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Episode 1

Decline and FallSeries 1
Episode 1 of 3

Adaption of Evelyn Waugh's comedy novel. When Paul Pennyfeather is expelled from Oxford University, his only option is to go and teach at a boarding school in Wales.

When Paul Pennyfeather is unfairly expelled from Oxford University, he finds his only option is to go and teach at a substandard boarding school in rural Wales. There he meets a colourful cast of characters, including the alluring Margot Beste-Chetwynde, a wealthy widow with designs on the naive Paul.

59 minutes

Last on

Fri 31 Mar 201721:00
BBC One

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:00

    The Animen

    Not A Single Time

  • 00:36

    Daniele Silvestri

    Caro Architetto

Credits

SniggsTim Pigott-Smith
ProstlethwaiteNickolas Grace
Alistair Digby-Vaine-TrumpingtonTom Stourton
Arthur PottsMatthew Beard
Paul PennyfeatherJack Whitehall
Master of the CollegeJohn Woodvine
Porter BlacknallMichael Gould
Mr LevyKevin Eldon
PhilbrickStephen Graham
GrimesDouglas Hodge
Peter Beste-ChetwyndeOscar Kennedy
Dr FaganDavid Suchet
Florence FaganKaty Wix
Diane FaganGemma Whelan
TangentFelix Griffin Pain
ClutterbuckHugo Beazley
PrendergastVincent Franklin
Margot Beste-ChetwyndeEva Longoria
Davis (Station Master)Steve Speirs
Lady CircumferenceAshley McGuire
VicarTony Guilfoyle
ChokeyChike Okonkwo
WriterJames Wood
AuthorEvelyn Waugh
ProducerMatthew Bird
DirectorGuillem Morales
Production CompanyTiger Aspect Productions Ltd

Broadcast

Cast and Characters

Cast and Characters

Learn more about the characters in this adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's classic satire.