A BBC radio dramatisation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's much-loved children's story


Brought from India to chilly, fog-bound London, Sara Crewe is enrolled as a pupil at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies. Her doting father, Captain Crewe, has provided her with fine clothes and luxuries fit for a princess, and she attracts envious attention. But Sara soon wins friends with her kindness, taking the school's misfits under her wing, and telling them wonderful stories to cheer them up. Yet despite her best efforts, her spiteful classmate Lavinia and mean headmistress Miss Minchin remain determined to dislike her.

Then one day, Sara receives some terrible news. Her father has died, and his fortune is lost. Suddenly penniless, Sara is stripped of all her possessions and forced to become a servant. Banished to the attic with only her dreams to sustain her, will her courage, warm heart and imagination see her through?

First published in 1905, Frances Hodgson Burnett's timeless tale has captured the hearts of generations, and is frequently ranked among the best children's novels of all time. This enchanting adaptation stars Ellie Beaven as Sara, with Julia McKenzie as Miss Minchin and Nicky Henson as Captain Crewe.

Production credits
Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Dramatised by Dave Simpson
Directed by Martin Jameson
Executive producer: Diane Whitley
Music composed by Robert Rigby

Cast
Miss Minchin - Julia McKenzie
Captain Crewe - Nicky Henson
Sara- Ellie Beaven
Saeed/Ram Dass - Ravin J Gunatra
Amelia - Fenella Norman
Monsieur Dufarge/Mr Carmichael - Timothy Morand
Mr Barrow/Removal man - Anthony Jackson
Shop assistant - Jilly Bond
Maid/Baker woman - Ali Hames
Becky - Emma Copeland
Ermengarde - Danielle Nelson
Lavinia - Lucy Kent
Jessie - Sasha Hannau
Lottie - Becky Simpson
Mr Carrisford - Robert Glenister
Janet - Sara MacDonald
Beggar girl - Carla Prosser
Donald - Max Wrottesley

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 December 1996


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