Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20110815 | Kris Marshall plays Samuel Pepys, and Katherine Jakeways his wife, in this new dramatisation of the famous diaries by Hattie Naylor. On a freezing day in January 1660, a 26 year old man decides to start keeping a diary. It's two years since he had a life-threatening operation to remove a bladder stone and he's feeling pretty well - despite there being quite a lot to worry about. He's behind with his rent, he goes out too often, and drinks too much. He lies awake worrying about work, and despite being happily married, can't keep his hands off other women. For the next ten years, in his secret diary, Samuel Pepys faithfully records the day's events, and confesses his innermost thoughts. He gives us eyewitness accounts of some of the great events of the 17th century but he also tells us what people ate, wore, what they did for fun, the tricks they played on each other, what they expected of marriage, and of love affairs. Over three hundred and fifty years may have passed since Pepys first put pen to paper but the man and his preoccupations feel surprisingly familiar. The world of Samuel Pepys, his wife, his rivals, his lovers and his friends are vividly brought to life in Hattie Naylor's new adaptation. CAST: Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways Jane, the maid - Rebecca Newman Edward Montagu - Blake Ritson Landlord - Dick Bradnum John Pepys - Stephen Marzella Mrs Hunt - Manon Edwards Mr Hunt - Brendan Charleson Balty - Matthew Gravelle Soldier - John Biddle Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Historical consultant: Liza Picard Sound by Nigel Lewis A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll. Kris Marshall stars in Hattie Naylor's adaptation of Samuel Pepys diaries. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 01 | 20130805 | Kris Marshall and Katherine Jakeways return as Samuel and Elizabeth Pepys in Hattie Naylor's continuing dramatisation of the famous diaries.
1667. On New Year's Day, Samuel and Elizabeth Pepys awake to find the Thames covered in ice, while at the same time some parts of London still smoulder from last year's Great Fire. At Whitehall, Lord Brouncker's clerk is accused of taking bribes, and there are rumours that the French will invade. Sam, meanwhile, is preoccupied with finding a husband for his sister, Pauline, and with visiting various lady friends, including Mrs Knipp, Mrs Bagwell and Mrs Lane's sister, Doll.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam finds the Thames frozen while parts of London still smoulder from the Great Fire. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 01 | 20131209 | Sam starts the year observing people gambling with dice at the Groom Porter's but doesn't venture a wager himself. Then his cousin, Anthony Joyce, asks to borrow £350 to rebuild his house after the Great Fire, but before Sam can decide, Anthony tries to take his own life by jumping in a pond. He survives initially but succumbs to a fever. Sam helps his widow by persuading the King not to take all her goods, as is the custom in the case of suicide. Adapted by Hattie Naylor.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam's cousin asks to borrow \u00a3350 to rebuild his house, then jumps in a pond. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 01 | 20140804 | The last series of Hattie Naylor's adaptation.
It's a tense time in the Pepys household. As we know from the last nine years of his diary, Sam has often had dalliances with other women, unbeknown to his wife Elizabeth. Her ignorance of his behaviour came to an abrupt end last October when she walked in on him in a compromising position with the maid, Debs Willet. This discovery has put a huge strain on their marriage. Almost deranged by suspicion and jealousy, Elizabeth forbids Sam to leave the house unless he is accompanied at all times by their servant, Will. It's not all bad, however, as she's used Sam's guilt to make him give her a bigger clothing allowance.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam's affair put a strain on his marriage, and now Elizabeth won't let him leave the house Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 02 | 20110816 | In this second episode of Hattie Naylor's new adaptation, Samuel Pepys is on a dangerous, secret mission, helping to restore King Charles to the English throne. It starts badly. On the way across the Channel to Holland Pepys' cabin windows are accidentally blown out by a gun salute, and he turns out to be a poor sailor. As he lies groaning with sea-sicknesses in his cabin, he's unimpressed by the suggested remedy of oysters. Once recovered and ashore in The Hague he's impressed by the beauty of the local women, how many languages the Dutch speak, and how neat and tidy Holland looks. On the way home, with the King safely on board, he hears the dramatic tale of Charles' escape from the Battle of Worcester, including how he hid all day in an oak tree. CAST: Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Edward Montagu - Blake Ritson Will - John Biddle Mr Banes - Matthew Gravelle Charles II - Ewan Bailey Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viola by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Historical consultant: Liza Picard Sound by Nigel Lewis A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll. Pepys sails across the dangerous English Channel on a secret mission. