Pilgrim Series

The first four series of the original BBC Radio 4 fantastical drama series set in a world almost, but not quite, like our own. Paul Hilton stars as William Palmer, the immortal, reluctant and unthanked hero protecting mankind from an enemy they resist believing in: the Grey Folk. Thrilling, dark and contemporary, the dramas are set in a recognisable present day, but one haunted by the folktales of the British Isles: drowned villages, changeling children, werewolves and unruly nature spirits. Duration: 11 hours 40 mins.

Paul Hilton stars as Pilgrim in the final three series of the award-winning BBC Radio 4 supernatural drama by Sebastian Baczkiewicz.

In 1185, William Palmer was making pilgrimage to Canterbury. Unbeknown to him, his fellow pilgrim was the King of the Greyfolk. When William claimed that the Church would eradicate belief in the Faerie world, he was cursed by the Faerie King and condemned to walk forever between the worlds of magic and of men.

In these three series, Pilgrim continues on his mission to preserve the uneasy balance between the two worlds and protect mankind from an enemy they resist believing in. His quests include searching for the 'Radiant Boy', a sinister harbinger of impending death; acquiring copper, silver and gold to rescue a group of people trapped in a mine by a malevolent spirit; and tracking down and punishing a former friend who has betrayed him. After so many centuries, will his curse be lifted and his wanderings finally come to an end?

Starring Paul Hilton as the immortal, reluctant and unthanked hero, this award-winning series weaves together ancient myths, magic and contemporary realism to create a dark, thrilling and enchanting fantasy epic that will stay with you long after Pilgrim's story ends. Duration: 9 hours approx.

Every year, on the winter solstice, the small town of Melcombe observes an annual custom, the roots and meaning of which are lost in the mists of time. A torch-lit procession to the ancient tomb of Cairndale Knapp, overlooking the town, puts the old sun to bed, and greets the new sun in the morning, restoring balance to the year.

This year, however, Mr Sam Notice has bought the Knapp, and has set about landscaping it. And, with the felling of an ancient yew tree, the roots and meaning of the old custom spring malevolently to life, as the Winter Queen is finally released from her prison, and bent on revenge.

Told over the two days of the winter solstice - Pilgrim walks again between the worlds of magick and of men.

Pilgrim walks again between the worlds of magick and of men in this eerie supernatural adventure

Fated to eternally walk the line between the worlds of faerie and men, reluctant hero Pilgrim finds himself facing an old adversary in this superbly uncanny two-parter.

When he donates a priceless portrait to the struggling Timbermoor Museum to ensure it stays open, there's one particular shabby exhibit Pilgrim hopes to keep safe. So he's disconcerted to hear that the item in question, Cochrane's Boot, has got lost in transit.

But someone has found it - and unleashed the spirit within it. Troubled teen Rabbit Owen has been shunned by the townsfolk since he unwittingly caused the death of his friend, but now, with the help of his 'auntie', it's payback time...

Meanwhile, guilt-ridden museum curator John Wayne pays a visit to the exclusive, elusive Grey Lodge Chalets, situated in an ancient grove deep in the heart of the woods. He needs to speak to one of the residents, but first he must deliver a tithe to the sinister supervisor, Mr Buttoner. John is willing to pay - but he has no idea how high the price will be.

With the Timbermoor Imp, Sally Mop, liberated from her prison, Rabbit is riding high - and as Hallowe'en arrives and the locals prepare to gather around the Sun Stone for their annual celebrations, the stage is set for a much darker ritual. Can Pilgrim save John from a dance with death, turn Rabbit away from revenge, and prevent a terrible sacrifice?

Cast:
William Palmer ..... Paul Hilton
John ..... Stefan Adegbola
Rabbit ..... Louis Jay Jordan
Amy ..... Charlotte East
Piper ..... Katie Redford
Vaughan ..... Luke Nunn
Eddie/Mr Buttoner ..... Roger Ringrose
Sally ..... Jane Whittenshaw
Janice ..... Ellie Piercy
Ginger ..... Emma Handy
Produced by Marc Beeby and directed by Jessica Dromgoole
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23-30 October 2020