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)

Drama

BBC Radio 4 LW

Drama: By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept

By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept

Drama on 4

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept

The story of Elizabeth Smart's fated and intense love-affair with the poet George Barker.

Based on the book by Elizabeth Smart. In love with his poetry, Elizabeth arranges to meet George. He arrives - with a wife, Jessica. George and Elizabeth’s intense affair begins.

The story of Elizabeth Smart's fated and intense love-affair with the poet George Barker. In love with his poetry, Elizabeth pursues George. She arranges to meet him.  He arrives - but with a wife, Jessica.  George and Elizabeth’s blistering affair begins. 

Against family disapproval and Jessica’s guile, Elizabeth fights for George.  The depth of their passion can only end in painful betrayal. 

This adaptation of the story behind Elizabeth Smart’s classic work of poetic prose combines both excerpts from her original work and biographical detail set against the background of the Second World War. 
 
Nancy Carroll, who plays Elizabeth, is acclaimed for her heartbreaking performance in the revival of Terence Rattigan’s play After the Dance at the Royal National Theatre and has recently appeared on television in the BBC detective series Father Brown, playing wealthy socialite Lady Felicia Montagu .

Best known for his roles in Home Fires and Broadchurch, Mark Bazeley plays George.  

Cast:
Elizabeth Smart ... Nancy Carroll
George Barker ... Mark Bazeley
Jessica/Amy ... Claudie Blakley
Louie Smart/ Mrs Erikson ... Barbara Barnes
Russel Smart ... Garrick Hagon
Russel Smart Jnr. ... Jamie Thomas King

Based on the book by Elizabeth Smart,
Adapted for radio by Honor Borwick from the screenplay by Laura Lamson.

Director: Tristram Powell
Producer: Catherine Bailey

A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Drama

By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4