Gemma Jones performs this haunting folktale about a woman from the sea, who is captured by a human. But will her home and children on the shore be enough to keep her from her natural world?

Introduced by Vernon Rose singing an extract of traditional folk song 'Selkie'.

Helen Fraser performs this hilarious sketch originally created by Dion Titheridge, and made famous by Cicely Courtneidge. How difficult can it really be to place an order for some napkins?

Sasha Mitchell and Matt Prendergast perform Kevin Crossley Holland's 'Sea Tongue', inspired by the true story of Dunwich, Britain's Atlantis. Dunwich was once among England's biggest towns, but now lies almost entirely beneath the North Sea, save for a tiny village. This eerie piece evokes the voices of what was lost, and the forces that took it.

With original music by Sylvia Hallett.

Cover image of a Dunwich seascape, by Ben Wardle.

Roger Lloyd Pack reads a darkly moving and eerie tale of a love that transcends earthly bounds.

Roger Lloyd Pack reads this funny folk tale following a fool's quest for a pottle of brains.

Poet, lyricist and dramatist Jehane Markham reads three of her own poems, based on traditional fairytales.

Colin Salmon tells this folk story from West Africa. A tale for all the family.

A Yiddish folk tale of a king's challenge to his daughter's suitor, and how a fool with a little luck is only half a fool. Told by Jonathan Pryce, Gemma Jones, Sam Scudder and Jane Barber.

With original music by Sylvia Hallett.

Gemma Jones performs Welsh folk tale 'Be My Cariad', telling the story of a young Welsh lad who casts his line on a moonlit lake, and catches more than he bargains for. Recorded at the Almeida Theatre, 1st October 2000.

With music performed by Sylvia Hallett.

Nicola Pesce inadvertently escapes death by bunking off school, and wild hilarity ensues. Marcello Magni retells and improvises this Italian folk tale in glorious, uproarious style.