Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | The Tooth | 20040119 | 20231113 (BBC7) 20231114 (BBC7) | 1860s: Sisters Sophia and Constance Baines live above a thriving drapery in the Potteries. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters. Shop assistant Sam Povey has toothache. Dramatised in ten parts by Stephen Wyatt. Constance - Gillian Kearney Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Narrator - Phillip Jackson Sam Povey - Ian Dunn Mr Baines - John Rowe Mr Critchlow - Stephen Critchlow Mrs Baines - Barbara Marten 1860s: Sisters Sophia and Constance live above a thriving drapery in the Potteries Dramatised in fifteen parts by Stephen Wyatt. 1860s: Two sisters live over a thriving drapery in the Potteries. Shop assistant Sam Povey has toothache. Stars Gillian Kearney. |
| 02 | A Battle | 20040120 | 20231114 (BBC7) 20231115 (BBC7) | The Baines sisters are leaving school, but Sophia has ambitions beyond the family shop. Stars Katy Cavanagh and Gillian Kearney. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Narrator - Phillip Jackson Constance - Gillian Kearney Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Mr Baines - John Rowe Mrs Baines - Barbara Marten Miss Chetwynd - Rachel Atkins Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. 1860s: when the Baines sisters leave school Sophia has ambitions beyond the family shop |
| 03 | Elephant | 20040121 | 20231115 (BBC7) 20231116 (BBC7) | While all of Bursley rush to see a dead elephant, Sophia stays at home with her invalid father and meets an admirer... Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Constance - Gillian Kearney Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Narrator - Phillip Jackson Sam Povey - Ian Dunn Mrs Baines - Barbara Marten Gerald Scales - Nicholas Boulton Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Everyone rushes to see a dead elephant, but Sophia stays with her invalid father Everyone rushes to see a dead elephant, but Sophia stays with her invalid father and meets an admirer. Stars Katy Cavanagh. |
| 04 | The Traveller | 20040122 | 20231116 (BBC7) 20231117 (BBC7) | At New Year, salesman Gerald Scales arrives on the Baines' door step in the snow. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Constance - Gillian Kearney Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Narrator - Phillip Jackson Sam Povey - Ian Dunn Gerald Scales - Nicholas Boulton Mrs Baines - Barbara Marten Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. At New Year, salesman Gerald Scales arrives on the Baines' door step in the snow. Stars Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. |
| 05 | The Defeat | 20040123 | 20231117 (BBC7) 20231118 (BBC7) | Mrs Baines decides to put a stop to Sophia's affair with Gerald Scales. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Constance - Gillian Kearney Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Narrator - Phillip Jackson Mrs Baines - Barbara Marten Sam Povey - Ian Dunn Aunt Harriet - Frances Jeater Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Mrs Baines decides to put a stop to Sophia's affair with Gerald Scales. Stars Katy Cavanagh and Gillian Kearney. |
| 06 | The Elopement | 20040126 | 20231120 (BBC7) 20231121 (BBC7) | Sophia escapes to London with her lover, travelling salesman Gerald Scales. Stars Katy Cavanagh and Nicholas Boulton. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Dramatised in fifteen parts by Stephen Wyatt. Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Gerald Scales - Nicholas Boulton Narrator - Phillip Jackson Chirac - Tom Smith Saleswoman - Rachel Atkins Englishman - Chris Moran Starring Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries during the 1860s. Dramatised in 15 parts by Stephen Wyatt. |
| 07 | Crime | 20040127 | 20231121 (BBC7) 20231122 (BBC7) | Constance and Sam, now married, receive a cryptic Christmas card from the exiled Sophia. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Constance - Gillian Kearney Sam Povey - Ian Dunn Narrator - Phillip Jackson Daniel Povey - Declan Wilson Maria Inshull - Rachel Atkins Constance and Sam, now married, receive a cryptic Christmas card from the exiled Sophia. Stars Gillian Kearney and Ian Dunn. Starring Gillian Kearney. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries during the 1860s. |
