The Forsyte Saga

An epic BBC radio adaptation of John Galsworthy's complete Forsyte Chronicles, narrated by Dirk Bogarde and with an all-star cast 'Hallmarked with elegance and craftsmanship' The Evening Standard First broadcast in 1990, this monumental adaptation of John Galsworthy's Nobel Prize-winning novel series was a radio event. It was the most expensive drama serial ever produced, featured one of the biggest, most star-studded casts and dominated the Radio 4 schedules for over 5 months, attracting over a million listeners each week. Comprising all nine books in Galsworthy's Forsyte Chronicles, it spans 50 years - from 1886 to 1936 - and tells the irresistible story of an upper-class dynasty torn apart by a terrible feud. Wealthy, privileged and successful, the Forsytes seem to have it all. But the disastrous marriage of Irene and Soames Forsyte, and the dire consequences of one night and the next foggy day, are to split the family for generations. As the sins of the father are visited upon the children, the younger Forsytes - from Soames' daughter Fleur to her cousin Dinny Cherrell - find themselves doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past as they experience both the pain and the promise of love. Beset by emotional disasters, domestic dramas and society scandals, can the various members of this sprawling family ever find lasting happiness? This sweeping tale of passion, power and money stars a host of outstanding actors, including Dirk Bogarde, Alan Howard, Michael Hordern, Diana Quick, Michael Williams, Maurice Denham, Amanda Redman and Sophie Thompson . Cast and credits Written by John Galsworthy The Forsyte Chronicles Galsworthy - Dirk Bogarde Old Jolyon - Michael Hordern Soames Forsyte - Alan Howard Irene - Diana Quick Young Jolyon - Michael Williams James - Maurice Denham Aunt Ann - Fabia Drake Aunt Hester - Rachel Kempson Aunt Juley - Renee Asherson June - Angela Pleasence Philip Bosinney - Michael Cochrane Swithin - David March Roger/Justice Bentham/Sir Luke Sharman/Adrian Cherrell - John Moffatt George/Monsieur Profond - Christopher Good Nicholas - John Gabriel Emily - Maxine Audley Winifred - Fiona Walker Montague Dartie/Elderson - Donald Gee Francie - Susan Sheridan Mrs Macander/Mme Lamotte/Smither/American woman - Jo Kendall Young Chankery - Charles Simpson Waterbuck, QC/Timothy/Mr Settlewhite/Hilary Cherrell - David King Annette - Shelley Thompson Holly - Elizabeth Mansfield Val - Dale Rapley Jolly - Paul Downing Dreamer/Francis/Francis Wilmot/Hubert Cherrell - Simon Treves Polteed/Gradman/Cuthbert Mothergil/Editor/Foskisson/Blore - Brian Miller Doctor/Lord Charles Ferrar/Lionel Cherrell/Neil Wintney/Mr Instone - James Greene Fleur - Amanda Redman Other Cast: Gary Cady, Gary Bond,Tara Dominick, Vincent Brimble, Nicholas Gilbrook, Sue Broomfield, Paul Daneman, Philip Sully, Stephen Garlick, John Bull, Danny Schiller, Belinda Lang, Jack May, Ben Onwukwe, David Bannerman, Ian Lindsay, Stuart McGuigan, Michael Kilgarriff, Catherine Furshpan, Christopher Scott, Garard Green, Mary Allen, Sophie Thompson, Dorothy Tutin, Peter Marinker, Moir Leslie, Danielle Allan, Paul Rattigan, Jack Klaff, Lois Burgess, Miranda Foster, Peter Howell, Aubrey Woods, Jody McDonald, James Warwick, David Yelland, Matthew Solon, Elizabeth Kelly, William Wortley, Henry Power, Leonard Fenton, Jenny Howe and Nigel Carrington Dramatised by David Spenser, Shirley Gee and Elspeth Sandys Directed by Janet Whitaker, Anthony Cornish and Sue Wilson Series producer: Janet Whitaker Pianist: Mary Nash First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 September 1990-2 March 1991 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd