1. The Architect

Available for 29 days

The autobiographical nature of Thomas Hardy’s early novel caused much intrigue when it was first published. Set on the wild Cornish coast (where Hardy courted his first wife), it tells the story of Elfride. She is the beautiful daughter of a local parson, whose fate it is to be loved by two very different men. Her first suitor is a young architect working on her father's church, but a mystery surrounds his past which - when revealed - is to cause her much anguish. Starring Janet Maw and Michael Maloney. Dramatised in three parts by Jane Beeson. Elfride Swancourt ..... Janet Maw Stephen Smith .... Michael Maloney Parson Swancourt .... Nigel Stock John Smith .... Alan Dudley Mrs Smith .... Katherine Parr Martin/Driver .... Sean Arnold Postman .... Michael Tudor Barnes Kate .... Jill Lidstone Polly .... Patience Tomlinson Pianist: Stuart Hutchinson Director: Cherry Cookson First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1982