| 08 | Crisis | 20040128 | 20231122 (BBC7) 20231123 (BBC7) | In Paris, Gerald has spent his inheritance and his marriage to Sophia is on the rocks. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Gerald Scales - Nicholas Boulton Narrator - Phillip Jackson Chirac - Tom Smith Madame Foucault - Rachel Atkins In Paris, Gerald's spent his inheritance and his marriage to Sophia is on the rocks In Paris, Gerald's spent his inheritance and his marriage to Sophia is on the rocks. Stars Katy Cavanagh and Nicholas Boulton. Starring Katy Cavanagh. |
| 09 | Justice | 20040129 | 20231123 (BBC7) 20231124 (BBC7) | Campaigning for his imprisoned cousin, Constance worries about her husband Sam's health. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Constance - Gillian Kearney Sam Povey - Ian Dunn Daniel Povey - Declan Wilson Narrator - Phillip Jackson Mr Critchlow - Stephen Critchlow Maria Inshull ....Rachel Atkins Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Director: Pauline Harris Campaigning for his imprisoned cousin, Constance worries about her husband Sam's health. Stars Gillian Kearney and Ian Dunn. Starring Gillian Kearne. |
| 10 | The Siege | 20040130 | 20231124 (BBC7) 20231125 (BBC7) | 1870, the Siege of Paris. Sophia establishes herself as a landlady, and receives a declaration of love. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Chirac - Tom Smith Narrator - Phillip Jackson Madame Foucault - Rachel Atkins Monsieur Niepce - John Rowe Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Director: Pauline Harris 1870, the Siege of Paris. Sophia establishes herself as a landlady, and receives a declaration of love. Stars Katy Cavanagh. Starring Katy Cavanagh. |
| 11 | The Proudest Mother | 20040202 | 20231127 (BBC7) 20231128 (BBC7) | 1889, Bursley. Constance, in her late 40s lives for her 19 year old son, Cyril, but he has alarming news. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. Constance - Marcia Warren Cyril Povey - Jim Pyke The Narrator - Philip Jackson Maria Inshull - Rachel Atkins Mr Critchlow - Stephen Critchlow Auctioneer/Guard - Declan Wilson Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Director: Pauline Harris 1889, Bursley. Constance, now in her late 40s lives for her 19 year old son, Cyril 1889, Bursley. Constance, in her late 40s lives for her 19 year old son, Cyril, but he has alarming news. Stars Marcia Warren. 1889, Bursley. Constance, now in her late 40s, lives for her 19-year-old son, Cyril, but he has alarming news. Starring Marcia Warren and Jim Pike. |
| 12 | Frensham's | 20040203 | 20231128 (BBC7) 20231129 (BBC7) | 1895, Paris. Sophia is the successful proprietor of a smart hotel when Constance is told of her whereabouts. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. CAST: Constance - Gillian Kearney Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Narrator - Phillip Jackson Lewis Mardon - John Rowe Matthew Peel-Swynnerton - Carl Prekopp Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Director: Pauline Harris 1895, Paris. Sophia is the successful proprietor of a smart hotel when Constance is told of her whereabouts. Stars Gillian Kearney. |
| 13 | The Meeting | 20040204 | 20231129 (BBC7) 20231130 (BBC7) | Constance and Sophia are re-united at last but Sophia soon feels stifled by Bursley. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. CAST: Sophia - Penelope Wilton Constance - Marcia Warren The Narrator - Philip Jackson Mr Critchlow - Stephen Critchlow Maria Critchlow - Rachel Atkins Dr Stirling - Andrew Harrison Amy - Lydia Leonard Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Constance and Sophia are re-united at last but Sophia soon feels stifled by Bursley. Stars Penelope Wilton and Marcia Warren. |
