9781529996500_

Two outstanding plays from a major figure of British Edwardian theatre

Harley Granville Barker was one of the most influential voices in early 20th-century drama – an actor, director and playwright whose work helped shape modern British theatre. His plays are celebrated for their psychological depth, moral complexity and Chekhovian style. He is best known for his masterpiece, The Voysey Inheritance, which is presented here with his forgotten classic, The Secret Life.

The Voysey Inheritance – When Edward inherits the family firm, he makes a devastating discovery: its success is built on deceit. For years, his father has gambled recklessly with clients’ money – just as his father did before him. Faced with an impossible choice, Edward must decide whether to continue the fraud to try to save the business, or expose the truth and ruin his family’s reputation forever. Samuel Barnett, Clive Merrison and Phyllida Law star in Barker’s witty, subversive play.

The Secret Life – Against a backdrop of political intrigue in the years following World War One, former MP Evan Strowde’s long-suppressed love for Joan Westbury is re-awakened. But should he sacrifice personal happiness for public service? Ronald Pickup, Brenda Blethyn, Rowena Cooper and Helen McCrory star in this absorbing drama, produced in association with the Royal National Theatre.

Cast and credits

The Voysey Inheritance
nEdward – Samuel Barnett
nMr Voysey – Clive Merrison
nMr George Booth – Gawn Grainger
nTrenchard Voysey – Richard Dillane
nMajor Booth Vosey – Alan Cox
nDenis Tregoning – Joseph Arkley
nMrs Voysey – Phyllida Law
nHonor Voysey – Amanda Lawrence
nPeacey – Paul Moriarty

Adapted for radio and directed by Lu Kemp
nFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 April 2012

The Secret Life
nStephen Serocold – James Laurenson
nEvan Strowde – Ronald Pickup
nEleanor Strowde – Rowena Cooper
nJoan Westbury – Brenda Blethyn
nLady Peckham – Rosemary Martin
nOliver Gauntlett – Jo Stone-Fewings
nMr Kittredge – Manning Redwood
nSusan Kittredge – Helen McCrory
nDorothy Gauntlett – Rachel Atkins
nSir Leslie Heriot – John Baddeley
nLord Clumbermere – Barry J. Gordon
nSir Geoffrey Salomons – Steve Hodson

Adapted for radio and directed by Giles Croft (Radio production in association with the Royal National Theatre)
nPianist Mary Nash
nFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 May 1993

The Voysey Inheritance & The Secret Life

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