The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus, was written by Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe in about 1593, shortly before his death. The tale of the frustrated German medic who sells his soul to the devil in return for 24 years of hedonism and the service of Mephistopheles has been adapted for modern audiences many times, in opera, play, novel and probably more. Faustus turns to the dark arts when law, logic, science, and theology fail to satisfy him, believing that they are worth eternity in hell. This BBC radio version sticks to the traditional time in which the story is set and the sweep of the Marlowe narrative, with just occasional audio insights into the future given to Faustus. These bizarrely include Helen of Troy imitating Marilyn Monroe's rendition of "Happy Birthday" to John F Kennedy in 1962 - maybe seen as an extreme form of female temptation across the ages! The performance was well done, and compelling. Cast included John Heffernan, Pearl Mackie, Frances Tomelty and Tim McMullan. Adapted and directed by Emma Harding. First broadcast September 2021.