Beaumarchais

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