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Copenhagen

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About this listen

Benedict Cumberbatch, Greta Scacchi and Simon Russell Beale star in Michael Frayn's award-winning play about the controversial 1941 meeting between physicists Bohr and Heisenberg. Copenhagen, Autumn 1941.

The two presiding geniuses of quantum physics, Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg meet for the first time since the breakout of war. Danish physicist Bohr and his wife, Margrethe, live in Nazi-occupied Denmark; their visitor, Heisenberg, is German, the two old friends, now on opposing sides have between them the ability to change the course of history.

Frayn's Tony award-winning play imagines the three characters re-drafting the events of 1941 in an attempt to make sense of them. With Greta Scacchi as Margrethe Bohr, Simon Russell Beale as Niels Bohr and Benedict Cumberbatch as Werner Heisenberg. This new version of Copenhagen is adapted for radio and directed by Emma Harding.

©2013 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2013 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Drama & Plays European World Literature Denmark War

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All stars
Most relevant  

Would you listen to Copenhagen again? Why?

Yes. "Copenhagen" is both tightly focused and yet open in its conclusions - and because the story it tells was a key event in the history of the Second World War and beyond - mainly because nothing happened as a result.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Copenhagen?

It is not a play that depends on single moments.

What about Simon Russell Beale’s performance did you like?

He catches the seriousness and yet the oddity of the meeting between Bohr and Heisenberg.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What did they talk about?

Any additional comments?

This audio-play for three voices -- Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg and Margrethe Heisenborg -- is tough but rewarding going. The two physicists circle round each other during Heisenberg’s 1941 visit to occupied Copenhagen, sometimes talking but, more often, talking about each other, with Margrethe as a troubled commentator. At stake is the Nazi’s project to build a nuclear bomb (with, had they known it, the Cold War that followed World War 2) and Frayn imagines the conversation, in the apparent absence of any record of what happened when they met. Ideas matter is the theme of this tense but always indirect play. From the title onwards, it is the indirection that marks out “Copenhagen” as unusual and remarkable drama.

What did they talk about?

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Very deep play well acted and food for thought makes you also ask questions about ethics and what our omissions or actions lead to

Thought provoking play

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Incredible writing, brilliantly performed by an excellent cast. Thought provoking and profound but also touching. Highly recommend.

Brilliant

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Simply a masterpiece. Audiobook reviews have to have a minimum 15 words, but "masterpiece" covers it in one.

BRILLIANT!

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This completely blew me away and as soon as it finished I wanted to start it over again. Top drawer. Need to see it on stage now!!!

Absolutely Amazing

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Would listen it again and again. One of the best listening I have gotten on audible. Would love to see this on stage!

Love it

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Would you listen to Copenhagen again? Why?

Wonderful performances that one can hear time and again without losing any interest.

What did you like best about this story?

Excellent combination of a scientific subject with touching repercussions for all the characters involved and on a larger scale for all of humanity.

Which character – as performed by Simon Russell Beale – was your favourite?

Heisenberg is simply astonishing. His dilemma and life story are incredible.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

One starts to listen at the audio book and time freezes.

Any additional comments?

Frayn has put on paper a masterpiece.

Wonderful piece of Theater

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I can highly recommend this stunning rendition of Michael Frayn’s masterpiece. I’ve read the play a couple of times but the skilful adaptation and strong performances bring it to life. Deep, moving and complex, as great theatre should be.

Stunning rendition of a masterpiece

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One of, possibly The best thing I have ever heard. I saw the play in Bath, England a couple of years ago. I’ve now listened to this audible recording three times. Well worth your time. Imo.

The Best.

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Utterly superb. Physics, history, and mystery make a great story all conveyed through brilliant performances.

A great play

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