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 02 | 20130806 | On the 23rd of February, 1667, Sam celebrates the good fortune of reaching his 34th birthday. Scandal rocks Whitehall as Lord Brouncker's Clerk is accused of taking bribes. He in turn accuses Lord Batten of the same, and Sam accepts a series of 'gifts' from Commissioner Pett. Adapted by Hattie Naylor.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam celebrates his 34th birthday, but his neighbour Sir William faces charges of bribery. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 02 | 20131210 | Sam buys a pornographic book in French but then burns it (after reading). At the theatre he is so enraptured by some music that it reminds him of how he felt when he first fell in love with Elizabeth. Meanwhile, he's been preparing his defence of the Navy Board to Parliament and can't sleep the night before his speech. Elizabeth comforts him in the early hours and in the morning he has a dram of brandy for courage. The speech is a triumph.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam buys a pornographic book in French, but then burns it (after reading). Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 02 | 20140805 | Elizabeth engages a new maid but Sam is dismayed to find she is ugly with small pox scars upon her face and very large hands. Elizabeth's fury at his deceit of her has abated and the household is more peaceful now, though Sam is still unable to venture abroad without Will, their servant, as his 'guard'. Then one day in April, while working at Whitehall, he spots Debs Willet, his former maid and lover. Unable to contain his feelings, he manoeuvres Will out of the way and chases after her, finding her in the chapel below-stairs. When he goes home after this brief encounter, he hardly dares to speak to Elizabeth for fear of giving himself away. Adapted by Hattie Naylor
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam spots Debs, his former maid and lover, and is unable to resist following her. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 03 | 20110817 | In episode 3 of Hattie Naylor's adaptation, Pepys returns safely across the Channel with the King. Given the task of escorting the King's spaniel ashore, he finds it hilarious when the dog misbehaves. The King invites the sick to court, and they come in their thousands to be touched by him and 'cured'. For his part in restoring the King, Edward Montagu is knighted and made Lord Sandwich, and there's a promotion for Samuel. He 's given the job of Clerk of the Acts for the Navy Board. Samuel and Elizabeth will have their own boatman and a new house in Seething Lane. But Pepys has a rival for the job - a Mr Barlow is laying claim to the post - and it's a race against time, and bureaucracy, for Pepys to get his contract signed and sealed! CAST Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways Charles II - Ewan Bailey Edward Montagu - Blake Ritson Mr Beale - Lee Mengo Robert Holmes - Andrew Wincott Mr Payne, the boatman - Matthew Gravelle Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viola by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Historical consultant: Liza Picard Sound by Nigel Lewis A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll. Pepys is given the job of escorting the King's naughty spaniel ashore. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 03 | 20130807 | 1667. Samuel has a nightmare about his sick mother, and out of respect cancels his stone party, held every year to celebrate surviving an operation to remove a bladder stone. At work he finds the Navy office in a dismal state, with oarsmen and carpenters dying of hunger for lack of pay. He visits Jervas, the barber, to try on a new wig but doesn't buy it when he finds it's full of nits. Adapted by Hattie Naylor.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Samuel discovers a problem with his new wig, while the Navy Office is in a dismal state. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 03 | 20131211 | Sam and Mrs Knipp visit the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. Later, in the dark, in the ruins of St Dunstan, they escape a pair of robbers. Sam and Elizabeth set off for a tour of the West Country, including the hot springs at Bath but Sam doesn't think the water can be very clean, with so many bodies in it. His eyes are starting to hurt now and he begins to fear that he's losing his sight. Adapted by Hattie Naylor.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam and Elizabeth visit the hot springs at Bath. Sam thinks the water isn't clean. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 03 | 20140806 | Sam and Elizabeth go out in their newly varnished coach for the May Day Parade where their liveries of serge, horses' manes tied with red ribbon, and green reins attract admiring glances. Meanwhile, Sam's eyes continue to cause him pain when writing in candlelight. He tries out a new vizard with a tube fastened to it in the hope that it will ease the discomfort but to no avail. He petitions the King to allow him two or three months off from work so that he can go abroad to rest. Elizabeth surprises Sam by telling him that she intends to keep a journal of their travels. Sam has secretly been keeping a diary for nearly ten years now but at the end of May, he has to come to a very difficult decision about whether to continue.
