4 Extra Debut. 1991, the last gasps of the USSR: Mikhail Gorbachev is imprisoned in a Black Sea dacha during a coup. Stars John Shrapnel.

Three Days That Shook the World

By Penny Gold

A reconstruction of three of the most dramatic days in Soviet history - the attempted coup against Mikhail Gorbachev in August 1991 - based on Gorbachev's own account. Imprisoned in a Black Sea dacha with all communications severed, Gorbachev and his family negotiate for their lives, while the coup-leaders attempt to win the country's support and reverse the reforms of the previous years.

Cast

Mikhail Gorbachev......John Shrapnel

Raisa Gorbachev...Frances Jeater

Irina...Frances Grey

Anatoly.......Stephen Perring

Kseniya.... Lavinia Redman

Anuska......Annie Tricks

Oleg......Robert Gwilym

Baklanov......Bill Wallis

Boldin......Paul Humpoletz

General Verenniko......Cornelius Garrett

Directed by John Dryden

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.