Episode 1

George Eliot’s novel of grand passions and tormented lives.

A brother and sister, pitted against one another in love and life.

An absorbing tragedy of family discord and financial ruin, of sibling love and bitterness.

And a powerful tale of desire, betrayal and moral conflict.

Starring Anna Maxwell Martin and Joanna Vanderham.

Omnibus of the first five of ten episodes dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.

George Eliot, the Narrator ….. Anna Maxwell Martin
Young Maggie ….. Amy-Jayne Leigh
Young Tom ….. Oliver Zetterstrom
Young Lucy ….. Grace Doherty
Mr Tulliver ….. Roger Ringrose
Mrs Tulliver ….. Alison Belbin
Maggie ….. Joanna Vanderham
Tom ….. Will Kirk
Lucy ….. Ell Potter
Philip ….. Chris Lew Kum Hoi
Stephen ….. Jack Farthing
Mrs Moss ….. Heather Craney
Mr Wakem ….. John Dougall
Mrs Glegg ….. Elizabeth Counsell,
Mr Stelling ….. John Lightbody,
Dr Kenn ….. Hasan Dixon
Luke/Bob ….. Kurtis Lowe
Keiza/Sally ….. Bettrys Jones

Director: Tracey Neale

George Eliot's most autobiographical novel draws on her personal pain at the loss of the close bond with her brother who had cut off all contact with her.

It resulted in one of the great novels of childhood, and one of literature's most unforgettable heroines. Like Anne of Green Gables and Jane Eyre, Maggie captures the dilemma of being the clever girl in the family, the ugly duckling, the misplaced foundling who longs to be recognised for the genius she secretly knows herself to be.

As the rebellious Maggie’s fiery spirit and imaginative nature bring her into conflict with her narrow

Made to mark the 140th Anniversary of George Eliot’s death.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2020.