Riceyman Steps

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

It is a year since the end of the First World War, and Londoners are struggling to return to normal life.

But on Riceyman Steps a secondhand bookseller is already contemplating a significant change to his circumstances.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

On Riceyman Steps, a secondhand bookseller contemplates a change to his circumstances.

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Henry Earlforward learns that his new neighbour, the widowed Mrs Arb, shares his passion for thrift.

They also share the services of the good-natured charwoman, Elsie.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

Henry Earlforward learns that his new neighbour shares his passion for thrift.

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Elsie's sweetheart Joe has returned from the war, shell-shocked and volatile.

Thwarted by her new employer's insistence that Elsie work on into the evening, Joe is unable to control the strength of his feelings and a violent outburst ensues.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

Elsie's sweetheart Joe, newly returned from the war, is unable to control his feelings.

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Romance, of a sort, is in the air in Clerkenwell, but Henry Earlforward believes practicalities must take precedence.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

Romance is in the air, but Henry Earlforward believes practicalities must take precedence.

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Mr Earlforward's drive for economy is revealed as a corrosive desire, in stark contrast with the spontaneous greed for life embodied by the hard-working but ever-hungry Elsie.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

Mr Earlforward's drive for economy is revealed as a corrosive desire.

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

The corrosive desire for thrift begins to dominate married life at Mr Earlforward's bookshop.

Henry's refusal to eat properly is beginning to affect his health, but Violet has plans to tempt him.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

The corrosive desire for thrift begins to dominate married life at Earlforward's bookshop.

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Both Elsie and Violet are increasingly anxious about Henry's weakened state and his refusal to acknowledge that he is ill.

Elsie's loyalty prompts her to take matters into her own hands and have a quiet word with the doctor.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

Both Elsie and Violet are increasingly anxious about Henry's weakened state.

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Henry has issued a stern warning to Elsie that she has been stealing food from a dying man, but his bluff is called when he takes a turn for the worse and the doctor is summoned.

Dr Raste declares that he will call for Henry the following morning to take him to the hospital.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

Henry's bluff is called when he takes a turn for the worse and the doctor is summoned.

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

After a year's absence, Elsie's sweetheart Joe has returned - but he is desperately ill and now she has two patients to cope with

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

Elsie's sweetheart Joe has returned, but he is desperately ill.

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Henry Earlforward has learnt that his wife Violet died shortly after being operated on; the doctors' verdict was that her undernourished state contributed to her death.

The shock galvanises him into a final nocturnal visit to his office, where he discovers that Elsie had violated the sanctity of his safe.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.

The shock of his wife's death galvanises Henry into a final nocturnal visit to his office.

By: Arnold Bennett

Starring: Beryl Reid/Cyril Luckham