A Tale Of Two Cities

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Recalled To Life

20111226

20130514

By Charles Dickens

Dramatised by Mike Walker

Episode 1/5: Recalled to Life

Robert Lindsay leads a cast which includes Alison Steadman, Jonathan Coy, Andrew Scott, Paul Ready and Karl Johnson in a new dramatisation of Charles Dickens's classic 'A Tale of Two Cities'. With original music by Lennert Busch.

From the echo of the first line 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' to the final 'It is a far far better thing that I do than I have ever done', Dickens's novel of the French revolution tells a story of the redemptive powers of love in the face of cruelty, violence and neglect.

The first radio dramatisation of the book for over twenty years is to be broadcast as part of the BBC's celebration of the bi-centenary of Charles Dickens's birth.

Written and published in weekly instalments in 1859, A Tale of Two Cities is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. It shows the plight of the French people under the brutal oppression of the aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, and the corresponding savage brutality of the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the years immediately following. The story follows several characters through these events, notably Charles Darnay, a French former aristocrat who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution, and Sydney Carton, a dissipated English barrister who tries to redeem his ill-spent life out of love for Darnay's wife, Lucie Manette.

Although the events covered in A Tale of Two Cities cover eight years, the plot develops and builds powerfully from the moment that the story opens, with the coded rumours of Dr Manette being 'restored to life' and Dickens orchestrates the wider political picture behind the story of Lucie, Darnay and Carton, with his customary brilliance.

Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay

Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy

Miss Pross...Alison Steadman

Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson

Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson

Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott

Ernest Defarge...James Lailey

Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles

Gaspard...Simon Bubb

Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp

Joe...Rikki Lawton

With Adam Billington and Christopher Webster

Music by Lennert Busch

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer

This is the sixth Dickens novel that Mike Walker has dramatised for Radio 4. His dramatisation of Our Mutual Friend, also directed by Jeremy Mortimer and Jessica Dromgoole, was broadcast in the Woman's Hour drama slot in 2009.

Lennert Busch recently graduated from the National Film and Television School in the United Kingdom. Recent work includes commissions for BBC2, BBC Radio 4, Al Jazeera and Channel 4. In 2010 Lennert composed the score for The Origin of Creatures by Floris Kaayk which was selected as the Dutch entry for the Academy Awards of 2011 and won several awards.

An encounter on the Dover Road, and a message.

Robert Lindsay leads a cast which includes Alison Steadman, Jonathan Coy, Andrew Scott, Paul Ready and Karl Johnson in a new dramatisation of Charles Dickens's classic, with original music by Lennert Busch.

A Tale of Two Cities won the Bronze Sony Award for Best Drama last year.

The Year 1775

A man recalled to life is the first link in a chain binding London and Paris during the French Revolution. Episode 1 of 7.

Five Years Later

Charles Darnay stands on trial at the Old Bailey, accused of treason. Jerry Cruncher does not believe Charles can be saved. Episode 2 of 7.

Charles Darnay stands on trial at the Old Bailey, accused of treason. Jerry Cruncher does not believe Charles can be saved.

The Old Order

20111227

20130521

Dramatised by Mike Walker

Episode 2/5: The Old Order

Lucie Manette is a witness at Charles Darnay's trial for treason at the Old Bailey, where his defence team includes the dissolute Sydney Carton. Meanwhile, an incident in a Paris street stirs revolutionary fervour.

Cast

Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay

Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy

Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson

Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson

Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott

Sydney Carton...Paul Ready

Ernest Defarge...James Lailey

Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles

Marquis St Evremonde...Clive Merrison

Stryver...Simon Bubb

Barsad...Gerard McDermott

Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp

Mrs Cruncher...Adjoa Andoh

Natty Cruncher...Daniel Cooper

Gabelle...Adam Billington

Attorney General...Paul Moriarty

With Christopher Webster

Music by Lennert Busch

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer.

Lucie Manette is a witness at Charles Darnay's trial for treason at the Old Bailey.

Promises

20051019 (BBC7)
20051020 (BBC7)
20070328 (BBC7)
20070329 (BBC7)
20091104 (BBC7)
20091105 (BBC7)

Monsieur Le Marquis infuriates residents in Paris.

Lucie hears echoes of dark footsteps.

Monsieur Le Marquis infuriates residents in Paris, and in London Lucie hears echoes of dark footsteps.

Stars Charles Dance.

An accident involving Monsieur Le Marquis inflames the growing anger of the residents of Paris.

An accident involving Monsieur Le Marquis inflames the growing anger of the residents of Paris. Episode 3 of 7.

Two Promises

20111228

20130528

By Charles Dickens

Dramatised by Mike Walker

Episode 3/5 - Two Promises

In a Paris wine shop information is exchanged about the courtship of Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay, and indeed, in London, it appears that a wedding is indeed in the air.

Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay

Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy

Miss Pross...Alison Steadman

Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson

Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson

Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott

Sydney Carton. Paul Ready

Ernest Defarge...James Lailey

Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles

Barsad...Gerard McDermott

Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp

Natty Cruncher...Daniel Cooper

Prison Warder...Simon Bubb

With Adam Billington and Christopher Webster

Music by Lennert Busch

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer.

In a Paris wine shop, information is exchanged about a courtship.

Beginnings

20051020 (BBC7)
20051021 (BBC7)
20070329 (BBC7)
20070330 (BBC7)
20091105 (BBC7)
20091106 (BBC7)

Mr Carton confesses his feelings, but across the Channel an air of vengeance is simmering.

Mr Carton confesses his feelings, but across the Channel an air of vengeance and retribution is simmering.

Stars Charles Dance.

Revolution brews in France, and while Madame Defarge continues her knitting, Carton confesses his inner feelings.

Carton's associate, the self important Mr Striver, intends to marry Lucy and cannot see why she won't accept him.

Carton's associate, the self important Mr Striver, intends to marry Lucy and cannot see why she won't accept him. Episode 4 of 7.

The Grindstone

20111229

20130604

Much against the wishes of his new wife, Charles Darnay is determined to travel to Paris to go to the aid of a family retainer who has been imprisoned by the revolutionary committee.

Cast

Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay

Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy

Miss Pross...Alison Steadman

Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson

Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson

Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott

Sydney Carton... Paul Ready

Ernest Defarge...James Lailey

Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles

Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp

Court President... Paul Moriarty

With Adam Billington, Rikki Lawton, Christopher Webster

Music by Lennert Busch

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer.

Charles Darnay is determined to travel to Paris to go to the aid of the family retainer.

Episode 4/5 - The Grindstone

The Storm Gathers

20091106 (BBC7)
20091107 (BBC7)

Lucie's actions cause ructions, and France reverberates to the sound of marching mobs.

Stars Charles Dance and Maurice Denham.

As the Bastille falls, the echoing footsteps of the mob are heard as far away as London. Episode 5 of 7.

As the Bastille falls, the echoing footsteps of the mob are heard as far away as London.

05 LAST

The Substance And The Shadow

20111230

20130611

By Charles Dickens

Dramatised by Mike Walker

Episode 5/5 - The Substance and the Shadow

Sydney Carton is in Paris with Lucie and her father, determined to try and save Charles Darnay's life. An encounter in a Paris street with someone from the import-export trade may just provide the ghost of a chance.

Cast

Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay

Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy

Miss Pross...Alison Steadman

Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson

Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson

Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott

Sydney Carton... Paul Ready

Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles

Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp

Barsad... Gerard McDermott

Court President... Paul Moriarty

Young Manette... Christopher Webster

Young Evremonde... Adam Billington

With Rikki Lawton and Alex Rivers

Music by Lennert Busch

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer.

Charles Darnay has been released. But his freedom is shortlived.

The Track Of A Storm

20051024 (BBC7)
20051025 (BBC7)
20070402 (BBC7)
20070403 (BBC7)
20091109 (BBC7)
20091110 (BBC7)

With Darnay facing great danger in Paris, Lucie leads a rescue.

Stars Charles Dance.

Stars Charles Dance and Charlotte Attenborough.

Darnay is in Paris and in great danger.

Lucie and the others set out to rescue him.

Can the Defarges be trusted?

Darnay is in Paris and in great danger. Lucie and the others set out to rescue him. Can the Defarges be trusted? Episode 6 of 7.

Darney is in Paris and in great danger.

07 LAST

The Knitting Done

20051025 (BBC7)
20051026 (BBC7)
20070403 (BBC7)
20070404 (BBC7)
20091110 (BBC7)
20091111 (BBC7)

With Darnay re-arrested and back in prison, Carton makes plans for his release.

Stars Charles Dance and John Duttine.

Darnay has been re-arrested and is now back in prison.

Mr Carton plans to help, but he must make a huge sacrifice.

Mr Carton plans to help, but must make a huge sacrifice.

Darnay has been re-arrested and is now back in prison. Mr Carton plans to help, but must make a huge sacrifice. Episode 7 of 7.

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	Recalled To Life	20111226	20130514	By Charles Dickens Dramatised by Mike Walker Episode 1/5: Recalled to Life Robert Lindsay leads a cast which includes Alison Steadman, Jonathan Coy, Andrew Scott, Paul Ready and Karl Johnson in a new dramatisation of Charles Dickens's classic 'A Tale of Two Cities'. With original music by Lennert Busch. From the echo of the first line 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' to the final 'It is a far far better thing that I do than I have ever done', Dickens's novel of the French revolution tells a story of the redemptive powers of love in the face of cruelty, violence and neglect. The first radio dramatisation of the book for over twenty years is to be broadcast as part of the BBC's celebration of the bi-centenary of Charles Dickens's birth. Written and published in weekly instalments in 1859, A Tale of Two Cities is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. It shows the plight of the French people under the brutal oppression of the aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, and the corresponding savage brutality of the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the years immediately following. The story follows several characters through these events, notably Charles Darnay, a French former aristocrat who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution, and Sydney Carton, a dissipated English barrister who tries to redeem his ill-spent life out of love for Darnay's wife, Lucie Manette. Although the events covered in A Tale of Two Cities cover eight years, the plot develops and builds powerfully from the moment that the story opens, with the coded rumours of Dr Manette being 'restored to life' and Dickens orchestrates the wider political picture behind the story of Lucie, Darnay and Carton, with his customary brilliance. Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy Miss Pross...Alison Steadman Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott Ernest Defarge...James Lailey Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles Gaspard...Simon Bubb Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp Joe...Rikki Lawton With Adam Billington and Christopher Webster Music by Lennert Busch Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer This is the sixth Dickens novel that Mike Walker has dramatised for Radio 4. His dramatisation of Our Mutual Friend, also directed by Jeremy Mortimer and Jessica Dromgoole, was broadcast in the Woman's Hour drama slot in 2009. Lennert Busch recently graduated from the National Film and Television School in the United Kingdom. Recent work includes commissions for BBC2, BBC Radio 4, Al Jazeera and Channel 4. In 2010 Lennert composed the score for The Origin of Creatures by Floris Kaayk which was selected as the Dutch entry for the Academy Awards of 2011 and won several awards. An encounter on the Dover Road, and a message. Robert Lindsay leads a cast which includes Alison Steadman, Jonathan Coy, Andrew Scott, Paul Ready and Karl Johnson in a new dramatisation of Charles Dickens's classic, with original music by Lennert Busch. A Tale of Two Cities won the Bronze Sony Award for Best Drama last year.
01	The Year 1775			A man recalled to life is the first link in a chain binding London and Paris during the French Revolution. Episode 1 of 7.
02	Five Years Later			Charles Darnay stands on trial at the Old Bailey, accused of treason. Jerry Cruncher does not believe Charles can be saved. Episode 2 of 7. Charles Darnay stands on trial at the Old Bailey, accused of treason. Jerry Cruncher does not believe Charles can be saved.
02	The Old Order	20111227	20130521	Dramatised by Mike Walker Episode 2/5: The Old Order Lucie Manette is a witness at Charles Darnay's trial for treason at the Old Bailey, where his defence team includes the dissolute Sydney Carton. Meanwhile, an incident in a Paris street stirs revolutionary fervour. Cast Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott Sydney Carton...Paul Ready Ernest Defarge...James Lailey Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles Marquis St Evremonde...Clive Merrison Stryver...Simon Bubb Barsad...Gerard McDermott Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp Mrs Cruncher...Adjoa Andoh Natty Cruncher...Daniel Cooper Gabelle...Adam Billington Attorney General...Paul Moriarty With Christopher Webster Music by Lennert Busch Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer. Lucie Manette is a witness at Charles Darnay's trial for treason at the Old Bailey.