Adapted by Hattie Naylor
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam asks the King for time off work so that he can go abroad and rest his eyes. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 04 | 20110818 | In the fourth episode of Hattie Naylor's adaptation, Samuel and Elizabeth have moved into their new house in Seething Lane. The house needs some work doing so they've got the builders in. They make an enormous mess and keep sneaking off early. Sam can't stand mess; it's one of his pet hates. Now that Sam has been promoted to Clerk of the Acts for the Navy Board, he's inundated with 'gifts' from people hoping to soften him up for a favour - a jar of olives from one and some turtle doves from another. He's not surprised to find himself being offered bribes - that's what happens when you get into a position of power. There's a fashionable new drink - and Pepys goes to try it - but he isn't at all impressed and doesn't think that 'tea' will catch on. A man who supported the execution of Charles I is hanged, drawn and quartered. Sam goes to watch but finds it a very disturbing sight. CAST Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways Lord Sandwich - Blake Ritson Mr Payne /Thomas Harrison..... Matthew Gravelle Plasterer . . . . . . . . . . . Dick Bradnum Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viola by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Historical consultant: Liza Picard Sound by Nigel Lewis A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll. Pepys has the builders in but they make lots of noise and mess and leave early. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 04 | 20130808 | 1667. The Dutch have entered the Thames. Sam sends his wife and his father to the country with his gold and tells them to bury it at night - then is furious when he finds they've done it in daylight. Mrs Lane sends a letter telling Sam she's pregnant. Elizabeth complains that Sam is always out and she never sees him - he tweaks her nose during a heated argument. Peace is made with the Dutch.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
The Dutch have entered the Thames, so Sam sends his wife to hide the family gold. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 04 | 20131212 | Sam writes a letter to the Duke of York laying out his suggestions for reform of the Navy Board; the Duke is delighted and signs the letter as his own. Elizabeth is upset to hear that Sam has been gadding about while she's been away but that's nothing compared to what happens when she walks in on him in the act of fondling Debs, the maid. Adapted by Hattie Naylor.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam has been gadding about, then Elizabeth finds him fondling the maid. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 04 | 20140807 | Elizabeth starts practising writing her travel journal but Sam disapproves of her writing things down before they happen. Sam's attempt to become a candidate for Parliament is thwarted by rumours that his biggest supporter, the Duke of York, is to convert to Catholicism. Elizabeth spies Debs Willet through the window of the glove shop and feels faint. But all is forgotten as they set off happily on their journey together to Holland and France.
Adapted by Hattie Naylor
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Elizabeth starts writing her travel journal, but Sam disapproves of her method. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 05 | 20110819 | In the fifth episode of Hattie Naylor's adaptation, Sam and Elizabeth have still got the builders in and the mess in the house is driving Sam to distraction. As if that wasn't enough, his neighbour's cess pit overflows into the cellar of Sam's house. There's no quick solution. It takes five days before the night soil men come to clear it out. Sam comes home drunk and beats the maid, Jane, with a broom. Then the weather whips up into a gale and The Assurance sinks at Woolwich. Sam goes out on the river to see the wreckage. The year ends happily with Sam and Elizabeth getting on well, the workmen gone and the house tidy, the King restored to the throne. And so to bed! CAST Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways Mr Blackburne - Ewan Bailey Jane, the maid - Rebecca Newman Mr Payne, boatman - Matthew Gravelle Mrs Hunt - Manon Edwards Frenchman - Ewan Bailey Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viola by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Historical consultant: Liza Picard Sound by Nigel Lewis A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll. When Mr Turner's cesspit overflows into Sam's house, Sam is not a happy man. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 05 | 20130809 | 1667. Now that peace has been declared with the Dutch, Sam goes to the country, with his wife and father, and Will to dig up his gold at the dead of night. Unfortunately, they can't quite remember where they put it. There's a threat of an enquiry into the recent skirmish with the Dutch and Sam fears that the blame will land at his door. The year ends with mince pies and harmony in the Pepys household.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam and the family go to recover the gold, but can't remember where it was put. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 05 | 20131213 | Elizabeth is furious with Sam over his affair with the maid and refuses to wash. She's still not sure what she saw but gets Debs to confess. Elizabeth wants Debs to be thrown out and a reluctant Sam agrees. Adapted by Hattie Naylor.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Elizabeth is furious with Sam over his affair with the maid and refuses to wash. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |
| 05 | 20140808 | After Sam has explored the shipyards of Holland, he and Elizabeth travel to Paris where Elizabeth enjoys buying fashionable gloves and hats. The difficult past year is forgotten and they are happy in each other's company. They go to the Palais Royal to see a play but soon afterwards Elizabeth begins to feel unwell. They return home where her sickness gets worse. Doctor Hollier is called but no remedy seems to help. Sam remembers the promise he made her, and calls a Priest. The concluding episode of this long-running series, adapted from the diaries by Hattie Naylor.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Sam and Elizabeth are enjoying the sights of Paris, when Elizabeth is suddenly taken ill. Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations |