Margaret Forster: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Three Full-Cast Dramatisations including Georgy Girl

A trio of novels by the award-winning author, dramatised with full casts for BBC Radio

Carlisle-born author Margaret Forster wrote over 25 acclaimed novels, as well as numerous memoirs and biographies. She was best known for her classic Georgy Girl, a zeitgeist tale of Swinging Sixties London which was adapted as a hit film and inspired a chart-topping single by The Seekers. Featured here is a 2013 radio dramatisation, together with two compelling stories of family dynamics and female friendship.

Georgy Girl – 1965. Twenty-seven-year-old Londoner Georgina ‘Georgy’ Parkin is sparky, funny and financially independent, but has never been asked out on a date, let alone kissed. She longs to meet someone, but when she falls in love with the charming, directionless Jos, complications arise… Starring Lucy Speed, Paul Ready, Stephen Critchlow and Philippa Stanton.

Private Papers – When Rosemary finds her mother’s secret account of their family history hidden at the back of a drawer, she is outraged by what she reads – so she decides to add her own version of events… Spanning four decades, from the Second World War to the Falklands War, this insightful tale of mother/daughter relationships and differing perspectives stars Angela Pleasance and Nichola McAuliffe.

Lady’s Maid – Arriving in London in 1844, shy Lily Wilson takes up a position as maid to the poet Elizabeth Barrett, and soon becomes her companion and confidante. Across the social barrier, both women learn much about friendship and the vicissitudes of love: and as their bond grows closer, Lily finds herself playing a vital role in Elizabeth’s elopement with Robert Browning…Starring Jane Whittenshaw and Kate Buffery.

Cast and credits Written by Margaret Forster

Georgy Girl Georgy – Lucy Speed Jos – Paul Ready James – Stephen Critchlow Meredith – Philippa Stanton Peg – Ella Smith Ted – Ben Crowe Doris – Joanna Brookes

Dramatised by Rhiannon Tise Directed by Tracey Neale

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-6 Sep 2013

Private Papers Penelope (mother) – Angela Pleasence Rosemary – Nichola McAuliffe Oliver – Simon Armstrong Grandmother Butler – June Barrie Mike – Oliver Ryan Celia – Jenny Funnell Jess – Gemma Kelly Emily – Jessica Lloyd Andrew Baylis – Brendan Charleson Daniel – Ben Sullivan

Dramatised by Juliet Ace Directed by Tanya Nash

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24 Jan-4 Feb 2000

Lady’s Maid Lily Wilson – Jane Whittenshaw Elizabeth Barrett Browning – Kate Buffery Robert Browning – Julian Wadham Timothy – David Thorpe Ferdinando – Andrew Wincott Lizzie Crow – Linda Regan Mrs Robinson – Zulema Dene Sarah/Henrietta – Patience Tomlinson Tilly – Sandra James Young Landor – Geoffrey Whitehead

Dramatised by Ed Thomason Directed by Cherry Cookson

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 Sep 1995

© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© 2026 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529957099

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Lydbog: 29. oktober 2026