by George Eliot adapted by Michael Eaton for BBC Radio 4
George Eliot’s political novel with Hayley Atwell as Esther Lyons in two parts set during the time of Great Reform Act of 1832
Drama | 24 June – 8 July 2007 | 3 x 58 minutes
Two men from very different backgrounds return to the town of Treby Magna in the midlands in 1832 just after the passing of the Reform Act, extending the franchise to property owners. Harold Transome, on the death of his dissolute older brother, has become heir to an estate and returns from the orient determined to become an M.P., though his haughty mother is shocked to discover that he intends to stand as a Radical.
Felix Holt also reappears in his native town and proves an equal disappointment to his mother for he has abandoned his education to set up as a humble watch-mender with a determination to set up a school for miner’s children.
Though Felix may be the eponymous hero, the true protagonist of the story is Esther Lyon – a young woman who must discover what she truly values in her choice between these two men. She believes herself to be the daughter of the town’s kindly Dissenting Minister, but the discovery of the truth of her background threatens to overturn the status quo of this provincial midland town.
CAST
Felix Holt – ELLIOT COWAN
Mrs Holt – SUSAN BROWN
Rufus Lyon – STEPHEN MOORE
Esther Lyon – HAYLEY ATWELL
Harold Transome – JASPER BRITTON
Arabella Transome – SUSAN WOOLDRIDGE
Matthew Jermyn – JACK SHEPHERD
Sir Maximus Debbary – JOHN CARLISLE
Philip Debarry – PAUL CHAHIDI
Christian – RON COOK
Denner – CAROL MACREADY
The Reverend Lingon – MICHAEL CULKIN
Chubb – JOHN TAMS
Johnson – KEN CAMPBELL
Studio Manager & Editor – MARK SMITH
Production Associate – LUCY MANGAN
Music – JOHN TAMS
Director – LUCY BAILEY
Executive Producer – EDWARD CROZIER
Producer – NICHOLAS NEWTON
A Promenade production for BBC Radio 4