War and Peace

As Russia prepares for war with France, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky is excited for life on the front line. Meanwhile his friend Pierre Bezukhov is called to his dying father's bedside.

The Russian army is safe after a marginal success that barely keeps the French at bay. But Andrei's wise old commander General Kutuzov is concerned that Napoleon is setting a trap. - 2015 BBC

Pierre fights a duel that sends his life in a surprising new direction. At the Rostov house, Natasha and Sonya receive unexpected proposals and Nikolai makes a disastrous mistake. 2015 BBC

Andrei is in love, but his father is set against him marrying Natasha and insists on a long engagement to keep them apart. Natasha is overjoyed when Andrei proposes but shocked by his decision to delay the wedding and travel abroad for a year. She distracts herself by spending time on the Rostovs' country estate, hunting and getting a taste of Moscow peasant life. But when the time comes to return to Moscow society, temptation crosses her path, and she finds her love for Andrei tested. 2015 BBC

Napoleon outrages the Russian emperor by crossing the border and marching his army towards Moscow. 2015 BBC

Chaos takes hold as Napoleon marches into Moscow and the Rostovs rush to leave the city. As they hurry away, Natasha is astonished to learn the identity of one of her travelling companions and finds she at last has a chance to make amends. Sonya, meanwhile, comes under pressure from the countess to make a great sacrifice for her family.

The writer, Andrew Davies, reads excerpts from the script as he and the Director, Tom Harper, give insight into how they bring the story to life onscreen.

The Head of the Records Department at Rundale gives a brief history of the palace.

Behind the scenes with the cast as they read through the script together for the first time.

The composer, conductor and the Director of Music - BBC National Orchestra of Wales discuss the music within the show.

The cast discuss their thoughts on War and Peace.

Featuring the show's choreographer and Adrian Edmondson.

Five scenes not included within the final programme.