A Son of War
Burma veteran Sam Richardson is building a new life unaware his son Joe is fighting his own demons. Melvyn Bragg’s Cumbrian story, drawing on the author's childhood recollections.
By Melvyn Bragg adapted for radio by Robin Brooks
Set in the working-class town of Wigton after the Second World War, Burma veteran Sam Richardson struggles with the emotional aftermath of the War. He decides to buy a local pub In a bid to bury the traumas of the Far East, but while Sam and his wife, Ellen, initially find unexpected happiness in their new life as publicans, a quiet storm is brewing at home. Their son, Joe, is fighting a desperate, lonely battle to keep his own psychological demons at bay.
Longlisted for the 2001 Booker Prize, the second part of Melvyn Bragg’s acclaimed Cumbrian story is inspired by the author’s own memories of growing up in post-war Wigton.
Sam ….. Billy Postlethwaite
Ellen ….. Emily Stott
Young Joe ….. Isaac Nelson
Older Joe ….. Nathan Lawrence and Melvyn Bragg
Alex, Older Alan, Ricky ….. James Atherton
Leonard, Drummond-Gould, Passerby ….. Bryan Dick
Mrs Hewson, Mrs Moxon, Mrs Frewen ….. Helen Longworth
Miss Snaith, Carol, Joan ….. Evie Killip
Pianist ….. Matt Huxley
Sound Design: Leon Chambers
Director: Jessica Dromgoole
Producer: Catherine Bailey
Executive Producers: Richard Johns and Jules Williamson
A Catherine Bailey production in association with So Many Stories for BBC Radio 4
On radio
More episodes
Previous
Next
You are at the last episode
Broadcast
- Sun 4 Oct 202615:00BBC Radio 4
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
The Shakespeare Sessions
Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world
