Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | An Escape For Esther | 20130310 | 20160519 (BBC7) 20160520 (BBC7) 20190527 (BBC7) 20190528 (BBC7) 20210310 (BBC7) 20210311 (BBC7) 20240813 (BBC7) 20240814 (BBC7) 20130316 (R4) | Set against a background of gambling and horseracing; Esther Waters is a stirring tale of how a servant girl makes her way in Victorian England. Forced to leave the home of her brutal stepfather, Esther takes a job as a maid at 'Woodview', a country estate owned by a nouveau riche racing family. First published in 1894, George Moore's novel is dramatised in two parts by Sharon Oakes. Esther - Lyndsey Marshal William - Matthew McNulty Sarah - Joanne Froggatt Mrs Rivers - Joanne Froggatt Leopold - Hugh Simon George - Hugh Simon Demon - Stephen Hoyle Peggy - Lisa Brookes Mrs Latch - Melissa Jane Sinden Mrs Barfield - Melissa Jane Sinden Anne - Fiona Clarke Mrs Spires - Fiona Clarke Esther's tale is a slice of Victorian life that is rarely shown; single parenting, wet nursing, divorce, gambling, and religious zealotry. Through her we discover exactly what it feels like to be poor and powerless. The book was banned until Gladstone revoked it, saying it was compassionate, moral and humane; and after that it became a best seller. Celebrated author Colm Toibin championed Esther Waters as a neglected Classic for Radio 4's Open Book programme. Director: Gary Brown First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013. Forced to leave the home of her brutal stepfather, Esther takes a job as a maid. By George Moore. Stirring tale of how a servant girl makes her way in Victorian England A stirring tale of a feisty servant girl who is determined to make her way in a very harsh world. Starring Lyndsey Marshal. |
| 02 | Lone Parenting In Victorian England | 20130317 | 20160520 (BBC7) 20160521 (BBC7) 20190528 (BBC7) 20190529 (BBC7) 20210311 (BBC7) 20210312 (BBC7) 20240814 (BBC7) 20240815 (BBC7) 20130323 (R4) | After she was betrayed by William, Esther leaves the workhouse with her baby. She's desperate for them to stay together. But how can she earn money? Set against a background of horseracing and gambling; a stirring tale of how a woman survives and brings up her child in Victorian England. First published in 1894, George Moore's novel is dramatised in two parts by Sharon Oakes. Esther - Lyndsey Marshal William - Matthew McNulty Sarah - Joanne Froggatt Leopold - Hugh Simon Judge - Hugh Simon Fred - Graeme Hawley Demon - Stephen Hoyle Peggy - Lisa Brookes Mrs Empson - Melissa Jane Sinden Mrs Barfield - Melissa Jane Sinden Anne - Fiona Clarke Bill - Greg Wood Director: Gary Brown First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013 Esther is determined to support her baby. A tale of survival in Victorian England. By George Moore. Stirring tale of how a servant girl makes her way in Victorian England After she was betrayed by William, Esther is determined to make her way and support her baby. Starring Lyndsey Marshal. |