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1. Willoughby Wants a Wife

Episode 1 of 2

4 Extra Debut. Sir Willoughby is overly confident that young Clara Middleton will want to become his wife. Stars James Wilby and Keeley Hawes.

Laetitia has been carrying a candle for Sir Willoughby, but he's chosen the beautiful Constantia to be the future Lady Willoughby.

But when this doesn't happen, he chooses the young Clara Middleton.

It never occurs to him that she too has doubts...

George Meredith's novel first published in 1879 questions men's power and women's status in Victorian society.

Starring James Wilby and Keeley Hawes.

Dramatised in two parts by Jane Dauncey.

Sir Willoughby .... James Wilby
Clara Middleton .... Keeley Hawes
Mrs Mountstuart-Jenkinson .... Hannah Gordon
Laetitia Dale .... Nickie Rainsford
Vernon Witford. .... Simon Ludders
Horace de Craye .... Robert Patterson
Dr Middleton .... Bill Wallis
Crossjay .... Leo Brightmore
Lady Busshe .... Lawmary Champion
Lady Culmer .... Christine Pritchard
Constantia .... Anna North
Dr Corney .... Giles Thomas
Lady Patterne ....June Barrie
Mr Dale .... Paul Nicholson
Crossjay .... Leo Brightmore

Directed at BBC Wales by Alison Hindell.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998

1 hour

Last on

Tue 12 Mar 202400:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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2. Clara's Choice

See all episodes from The Egoist by George Meredith

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  • Mon 11 Mar 202405:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 11 Mar 202410:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 11 Mar 202415:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 12 Mar 202400:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra