haynes takes a fresh look at the ancient world, creating stand-up routines about figures from ancient Greece and Rome.

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes20

Newest first

Alexandria: The Science
Natalie's joined by Islam Issa and Adam Rutherford to reveal stellar scientific inventions
Thursday · 27 min
The Aeneid
In a tour de force solo performance, Natalie takes on Virgil's great poem in 28 minutes.
Sep 2, 2025 · 27 min
Hestia
The overlooked Olympian who was the resolutely unmarried goddess of the hearth and home
Aug 26, 2025 · 27 min
Catullus
The brilliant Roman love poet is the poster boy for teen angst.
Aug 19, 2025 · 27 min
Hera
The queen of the Olympian gods is swallowed by her father then marries her brother Zeus.
Aug 12, 2025 · 27 min
The Women Poets of Ancient Greece
Natalie tells the stories of the Nine Earthly Muses. With Edith Hall and Nikita Gill.
Aug 5, 2025 · 28 min
Alexandria: The Library
Natalie explores the great library of Alexandria. With Edith Hall and Islam Issa.
Jul 29, 2025 · 27 min
Alexandria: The City
Natalie tells the story of the ancient city of Alexandria. With Islam Issa and Edith Hall.
Jul 22, 2025 · 27 min
Saturnalia
Natalie Haynes celebrates Saturnalia with guests André Vincent and Llewelyn Morgan.
Dec 27, 2024 · 27 min
Tacitus
The great historian of imperial Rome, Tacitus can persuade you of just about anything.
Aug 12, 2024 · 27 min
Aesop
The best-known author from antiquity, famed for his fables. But did he really exist?
Aug 5, 2024 · 27 min
Artemis
Predator, hunter, archer, daughter of Zeus, queen of wild creatures: the goddess Artemis.
Jul 29, 2024 · 27 min
Aphrodite
The Greek goddess of love, desire and beauty, Aphrodite is mostly depicted naked, or wet.
Jul 22, 2024 · 27 min
Hesiod
Prize-winning poet, cataloguer of gods and author of a flatpack wagon manual: Hesiod.
Jul 15, 2024 · 27 min
Cleopatra
Brilliant politician, ruthless leader, massive brain-box: Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt.
Jul 8, 2024 · 27 min
Livia
First Empress of Rome, faithful wife and influential advisor - or serial killer?
Dec 20, 2023 · 27 min
Athene
Goddess of wisdom, war and... handicrafts: Athene is charismatic and bloodthirsty.
Dec 12, 2023 · 27 min
Demeter
A story of a mother's love, and anger. Demeter seeks justice for Persephone.
Dec 5, 2023 · 27 min
Martial
Epigrams, jokes and absolute filth, that's Martial. With Robin Ince and Llewelyn Morgan.
Nov 28, 2023 · 27 min
Homer: The Odyssey
Natalie retells Homer's epic story of homecoming, adventure and passion.
Sep 4, 2022 · 34 min

Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics

Alexandria: The Science

The Aeneid

Hestia

Catullus

Hera

The Women Poets of Ancient Greece

Alexandria: The Library

Alexandria: The City

Saturnalia

Tacitus

Aesop

Artemis

Aphrodite

Hesiod

Cleopatra

Livia

Athene

Demeter

Martial

Homer: The Odyssey