Shaw used the traditional fable of Andocles to focus on the integrity of religious belief. Androcles, a christian fleeing persecution in Rome, is captured by Caesar's men. Alongside other christians - Ferrovius, a fierce fighter, Lavinia, a beautiful aristocrat and would-be martyr Spintho - he must face the lions of the Coliseum. How will each of them face their desperate fate?
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Billy ConnollyAndrocles | Androcles |
 Anna Calder-MarshallLavinia | Lavinia |
 Bernard BresslawFerrovius | Ferrovius |
 Rupert FrazerThe Captain | The Captain |
 Peter CopleyCaesar | Caesar |
 John TordoffSpintho | Spintho |
 Stafford GordonCenturion | Centurion |
| RRoy JonesThe Lion | The Lion |
| PPercy EdwardsThe Lion's Voice | The Lion's Voice |
| PPeter LandLentulus | Lentulus |
| DDesmond MaurerMetellus | Metellus |
 Jane FreemanMegaera | Megaera |
 Barry JacksonThe Editor | The Editor |
| PPaul HargreavesThe Ox Driver | The Ox Driver |
 Stephen RashbrookThe Call Boy | The Call Boy |
| LLeo DolanThe Menagerie Keeper | The Menagerie Keeper |