Almonds and Raisins

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Drama on 4: Almonds and Raisins: Almonds and Raisins: Episode 1

Almonds and Raisins: Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Almonds and Raisins, Almonds and Raisins: Episode 1

Based on the novel by Maisie Mosco an epic family saga about Jewish refugees in England.

It is 1905 and the Sandberg family have escaped persecution from their homeland in Russia.  Penniless and homeless, now they must start a new life in Manchester.

Based on the novel by Maisie Mosco 
Dramatized by Adam Usden

Episode 1

An epic Jewish family saga, beginning in Manchester in 1905. 

The Sandberg family have escaped persecution from their homeland in Russia. They arrive as refugees in Strangeways, Manchester, where they must start a new life. Avraham, a cobbler from Dvinsk tries to find work in the many Jewish garment factories housed in the cramped terraces. His wife Sarah tries to settle the kids but has her heart set on her own home.   

Sarah ...... Emma Leah Goldman 
Avraham ...... Daniel Abelson 
David ...... Aaron Gelkoff 
Sammy ...... Yoni Bronks
Isaac ...... David Fleeshman 
Rabbi Lensky ...... Jack Wagman 
Malka ...... Katie Bernstein 
Chaim ...... Lishai Rice
Uncle Mottel ...... Lloyd Peters 


Casting co-ordinators-Vicky Moseley and Pippa Day
Production co-ordinator-Lorna Newman
Studio Manager- Amy Brennan
Sound Designer- Sharon Hughes
Director/Producers- Jessica Mitic and Gary Brown

A BBC Studios Audio Production


From 1791 to 1917 thousands of Jews lived in 'The Pale of Settlement' in the west of the Russian Empire. Then after 1881 when the Tsar was assassinated, the Jews were unfairly blamed and there were many violent pogroms. Thousands fled to America and Western Europe to escape. For many English Jews this is their family's story. Their ancestors mainly went to the East End of London. But several thousand settled in northern cities such as Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. The Jewish garment industry of the north went on to change the landscape of the British high street. Brands like Marks and Spencer (set up in Leeds Market), Burtons and Moss Brothers were part of the warp and the weft of twentieth century retailing.

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