Charles Dickens's iconic story of love, revolution and redemption, updated and set in contemporary Aleppo and London.

Dickens' original novel is a powerful portrayal of personal sacrifice set against the turbulent backdrop of political change.

As resonant today as it was then, the redemption of flawed humanity is at the heart of award-winning writer Ayeesha Menon's bold reworking.

The story of a chance resemblance between a feckless lawyer and a troubled exile, both in love with the same woman, is updated to modern-day London and war-torn Syria.

However, in this modern version, the driving forces are two women - British Syrian journalist Lina Mahmoud and her nemesis, Taghreed Daffar.

It's a classic tale reimagined as a provocative and moving drama for today.

In this opening episode - 2011/2012 - it's the Arab Spring and peaceful protests in Syria lead to a release of political prisoners.

When Dr Mahmoud is freed after 30 years, he is sheltered by Taghreed and Emad Daffar, and brought to the UK by his old friend Jarvis Lorry and the daughter he has never met, foreign correspondent Lina.

Back in London, Jarvis persuades his nephew Sid Carton, a flawed but brilliant advocate, to represent Syrian émigré doctor Shwan Dahkurdi against terrorism charges.

When Lina and Shwan meet, they are immediately attracted.

But Dr Mahmoud's release has set in train a series of events that none of them can escape...

Taghreed ...... Fatima Adoum
Lina ...... Lara Sawalha
Jarvis ...... Phil Davis
Shwan Dahkurdi ...... Khalid Abdalla
Sid ...... Shaun Parkes
Dr Mahmoud ...... Nadim Sawalha
Cameraman ...... Shiv Grewal
Emad ...... Raad Rawi
Yakub ...... George Georgiou
Samia ...... Nathalie Armin
Syrian Protestor ...... Ahmed Aziz

Development concept written by Silas Parry.

Producer: Gill Parry
Director: Polly Thomas

Producer for Goldhawk Productions: Emma Hearn

Executive Producer: John Dryden

A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018. Show less