Beaumarchais

Henry Goodman stars in this irreverent historical romp, set in 18th-century FranceWhen 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 WarnerDirected by Marion NancarrowCastBeaumarchais - Henry GoodmanHenri Lepaute - David CalderLouis XV - Ronald PickupMadame de Pompadour/Odile - Ann BeachBeaumarchais' father - Stephen ThorneMadelaine - Elaine PykeVignon/Lord Stormont - Denys HawthorneSecretaire/Silas Deane - Jason O'MaraLawyer/Louis XVI/Soldier - Alex LowePrincess Adelaide - Colleen PrendergastPrincess Sophie - Amanda GordonGoezman - Hugh RossLe Comte d'Artois/Duverney/Figaro/Barber - Sean BakerLa Blache/Dupaty - David BannermanLa Duchesse de Polignac - Joanna MonroLia de Beaumont - Bill NighyLord Rochford - David TimsonMarie Antoinette - Siobhan RedmondJacques/Marat - Kim WallJules/President - Christopher ScottSuard/Beggar - Ron CookLe Duc de Fronsac - Ioan MeredithMarket women - Joanna Monro & Elaine PykeFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 7 November-12 December 2006(c) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd