Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20210718 | Written by Shaun McKenna and based on Henry Fielding's novel. A funny and romantic tale about a sexy, handsome, honourable and self-deprecating young footman in love with his childhood sweetheart Fanny and his misadventures on the road in the company of his friend, an eccentric parson, Abraham Adams. They are an unlikely Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. An eighteenth century comic romp satirising the manners, morals and fashions of the day. But in this new version the narrative is influenced constantly - and inconstantly - by the relationship between Henry Fielding and his wife Charlotte, who pull the story around between them and give the tale an up-to-date twist. Episode One Harry.....Max Bennett Charlotte.....Lyndsey Marshal Joseph.....Angus Imrie Parson Adams.....Michael Bertenshaw Lady Booby.....Jane Whittenshaw Mistress Sideaway/Slipslop.....Helen Longworth Fanny.....Lauren Cornelius Pounce/George.....Simon Ludders Pelham/Wilson/Driver.....Tony Turner Lady Tittle/Harriet.....Jane Slavin Lady Tattle/Amelia.....Elinor Coleman William/Russell/Stranger.....Stewart Campbell Marmaduke/Inn Keeper.....Joseph Ayre Henry Fielding is writing his new book, his first big prose work, Joseph Andrews. He is short of money. His wife, Charlotte, sits down to help him. Charlotte is a smart, witty woman who is by no means in awe of her famous husband and his literary ambitions. He has always relied on her opinion. She is the first to question whether anyone is interested in elusive references to Aeschylus - or indeed to the best-selling Pamela, a book she found profoundly irritating. Harry and Charlotte laugh, bicker and ultimately spur one another on. As they talk (and often disagree) about the twists and turns of the story, what begins as Henry's satire on contemporary fiction becomes a jointly conceived story about fully rounded, fully realized people trying to do their best in a complicated world. The main characters, despite their names, are three-dimensional with hopes, dreams, virtues and all-too-human failings which is hugely entertaining. The Writer Shaun McKenna's recent radio credits include Eleanor Rising, China Towns, The Forsytes and The Complete Smiley and Home Front. Technical Producer, Keith Graham Production Co-ordinator, Jenny Mendez Producer & Director, Tracey Neale A funny and romantic tale about a handsome man's misadventures given an up-to-date twist. |
| 02 | 20210725 | Written by Shaun McKenna and based on Henry Fielding's novel. Henry Fielding is in the middle of writing his new novel, his first big prose work, a comic romp satirising the manners and morals of the day. In Shaun McKenna's new version, Harry's wife is helping him write it. Smart, witty Charlotte and her famous husband talk (and often disagree) about the twists and turns in the concluding episode of the story and introduce some new comedic characters. Joseph's misadventures on the road continue but will they end happily? Episode Two Harry.....Max Bennett Charlotte.....Lyndsey Marshal Joseph.....Angus Imrie Fanny.....Lauren Cornelius Parson Adams.....Michael Bertenshaw Slipslop.....Helen Longworth Constable 1/Pedlar.....Ben Crowe Constable 2.....Stephen Critchlow Lady Booby.....Jane Whittenshaw Pounce/Justice Frolick/Gaffer.....Simon Ludders Pamela.....Elinor Coleman Booby.....Joseph Ayre Wilson/Squire.....Tony Turner Gammer.....Jane Slavin Stranger.....Stewart Campbell The Writer Shaun McKenna's recent radio credits include Eleanor Rising, China Towns, The Forsytes and The Complete Smiley and Home Front. Technical Producer, Keith Graham Production Co-ordinator, Jenny Mendez Producer & Director, Tracey Neale An 18th-century comic romp - Joseph's misadventures on the road with an up-to-date twist. |