Two outstanding plays from a major figure of British Edwardian theatre

Harley Granville Barker was one of the most influential voices in early 20th-century drama – an actor, director and playwright whose work helped shape modern British theatre. His plays are celebrated for their psychological depth, moral complexity and Chekhovian style. He is best known for his masterpiece, The Voysey Inheritance, which is presented here with his forgotten classic, The Secret Life.

The Voysey Inheritance – When Edward inherits the family firm, he makes a devastating discovery: its success is built on deceit. For years, his father has gambled recklessly with clients’ money – just as his father did before him. Faced with an impossible choice, Edward must decide whether to continue the fraud to try to save the business, or expose the truth and ruin his family’s reputation forever. Samuel Barnett, Clive Merrison and Phyllida Law star in Barker’s witty, subversive play.

The Secret Life – Against a backdrop of political intrigue in the years following World War One, former MP Evan Strowde’s long-suppressed love for Joan Westbury is re-awakened. But should he sacrifice personal happiness for public service? Ronald Pickup, Brenda Blethyn, Rowena Cooper and Helen McCrory star in this absorbing drama, produced in association with the Royal National Theatre.


Cast and credits

The Voysey Inheritance
Edward – Samuel Barnett
Mr Voysey – Clive Merrison
Mr George Booth – Gawn Grainger
Trenchard Voysey – Richard Dillane
Major Booth Vosey – Alan Cox
Denis Tregoning – Joseph Arkley
Mrs Voysey – Phyllida Law
Honor Voysey – Amanda Lawrence
Peacey – Paul Moriarty

Adapted for radio and directed by Lu Kemp
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 April 2012

The Secret Life
Stephen Serocold – James Laurenson
Evan Strowde – Ronald Pickup
Eleanor Strowde – Rowena Cooper
Joan Westbury – Brenda Blethyn
Lady Peckham – Rosemary Martin
Oliver Gauntlett – Jo Stone-Fewings
Mr Kittredge – Manning Redwood
Susan Kittredge – Helen McCrory
Dorothy Gauntlett – Rachel Atkins
Sir Leslie Heriot – John Baddeley
Lord Clumbermere – Barry J. Gordon
Sir Geoffrey Salomons – Steve Hodson

Adapted for radio and directed by Giles Croft (Radio production in association with the Royal National Theatre)
Pianist Mary Nash
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 May 1993

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