Mary Elizabeth Braddon: Lady Audley’s Secret & more: A BBC Radio 4 Gothic Drama Collection

Three classic stories from the 'Queen of Sensation Fiction' - plus bonus documentary

Mary Elizabeth Braddon was one of the most important and influential female novelists of the 19th Century, and the founder (alongside Wilkie Collins) of the popular 'sensation fiction' genre. This collection features her best-known novel, Lady Audley's Secret, a thrilling tale of bigamy, murder and arson that outraged Victorian society on its first release - and was an instant bestseller. Also included are two atmospheric short stories and an edition of Sensational Women exploring her life and work.

Lady Audley's Secret - Lucy Graham gains all the wealth she desires through her marriage to the devoted Sir Michael Audley. But her newfound security is threatened when young lawyer Robert Audley sets out to uncover the truth about her hidden past. Hattie Morahan, Charlotte Emmerson, Alex Wyndham and Sam Dale star in this electrifying dramatisation.

The Cold Embrace - When Josef, a handsome young German artist, betrays his delicate fiancée, her vengeance is eerily appropriate... This chilling adaptation of Mary Elizabeth Braddon's ghostly story stars Stephanie Turner, Jonathan Firth and Alison Pettitt.

Samuel Lowgood's Revenge - An impoverished clerk discovers that his rival in love has defrauded their employer. But what should he do with this knowledge? Barbara Flynn reads Braddon's 1861 tale of jealousy and retribution.

Sensational Women: Mary Braddon - Sarah Dunant takes a look at the notorious sensation author, who was condemned for rotting the moral fibre of a whole generation of young women.

First published 1860 ('The Cold Embrace'), 1861 ('Samuel Lowgood's Revenge'), 1862 (Lady Audley's Secret)

Cast and credits Written by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Lady Audley's Secret Mary Braddon - Hattie Morahan Lucy, Lady Audley - Charlotte Emmerson Sir Michael Audley - Sam Dale Phoebe Marks - Lizzy Watts Luke Marks - Benjamin Askew Robert Audley - Alex Wyndham George Talboys - Joseph Kloska Alicia Audley - Perdita Weeks Lieutenant Maldon - Jonathan Tafler Mr Dawson/Landlord - Paul Rider Mrs Vincent - Charlotte West-Oram Tonks - Deborah McAndrew Dramatised by Theresa Heskins Directed by Julie Beckett and Fiona Kelcher First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 April-1 May 2009

The Cold Embrace Mary Braddon - Stephanie Turner Josef - Jonathan Firth Gertrude - Alison Pettitt Father - John Hartley Postmaster - Ioan Meredith Passenger - Hugh Dickson Woman - Carolyn Jones Fisherman - Chris Pavlo Parisienne - Tracy-Ann Oberman Dramatised by Christopher Hawes Produced by Marion Nancarrow First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 June 1997

Samuel Lowgood's Revenge Read by Barbara Flynn Produced by Rebecca Nicholson First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 November 1998

Sensational Women: Mary Braddon Presented by Sarah Dunant Extracts read by Sally Beauman Produced by Lore Windemuth First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 October 1996

© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© 2022 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529903379

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Lydbog: 22. december 2022