03	Promises		20051019 (BBC7) 20051020 (BBC7) 20070328 (BBC7) 20070329 (BBC7) 20091104 (BBC7) 20091105 (BBC7)	Monsieur Le Marquis infuriates residents in Paris. Lucie hears echoes of dark footsteps. Monsieur Le Marquis infuriates residents in Paris, and in London Lucie hears echoes of dark footsteps. Stars Charles Dance. An accident involving Monsieur Le Marquis inflames the growing anger of the residents of Paris. An accident involving Monsieur Le Marquis inflames the growing anger of the residents of Paris. Episode 3 of 7.
03	Two Promises	20111228	20130528	By Charles Dickens Dramatised by Mike Walker Episode 3/5 - Two Promises In a Paris wine shop information is exchanged about the courtship of Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay, and indeed, in London, it appears that a wedding is indeed in the air. Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy Miss Pross...Alison Steadman Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott Sydney Carton. Paul Ready Ernest Defarge...James Lailey Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles Barsad...Gerard McDermott Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp Natty Cruncher...Daniel Cooper Prison Warder...Simon Bubb With Adam Billington and Christopher Webster Music by Lennert Busch Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer. In a Paris wine shop, information is exchanged about a courtship.
04	Beginnings		20051020 (BBC7) 20051021 (BBC7) 20070329 (BBC7) 20070330 (BBC7) 20091105 (BBC7) 20091106 (BBC7)	Mr Carton confesses his feelings, but across the Channel an air of vengeance is simmering. Mr Carton confesses his feelings, but across the Channel an air of vengeance and retribution is simmering. Stars Charles Dance. Revolution brews in France, and while Madame Defarge continues her knitting, Carton confesses his inner feelings. Carton's associate, the self important Mr Striver, intends to marry Lucy and cannot see why she won't accept him. Carton's associate, the self important Mr Striver, intends to marry Lucy and cannot see why she won't accept him. Episode 4 of 7.
04	The Grindstone	20111229	20130604	Much against the wishes of his new wife, Charles Darnay is determined to travel to Paris to go to the aid of a family retainer who has been imprisoned by the revolutionary committee. Cast Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy Miss Pross...Alison Steadman Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott Sydney Carton... Paul Ready Ernest Defarge...James Lailey Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp Court President... Paul Moriarty With Adam Billington, Rikki Lawton, Christopher Webster Music by Lennert Busch Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer. Charles Darnay is determined to travel to Paris to go to the aid of the family retainer. Episode 4/5 - The Grindstone
05	The Storm Gathers		20091106 (BBC7) 20091107 (BBC7)	Lucie's actions cause ructions, and France reverberates to the sound of marching mobs. Stars Charles Dance and Maurice Denham. As the Bastille falls, the echoing footsteps of the mob are heard as far away as London. Episode 5 of 7. As the Bastille falls, the echoing footsteps of the mob are heard as far away as London.
05 LAST	The Substance And The Shadow	20111230	20130611	By Charles Dickens Dramatised by Mike Walker Episode 5/5 - The Substance and the Shadow Sydney Carton is in Paris with Lucie and her father, determined to try and save Charles Darnay's life. An encounter in a Paris street with someone from the import-export trade may just provide the ghost of a chance. Cast Charles Dickens...Robert Lindsay Jarvis Lorry...Jonathan Coy Miss Pross...Alison Steadman Dr Alexandre Manette...Karl Johnson Lucie Manette...Lydia Wilson Charles Darnay...Andrew Scott Sydney Carton... Paul Ready Therese Defarge...Tracy Wiles Jerry Cruncher...Carl Prekopp Barsad... Gerard McDermott Court President... Paul Moriarty Young Manette... Christopher Webster Young Evremonde... Adam Billington With Rikki Lawton and Alex Rivers Music by Lennert Busch Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer. Charles Darnay has been released. But his freedom is shortlived.
06	The Track Of A Storm		20051024 (BBC7) 20051025 (BBC7) 20070402 (BBC7) 20070403 (BBC7) 20091109 (BBC7) 20091110 (BBC7)	With Darnay facing great danger in Paris, Lucie leads a rescue. Stars Charles Dance. Stars Charles Dance and Charlotte Attenborough. Darnay is in Paris and in great danger. Lucie and the others set out to rescue him. Can the Defarges be trusted? Darnay is in Paris and in great danger. Lucie and the others set out to rescue him. Can the Defarges be trusted? Episode 6 of 7. Darney is in Paris and in great danger.
07 LAST	The Knitting Done		20051025 (BBC7) 20051026 (BBC7) 20070403 (BBC7) 20070404 (BBC7) 20091110 (BBC7) 20091111 (BBC7)	With Darnay re-arrested and back in prison, Carton makes plans for his release. Stars Charles Dance and John Duttine. Darnay has been re-arrested and is now back in prison. Mr Carton plans to help, but he must make a huge sacrifice. Mr Carton plans to help, but must make a huge sacrifice. Darnay has been re-arrested and is now back in prison. Mr Carton plans to help, but must make a huge sacrifice. Episode 7 of 7.