Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Book at Bedtime

Audiobooks

Podcasts

Drama

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and literature from around the world

BBC Radio 4 LW

Book at Bedtime: The Ladies of the House

Susan Jameson

Molly McGrann

Robin Brooks

Kirsteen Cameron

Book at Bedtime: The Ladies of the House: Episode 9

The Ladies of the House

Episode 9

BBC Radio 4 - Book at Bedtime, The Ladies of the House, Episode 9

Joseph thinks back on his life growing up in the Primrose Hill brothel.

Joseph awaits Mr Wye's visit with trepidation. Elsewhere, in a Soho pub, Rita sips sweet sherry and reminisces about the love of her life, Arthur Gillies.

Molly McGrann's novel about the fallout from the discovery of a man's double life.

For decades, Arthur Gillies ran high-class brothels in London while maintaining a sober married life in Kettering. Fifteen years on from his death, after a mix up at the bank, his daughter Marie has stumbled upon the truth and discovered the extent of her late father's estate: which encompasses millions of pounds and twenty houses in some of the most exclusive areas of London. 

Marie has mobilised Arthur's solicitor, Mr Wye, to sell the properties from underneath their sitting tenants: consisting of Arthur's former employees (the now elderly madams and prostitutes) and his illegitimate son, Joseph. As he awaits a visit from Mr Wye, Joseph thinks back on his life growing up in the Primrose Hill brothel. 

Read by Susan Jameson
Written by Molly McGrann
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Molly McGrann's novel about the discovery of a dead man's double life and its dark secrets

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Book at Bedtime

The Ladies of the House

Episode 9

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4