Full-cast dramatisation of the hot-blooded historical romance set in 18th century Wales

‘Jones has a talent for writing natural witty dialogue…’ Best Sellers

Sworn allegiances, cruel punishments, broken hearts, shattered dreams and ancient magic make for an utterly spellbinding listen in this full-cast adaptation of Gareth Jones’s masterful novel.

1745. 18th century Wales is a land that time forgot. The burden of squalid poverty and the power of medieval superstition is writ large on the landscape as the adventurer, womaniser and dreamer Gruffydd comes to reclaim his birthright after the Jacobite Rebellion drives out George II. Hoping to deliver his people from the brutal control of a dissolute overlord, the local Squire Sir John Ffowlke, Gruffydd settles in the village of Cwmystwyth. Unrecognised, he becomes the local conjurer on whose magical powers the desperate villagers soon come to depend. Boldly, he fights for a vision of the future where they are free from the feudal chains that bind them.

But Gruffydd is surrounded by enemies. Charisma may not be enough to keep him alive, and if his people see through him, he may be faced with a bloody reckoning. The conflicting forces within the village of Cwmystwyth must be overcome if Gruffydd is to be able to unite the downtrodden community and guide its inhabitants towards freedom and a new life. Can any good come of a lie, however inspired?

This powerful dramatisation of the novel by Gareth Jones is brought to life by Philip Madoc and Peter Halliday. Immerse yourself in the mystery, superstition, power and lust of a world long gone.

Cast and credits
Written by Gareth Jones
Directed by Adrian Mourby
Produced by BBC Wales
Gruffydd - Philip Madoc
Iolo - Loan Meredith
Sir John Ffowlke - Peter Halliday
Madlen - Meg Wynn Owen
Mari - Beth Morris
Rhiannon Bevan - Lisabeth Miles
Hywel Bevan - Robert Blythe
Mihangel - Gareth Snook
Rachel - Donna Edwards
Hannah - Adrian T Furse
Talbot - Graham Blockey
Col Johnes - James Benson
Gwilym Brewer/Horseman - Dorien Thomas
Old Thomas/Barnabas - Dillwyn Owen
Thomas Jenkins - Gareth Armstrong
Jailer/Tollgate Keeper - David Charles
Thomas Powell - Gerald James
Morgan Brewer - Maurice Elliott
Landlords daughter/Lissi Gillian - Gillian Elisa Thomas
Amaranth - Helen Roberts
Ringmaster - Dorian Thomas
Buddug - Di Botcher
Sian - Rhian Morgan

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 Feb – 6 Apr 1986