Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Harold Pinter's The Dreaming Child

Harold Pinter's unproduced screenplay, based on Karen Blixen's elusive and mysterious short story. Set in Bristol in 1868, a wealthy but childless couple adopt a slum child.

The world premiere of Harold Pinter's unproduced film screenplay, based on Karen Blixen's elusive and mysterious short story of loive and loss.

It's Bristol in 1868 and Emily, married to wealthy Tom Carter, is haunted by her passionate first love affair with a young soldier who subsequently dies at sea. Seven years later and unable to have children themselves, they decide to adopt a boy from the slum. Jack however is not an ordinary child – and seems to know everything about his new home and family.

Cast:
Narrator - Anne Reid
Emily - Lydia Leonard
Tom - Bertie Carvel
Charlie - Joshua Silver
Mrs Jones - Joanna Scanlan
Miss Scott - Susan Woolridge
Jack - Jack Hollington
Peggy - Rose Leslie
Bess - Bryony Hannah
Mr Rudd - Karl Johnson
Mr Carter - Malcolm Sinclair
Children - Flynn Allen,Esme Allen-Quarmby,Isabella Blake-Thomas, Joey Price.

Adapted by Joanna Hogg and Laurence Bowen

Director: Joanna Hogg

Producer: Laurence Bowen

A Feelgood Fiction production for Â鶹Éç Radio 4

1 hour, 27 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Anne Reid
Emily Lydia Leonard
Tom Bertie Carvel
Charlie Joshua Silver
Mrs Jones Joanna Scanlan
Miss Scott Susan Woolridge
Jack Jack Hollington
Peggy Rose Leslie
Bess Bryony Hannah
Mr Rudd Karl Johnson
Mr Carter Malcolm Sinclair
Child Flynn Allen
Child Esme Allen-Quarmby
Child Isabella Blake-Thomas
Child Joey Price
Director Joanna Hogg
Producer Laurence Bowen
Author Karen Blixen
Writer Harold Pinter
Adaptor Joanna Hogg
Adaptor Laurence Bowen

Broadcasts

  • Sat 7 Mar 2015 14:30
  • Sat 11 Jan 2020 14:45

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

The Shakespeare Sessions

The Shakespeare Sessions

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world