1. Stepping Up

On Mr Sheldon's death, footman Charley Raunce acts fast to acquire the vacancy of butler at Castle Tennent.

But how will the other servants react to his sudden rise in status?

Set in 1941, this is a fairy tale of the rarest enchantment telling the story of life above and below stairs in an Irish country house during the Second World War.

Starring Martin Kemp, Leanne Rowe and Pauline Quirke.

Henry Green's novel, first published in 1945.

Dramatised in two parts by John Banville.

Charley Raunce ... Martin Kemp
Edith .... Leanne Rowe
Miss Welch .... Pauline Ouirke
Mrs Tennant .... Joanna David
Violet .... Claudia Harrison
Miss Burch .... Amanda Root
Kate .... Zoe Tapper
Capt Davenport .... Mark Straker
Bert .... Harry Eden
Albert .... Johnny Brennan
other parts played by members of the cast

Director: Gemma McMullan

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007.