Ian McKellen stars in the story of John Hamer Shawcross - from his boyhood on the streets of Ancoats, Manchester to his pursuit of power and fame.

Set against the wider current of events in England in the early 19th century.

Howard Spring's novel freely adapted for radio in eight episodes by Ken Whitmore.

John Shawcross ...... Ian McKellen
John Shawcross as a Boy ...... Gary Carp
Tom Hannaway as a Youth ...... Phillip Politt
Arnold Ryerson as a Youth ...... David Riley
Grandfather ...... Geoffrey Banks
Ellen ...... Rosalie Williams
Gordon Stansfield ...... Ian Flintoff
Ma Hannaway ...... Elizabeth Hannaway
Charles Artingstall ...... George Hagan
Ann Artingstall ...... Susan Revilll
Hawley ...... Graham Tennant
Lizzie Lightowler ...... Rosalie Crutchley

With Jimmy Braddock, Phillippa Connell and Ruth Williams as the other children.

Director: Trevor Hill

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1979. Show less