Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20130218 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard, dramatised by Sarah Daniels Produced and Directed by Sally Avens and Marion Nancarrow. As the Cazalet family gather for their annual summer holiday the onset of war is about to change everything. In the hot summer of 1938, Home Place in the beautiful Sussex countryside is frantically being opened up and prepared for another Cazalet family holiday, as siblings Hugh, Edward, Rupert and Rachel - and their respective families - are reunited. Rupert is trying not to think about whether he married the beautiful but rather petulant Zoe too soon after his first wife's death; Hugh and his wife Sybil each try to put the other first, not necessarily to their mutual advantage; Edward is mulling on how he might be able to get away from his wife, Villy, to spend time with his mistress and Rachel is trying to find a private place to read her letter in secret. But the wider world is about to intrude on their lives forever and each is increasingly to wonder what their future may hold - for themselves and their children. 'The Light Years' is the first of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. As Elizabeth Jane Howard approaches her 90th Birthday, Radio 4 is dramatising all four novels in 45 episodes, to be broadcast between New Year's Eve and July 2013. When Elizabeth Jane Howard began writing the first of her four novels featuring the Cazalet family, her aims were simple: . "I wanted to write about my youth, and the ten years that straddled the Second World War. I also wanted to write about what domestic life was like for people at home. A lot has been written about the battles and the war in a more direct sense, but little had been said about the way the whole of England changed. When the war ended, everybody was in a different position from where they were when it started." Two decades later, Howard's quartet of books -- The Light Years, Marking Time, Confusion and Casting Off - charting the family's fortunes between 1937 and 1947 have sold over a million copies. Martin Amis said of Elizabeth Jane Howard, "She is, with Iris Murdoch, the most interesting woman writer of her generation. An instinctivist, like Muriel Spark, she has a freakish and poetic eye, and a penetrating sanity." The cast includes: Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Pip Torrens (Silk, Green Wing), The dramatists are Sarah Daniels and Lin Coghlan. Sarah is a highly respected theatre, television and radio writer; her play 'Masterpieces' was voted one of the most important of the 20th Century by the National Theatre. Lin Coghlan has written for stage, screen and radio; her recent dramatisations for Radio 4 include 'Ethan Frome' and 'Les Miserables'. "Marking Time" follows in February. War breaks out, and everything changes for the Cazalet family. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 02 | 20130219 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard, dramatised by Lin Coghlan With the outbreak of war, all the old certainties seem to be disappearing; Diana finds her position as Edward's mistress leaves her feeling particularly threatened. Produced and directed by Sally Avens and Marion Nancarrow "Marking Time" is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. Will the outbreak of war put an unbearable strain on Edward and Diana's affair? Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 03 | 20130220 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard, dramatised by Lin Coghlan Louise is delighted to meet the sophisticated Stella Rose and can't wait for their trip to the theatre. Until she sees her father there, with someone she doesn't know. Produced and directed by Sally Avens and Marion Nancarrow Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. Louise finds a new friend in Stella Rose, but a theatre trip brings an unwelcome encounter Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 04 | 20130221 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard, dramatised by Lin Coghlan Clary begins to write about things she notices people don't talk about - including sex and going to the lavatory - to take her mind off Rupert's imminent departure, little knowing that a new arrival at Home Place is to help things enormously. Produced and directed by Sally Avens & Marion Nancarrow Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. As Elizabeth Jane Howard enters her 90th Birthday year, Radio 4 are broadcasting dramatisations of all four novels between January and August 2013. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. As Rupert leaves for the navy, an old friend provides consolation for Clary and Polly. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 05 | 20130222 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard, dramatised by Lin Coghlan Louise is home from drama school and insufferable, Polly is struggling with her parents being at loggerheads and Clary is about to receive the phone call she never wanted to hear. Produced and directed by Sally Avens and Marion Nancarrow Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. Louise is home from drama school and insufferable. Polly is struggling with her parents. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 06 | 20130225 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard Dramatised by Lin Coghlan A German plane crashes near Home Place Produced and Directed by Sally Avens and Marion Nancarrow Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. The realities of war are brought home to Polly and Christopher when a plane crashes nearby Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 07 | 20130226 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard. Dramatised by Lin Coghlan The Germans continue with their bombing raids but Sybil must contend with an enemy even nearer to home. Directed by Rosalynd Ward Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. The Germans continue their raids but Sybil must contend with an enemy nearer to home. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 08 | 20130227 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard dramatised by Lin Coghlan Zoe's attitude to her looks changes after meeting a young airman who is horrifically injured. Directed by Rosalynd Ward Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. Zoe meets a horribly scarred young airman, while Neville's behaviour continues to decline. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 09 | 20130228 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard dramatised by Lin Coghlan Miss Milliment moves permanently to Home Place to teach the girls but worries what will become of her when they are grown. Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. Miss Milliment moves to Home Place but worries about what the future will hold. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 10 | 20130301 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard Dramatised by Lin Coghlan London undergoes a huge air raid whilst Sid's resentment of Rachel's family makes for a difficult visit. Produced and Directed by Sally Avens and Marion Nancarrow Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. The Blitz begins with consequences for the family, while Rachel's visit starts an argument Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 11 | 20130304 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard Dramatised by Lin Coghlan 1940: Louise goes to her first dance in London and meets the famous painter, Michael Hadleigh. Produced and Directed by Sally Avens and Marion Nancarrow. Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. When Elizabeth Jane Howard began writing the first of her four novels featuring the Cazalet family, her aims were modest. "I wanted to write about my youth, and the ten years that straddled the Second World War. I also wanted to write about what domestic life was like for people at home. A lot has been written about the battles and the war in a more direct sense, but little had been said about the way the whole of England changed. When the war ended, everybody was in a different position from where they were when it started." You can catch up with Series 1 The Cazalets: The Light Years on the iplayer. Louise goes to her first dance in London and meets the famous painter Michael Hadleigh. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 12 | 20130305 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard, dramatised by Lin Coghlan Louise is insufferable since going to acting school and Christopher tries to find sanctuary in Home Place. Produced and directed by Sally Avens & Marion Nancarrow Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. As Elizabeth Jane Howard enters her 90th Birthday year, Radio 4 are broadcasting dramatisations of all four novels between January and August 2013. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. Clary and Polly decide they'll never be like the adults they know when they grow up. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 13 | 20130306 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard, dramatised by Lin Coghlan Villy is indignant that Louise has gone to stay with Michael without telling them, but Edward is delighted when it means she will stay in their London house on the way back. Produced and directed by Sally Avens & Marion Nancarrow Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. As Elizabeth Jane Howard enters her 90th Birthday year, Radio 4 are broadcasting dramatisations of all four novels between January and August 2013. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. Villy is indignant that Louise has gone to stay with Michael without telling them. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 14 | 20130307 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard, dramatised by Lin Coghlan Hugh wants to spend some time in Hastings with Polly, but it doesn't turn out the way he had planned. Nor does the news Diana has for Edward. Produced and directed by Sally Avens & Marion Nancarrow Marking Time is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. As Elizabeth Jane Howard enters her 90th Birthday year, Radio 4 are broadcasting dramatisations of all four novels between January and August 2013. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. Hugh wants to spend a day looking after Polly, but she ends up having to look after him. Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |
| 15 | 20130308 | by Elizabeth Jane Howard, dramatised by Lin Coghlan Polly is distressed that her parents aren't talking to one another about her mother's illness and confides in Miss Milliment.. Produced and directed by Sally Avens & Marion Nancarrow Marking Time' is the second of four compelling Cazalet novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which together give a vivid insight into the lives, hopes and loves of three generations. As Elizabeth Jane Howard enters her 90th Birthday year, Radio 4 are broadcasting dramatisations of all four novels between January and August 2013. In the second series, the families' worst fears are realised as war breaks out. Rupert immediately decides he must join up, Edward will see what military work he can get, whilst Hugh - still suffering from injuries from the first war - has to settle with running the family firm. But it is the children who become the centre of the story, as Louise realises that her parents' marriage is not as happy as she had imagined, Clary is faced with the prospect of losing her beloved father and Polly must deal with her fear of war and a battle much closer to home. If only the adults would realise that they are not really children - but they seem stuck in some awful place where they must simply mark time. You can hear 'Confusion' in April 2013. Sybil feels much better, so why does Miss Milliment find Polly crying in the schoolroom? Elizabeth Jane Howard's saga follows the lives and loves of the Cazalet family |