Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20160709 | 20180120 (R4) | Daniel Defoe, once more in need of ready money, finds inspiration for a new book when he meets Elizabeth Atkins in Newgate gaol. She tells him her stranger-than-fiction story; of how she was born in prison to a petty thief and of how she loved and bargained her way from rags to riches, from prostitution in the streets of London to prosperity on a Virginia plantation, and then lost it all again. Defoe interprets it all in his characteristic manner, blending fact with fiction, and re-inventing his interlocutor as the lusty and resourceful Moll Flanders. Dramatised in two parts by Nick Perry who plays fast and loose with this 18th century classic, melding fiction and reality in a manner inspired by Daniel Defoe. ~Moll Flanders ...... Jessica Hynes Daniel Defoe ...... Ben Miles Mr Mist ...... Brian Protheroe Lady Cholmondley ...... Elizabeth Bennett Jemmy ...... Blake Ritson Nurse ...... Claire Perkins Young Moll ...... Alex Jarett Rob ...... Nick Underwood Lucy ...... Kirsty Oswald John ...... Tom Forrister Robin ...... Sam Rix Gaoler ...... Sean Baker Harpsichord played by Peter Ringrose. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2016. Jessica Hynes plays the woman who inspired Daniel Defoe's eponymous heroine. Nick Perry's free adaptation of the 18th-century classic. Starring Jessica Hynes |
| 02 | 20160716 | 20180127 (R4) | After meeting Elizabeth Atkins in Newgate gaol, Daniel Defoe has begun to turn her stranger-than-fiction life story into the narrative of Moll Flanders. He's convinced it will make a best seller and so placate his many creditors. But he has only managed to pen half a manuscript when Elizabeth is arrested and sent back to Newgate, charged with numerous capital offences. Defoe tracks her down so that she can conclude her story, but can she be saved from a certain fate at the Old Bailey? Will Defoe find a happy ending for his Moll Flanders in this concluding episode.? Dramatist Nick Perry plays fast and loose with this 18th century classic, melding fiction and reality in a manner inspired by Daniel Defoe. ~Moll Flanders ...... Jessica Hynes Daniel Defoe ...... Ben Miles Mother Midnight ...... Alison Steadman Jemmy ...... Blake Ritson Gaoler ...... Sean Baker Rob ...... Nick Underwood Mother ...... Elizabeth Bennett Merchant ...... Jason Barnett Landlady ...... Claire Perkins Child ...... Alex Jarett Mr Mist ...... Brian Protheroe Lucy ...... Kirsty Oswald Mercer ...... James Lailey Court Clerk ...... Tom Forrister Apprentice ...... Sam Rix First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2016. Jessica Hynes plays the woman who inspired Daniel Defoe's eponymous heroine. Nick Perry's free adaptation of the 18th-century classic. Starring Jessica Hynes |