Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 2011-2012 | 20180520 | 20200411 (R4) | Charles Dickens's iconic story of love, revolution and redemption, updated and set in contemporary Aleppo and London. Dickens' original novel is a powerful portrayal of personal sacrifice set against the turbulent backdrop of political change. As resonant today as it was then, the redemption of flawed humanity is at the heart of award-winning writer Ayeesha Menon's bold reworking. The story of a chance resemblance between a feckless lawyer and a troubled exile, both in love with the same woman, is updated to modern-day London and war-torn Syria. However, in this modern version, the driving forces are two women - British Syrian journalist Lina Mahmoud and her nemesis, Taghreed Daffar. It's a classic tale reimagined as a provocative and moving drama for today. In this opening episode - 2011/2012 - it's the Arab Spring and peaceful protests in Syria lead to a release of political prisoners. When Dr Mahmoud is freed after 30 years, he is sheltered by Taghreed and Emad Daffar, and brought to the UK by his old friend Jarvis Lorry and the daughter he has never met, foreign correspondent Lina. Back in London, Jarvis persuades his nephew Sid Carton, a flawed but brilliant advocate, to represent Syrian 退migr退 doctor Shwan Dahkurdi against terrorism charges. When Lina and Shwan meet, they are immediately attracted. But Dr Mahmoud's release has set in train a series of events that none of them can escape... Taghreed - Fatima Adoum Lina - Lara Sawalha Jarvis - Phil Davis Shwan Dahkurdi - Khalid Abdalla Sid - Shaun Parkes Dr Mahmoud - Nadim Sawalha Cameraman - Shiv Grewal Emad - Raad Rawi Yakub - George Georgiou Samia - Nathalie Armin Syrian Protestor - Ahmed Aziz Development concept written by Silas Parry. Producer: Gill Parry Director: Polly Thomas Producer for Goldhawk Productions: Emma Hearn Executive Producer: John Dryden A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018. Charles Dickens's iconic story of love and revolution set in modern-day Aleppo and London. Charles Dickens' iconic story of love and revolution set in modern-day Aleppo and London. |
| 02 | 2013-2014 | 20180527 | 20200418 (R4) | Charles Dickens's iconic story of love, revolution and redemption, updated and set in contemporary Aleppo and London. Boldly reworked as provocative and moving drama by Ayeesha Menon - updated to modern-day London and war-torn Syria. The driving forces are now two women - British Syrian journalist Lina Mahmoud and her nemesis, Taghreed Daffar. Events move on to 2013/2014. Lina is reporting from Aleppo when she is confronted by Taghreed, now in the Free Syrian Army, accusing her of not speaking the truth. Back in London, Lina and Shwan fall in love but, when his dark family secret is revealed, it propels Dr Mahmoud's descent into madness, driving the two lovers apart. Sid confesses his unrequited love for Lina, promising always to protect her and those she loves. Meanwhile Shwan desperately returns to Syria to rescue his old housekeeper, Samia, and is trapped by Taghreed's terrible plan for vengeance. Taghreed - Fatima Adoum Lina - Lara Sawalha Jarvis - Phil Davis Shwan - Khalid Abdalla Sid - Shaun Parkes Dr Mahmoud - Nadim Sawalha Jerry - Shiv Grewal Driver - Shiv Grewal Emad - Raad Rawi Yakub - George Georgiou General - George Georgiou Samia - Nathalie Armin Fadi - Ammar Haj Ahmad Local Doctor - Ammar Haj Ahmad Syrian Protestor - Ahmed Aziz Development concept written by Silas Parry. Producer: Gill Parry Director: Polly Thomas Producer for Goldhawk Productions: Emma Hearn Executive Producer: John Dryden A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018. Charles Dickens' iconic story of love and revolution set in modern-day Aleppo and London. |
| 03 | 2016 | 20180603 | 20200425 (R4) | Charles Dickens's iconic story of love, revolution and redemption, updated and set in contemporary Aleppo and London. Boldly reworked as provocative and moving drama by Ayeesha Menon - updated to modern-day London and war-torn Syria. The driving forces are now two women - British Syrian journalist Lina Mahmoud and her nemesis, Taghreed Daffar. Events conclude in 2016. East Aleppo is devastated by years of siege. Lina has not returned since having her young daughter, Serena - while Shwan has disappeared in Syria, not knowing he is a father. When a kidnap video arrives on Jarvis' desk, threatening Shwan's execution, Lina embarks on a desperate mission to save him, followed closely by Sid, determined to make good on his promise. Meanwhile, Taghreed's obsessive need for revenge has pushed her over the edge. Taghreed - Fatima Adoum Lina - Lara Sawalha Jarvis - Phil Davis Shwan - Khalid Abdalla Sid - Shaun Parkes Dr Mahmoud - Nadim Sawalha Jerry - Shiv Grewal Emad - Raad Rawi Yakub - George Georgiou Samia - Nathalie Armin Fadi - Ammar Haj Ahmad Local Doctor - Ammar Haj Ahmad Development concept written by Silas Parry. Producer: Gill Parry Director: Polly Thomas Producer for Goldhawk Productions: Emma Hearn Executive Producer: John Dryden A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018. Lina embarks on a desperate mission, while Taghreed is obsessed with revenge. Charles Dickens' iconic story of love and revolution set in modern-day Aleppo and London. |