Episode 1

August, 1811. Jack Aubrey sets sail for Australia in his new command, HMS Leopard. His mission - to transport a group of convicts to Botany Bay, including a woman, Louisa Wogan, who has been spying for the Americans.

Stephen Maturin joins Jack once again as ship's surgeon - but his real mission is to watch Mrs Wogan. When a fever breaks out among the prisoners and crew, Jack decides to head for Recife - but he is pursued through the South Atlantic by a powerful Dutch warship.

Patrick O'Brian's novel dramatised in two-parts by Roger Danes.

Jack Aubrey ...... David Robb
Stephen Maturin ...... Richard Dillane
Louisa Wogan ...... Teresa Gallagher
Michael Herapath ...... Samuel Barnett
Lt Pullings ...... David Holt
Barratt Bonden ...... Sam Dale
Preserved Killick ...... Jon Glover
Lt Grant ...... Jonathan Tafler
Byron ...... Nick Underwood
Sir Joseph Blaine ...... Michael Bertenshaw
Peggy Barnes ...... Hannah Wood
Josiah Plaice ...... Lloyd Thomas

Other parts played by the cast.

Producer/director: Bruce Young

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2013.