Beaumarchais: A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

Henry Goodman stars in this irreverent historical romp, set in 18th-century France

When impoverished watchmaker Caron invents a pioneering device that could revolutionise timekeeping, his fortunes begin to change. Marrying a young, upper-class widow, he takes on a new, noble name - de Beaumarchais - and sets out to conquer Louis XV's court.

But his attempts to rise through the ranks of Versailles society are blocked by royal clockmaker Lepaute - as well as courtly crushes, rumours of war and illicit printing. In a bid to offset his enormous debts, he takes on a tricky task for the King - but his patron's death presents further challenges, in the form of an unlikely dairymaid, a controversial play and political unrest. Will the storming of the Bastille put paid to his aristocratic ambitions?

Created by multi-award-winning playwright Craig Warner, this witty sitcom is based on the real-life story of Pierre-Agustin Caron de Beaumarchais - horologist, playwright, diplomat, arms dealer and spy. Henry Goodman plays our wily hero, and among the star cast are Bill Nighy, Ronald Pickup, Jason O'Mara, Siobhan Redmond and Joanna Monro.

Written by Craig Warner Directed by Marion Nancarrow

Cast Beaumarchais - Henry Goodman Henri Lepaute - David Calder Louis XV - Ronald Pickup Madame de Pompadour/Odile - Ann Beach Beaumarchais' father - Stephen Thorne Madelaine - Elaine Pyke Vignon/Lord Stormont - Denys Hawthorne Secretaire/Silas Deane - Jason O'Mara Lawyer/Louis XVI/Soldier - Alex Lowe Princess Adelaide - Colleen Prendergast Princess Sophie - Amanda Gordon Goezman - Hugh Ross Le Comte d'Artois/Duverney/Figaro/Barber - Sean Baker La Blache/Dupaty - David Bannerman La Duchesse de Polignac - Joanna Monro Lia de Beaumont - Bill Nighy Lord Rochford - David Timson Marie Antoinette - Siobhan Redmond Jacques/Marat - Kim Wall Jules/President - Christopher Scott Suard/Beggar - Ron Cook Le Duc de Fronsac - Ioan Meredith Market women - Joanna Monro & Elaine Pyke First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 7 November-12 December 2006

© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© 2022 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529188240

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Lydbog: 7. april 2022