| 14 | Hotel Life | 20040205 | 20231130 (BBC7) 20231201 (BBC7) | Sophia persuades a very reluctant Constance to holiday with her in a hotel in Buxton. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. CAST: Sophia - Penelope Wilton Constance - Marcia Warren The Narrator - Philip Jackson Cyril - Jim Pyke Dr Stirling - Andrew Harrison Amy - Lydia Leonard Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Director: Pauline Harris Sophia persuades a very reluctant Constance to holiday with her in a hotel in Buxton. Stars Penelope Wilton and Marcia Warren. |
| 15 | Endings | 20040206 | 20231201 (BBC7) 20231202 (BBC7) | Sophia's husband and her own health deteriorates, leaving Constance to carry on alone. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. CAST: Sophia .... Penelope Wilton Constance .... Marcia Warren The Narrator .... Philip Jackson Cyril .... Jim Pyke Mr Bodero .... Declan Wilson Dr Stirling .... Andrew Harrison Mary .... Jaimi Barbakoff Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Director: Pauline Harris First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2004 Sophia's husband and her own health deteriorates, leaving Constance to carry on alone. Stars Penelope Wilton and Marcia Warren. Sophia visits her dying husband. But what will become of her - and her sister Constance? Sophia's husband and her own health deteriorates. What will become of Constance? Conclusion of Arnold Bennett's novel following the lives of two very different sisters. Sophia visits her dying husband. But what will become of her - and her sister Constance? Stars Penelope Wilton and Marcia Warren. |
| OMNI-01 | 20231119 | 20231120 (BBC7) | 1860s: Sisters Sophia and Constance live above a thriving drapery in the Potteries. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters. Omnibus of the first five of fifteen episodes dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Sam Povey - Ian Dunn Mr Baines - John Rowe Mrs Baines - Barbara Marten Miss Chetwynd - Rachel Atkins Gerald Scales - Nicholas Boulton Aunt Harriet - Frances Jeater Director: Claire Grove First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2004. 1860s: Sisters Sophia and Constance live above a thriving drapery in the Potteries. Stars Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. | |
| OMNI-02 | 20231126 | 20231127 (BBC7) | While Sophia escapes with her lover, her sister Constance runs the family drapery shop. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries during the 1860s. Omnibus of the next five of 15 episodes dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Gerald Scales - Nicholas Boulton Sam Povey - Ian Dunn Chirac - Tom Smith Saleswoman - Rachel Atkins Englishman - Chris Moran Daniel Povey - Declan Wilson Maria Inshull - Rachel Atkins Madame Foucault - Rachel Atkins Monsieur Niepce - John Rowe Directors: Claire Grove & Pauline Harris First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2004. While Sophia escapes with her lover, her sister Constance runs the family drapery shop. Stars Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. | |
| OMNI-03 | 20231203 | 20231204 (BBC7) | Constance, now in her late 40s, lives for her 19 year old son, Cyril, while Sophia runs her smart hotel in Paris. Starring Gillian Kearney and Katy Cavanagh. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries during the 1860s. Omnibus of the last five of 15 episodes dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Constance - Marcia Warren Sophia - Penelope Wilton Younger Constance - Gillian Kearney Younger Sophia - Katy Cavanagh Cyril Povey - Jim Pyke Maria Inshull/ Critchlow - Rachel Atkins Auctioneer/Guard - Declan Wilson Lewis Mardon - John Rowe Matthew Peel-Swynnerton - Carl Prekopp Dr Stirling - Andrew Harrison Amy - Lydia Leonard Mr Bodero - Declan Wilson Mary - Jaimi Barbakoff Directors: Claire Grove & Pauline Harris First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2004. Constance lives for her 19 year old son, Cyril, while Sophia runs her Paris hotel Constance lives for her 19 year old son, Cyril, while Sophia runs her Paris hotel. Stars Marica Warren and Penelope Wilton. Constance, now in her late 40s, lives for her 19 year old son, Cyril, while Sophia runs her smart Paris hotel. Starring Marcia Warren and Penelope Wilton. Arnold Bennett's novel follows the lives of two very different sisters who grow up above a thriving drapery business in the Potteries, during the 1860s. |