Episode 1
4 Extra Debut. The story of the fortunes and misfortunes of the lusty and resourceful 18th century heroine. Stars Jessica Hynes and Ben Miles.
Daniel Defoe, once more in need of ready money, finds inspiration for a new book when he meets Elizabeth Atkins in Newgate gaol.
She tells him her stranger-than-fiction story; of how she was born in prison to a petty thief and of how she loved and bargained her way from rags to riches, from prostitution in the streets of London to prosperity on a Virginia plantation, and then lost it all again.
Defoe interprets it all in his characteristic manner, blending fact with fiction, and re-inventing his interlocutor as the lusty and resourceful Moll Flanders.
Dramatised in two parts by Nick Perry who plays fast and loose with this 18th century classic, melding fiction and reality in a manner inspired by Daniel Defoe.
Moll Flanders ...... Jessica Hynes
Daniel Defoe ...... Ben Miles
Mr Mist ...... Brian Protheroe
Lady Cholmondley ...... Elizabeth Bennett
Jemmy ...... Blake Ritson
Nurse ...... Claire Perkins
Young Moll ...... Alex Jarett
Rob ...... Nick Underwood
Lucy ...... Kirsty Oswald
John ...... Tom Forrister
Robin ...... Sam Rix
Gaoler ...... Sean Baker
Harpsichord played by Peter Ringrose.
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2016.
Last on
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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Moll Flanders | Jessica Hynes |
| Daniel Defoe | Ben Miles |
| Mr Mist | Brian Protheroe |
| Lady Cholmondley | Elizabeth Bennett |
| Jemmy | Blake Ritson |
| Nurse | Claire Perkins |
| Young Moll | Alex Jarett |
| Rob | Nick Underwood |
| Lucy | Kirsty Oswald |
| John | Tom Forrister |
| Robin | Sam Rix |
| Gaoler | Sean Baker |
| Author | Daniel Defoe |
| Adaptor | Nick Perry |
| Director | Sasha Yevtushenko |
Broadcasts
Sat 9 Jul 201614:30BBC Radio 4- Sat 20 Jan 201814:30BBC Radio 4
- Tue 12 May 202010:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 12 May 202015:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 13 May 202003:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
Bang To Writes: The Literary Greats Who Did Jail Time
Writers jailed for crimes from vandalism to murder sometimes make the best of it.
