Metamorphosis

Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find he has been transformed into a gigantic insect. This extraordinary tale of imagination was written by Kafka against the backdrop of increasing turmoil in central Europe and remains not just an affecting tale but a disturbing allegory. Franz Kafka, born in Prague in 1883, is one of the most influential writers of the early 20th century. His writing tends to focus on individuals trapped in a nightmarish world. He worked as an insurance officer and factory manager as well as a writer. He died in Austria aged 40. Martin Jarvis starred as Jeeves in By Jeeves on Broadway in 2001. His films include the Oscar-winning Titanic and Mrs Caldicot's Cabbage War. Countless TV appearances in Britain and America include The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Lorna Doone, Murder She Wrote and Inspector Morse. He is a recipient of the British Talkie Award and the U. S. Audie award. He received the OBE in 2000 for his services to drama.