BBC Radio 4 Extra

Fame is the Spur

Howard Spring - Fame is the Spur: Born in Captivity

Drama

Howard Spring - Fame is the Spur

Born in Captivity

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Howard Spring - Fame is the Spur, Born in Captivity

The story of Hamer Shawcross, from boyhood to his pursuit of power and fame.

The story of Hamer Shawcross - from boyhood to pursuing power and fame - set in early 19th century England. Stars Ian McKellen.

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.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Drama: Biographical

Ian McKellen in the story of Hamer Shawcross from boyhood to his pursuit of power and fame

The story of Hamer Shawcross - from boyhood to his pursuit of power and fame - against events in England. Stars Ian McKellen.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Howard Spring - Fame is the Spur

Born in Captivity

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra