Sketches by Boz

Slices of 19th-century London life from the pen of Charles DickensHere are ten gloriously comic stories from Sketches by Boz, Charles Dickens' earliest collection of short pieces in which he honed his literary genius. Each tale is dramatised by Dr Stephen Wyatt with a full cast. (c)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution LtdCast and creditsWritten by Charles DickensDramatised by Dr Stephen WyattDirected by Sally AvensStarring Nicholas Farrell as BozThe Tuggses at RamsgateThe nouveau riche Tugg family discover that money cannot buy you love.Cast: Christopher Hancock, Frances Jeater, Colleen Prendergast, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Sean Baker, Tracy-Ann ObermanFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 September 1998The Bloomsbury ChristeningThe arrival of a bouncing baby boy is wonderful news - but not for miserable misanthrope Nicodemus Dumps.Cast: Alison Reid, Geoffrey Whitehead, Robert Harper, Charlie Simpson, Elaine PykeFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8 September 1998The Great Winglebury DuelAlexander Trott finds it is possible to become betrothed in even the most trying circumstances.Cast: Peter Gunn, Julia Deakin, David Timson, Kim Wall and David AntrobusFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 September 1998The Private Theatricals of Mrs Joseph PorterA household becomes obsessed with amateur dramatics - with farcical results.Cast: Geoffrey Whitehead, Frances Jeater, David Antrobus, Jane Holm, Shirley Dixon, Charles SimpsonFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 22 September 1998Mr Watkins TottleAll Mr Tottle wants is to enter the blessed state of matrimony - but the course of true love never did run smooth.Cast: David Collings, John Hartley, Jenny Howe, Patience Tomlinson, Christopher ScottFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 29 September 1998Love and OystersMeeting an oyster seller sparks disruption for orderly John Dounce.Cast: David Calder, Samantha Spiro, Siriol Jenkins, Elizabeth Conboy, David Allister, loan MeredithFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 July 1999The Steam ExcursionA boat trip on the Thames proves the undoing of 'paragon of perfection' Percy Noakes.Cast: Marston Bloom, Shirley Dixon, Joanna Monro, Jeremy Swift, Becky Hindley, Ben Crowe, Stephen CritchlowFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 July 1999SentimentThe Crumpton sisters are delighted when an MP's daughter arrives at their finishing school - until a romantic attachment comes to light.Cast: Patience Tomlinson, Jane Booker, Gerard Murphy, Tilly Gaunt, Harry Myers, Elizabeth Conboy, Michael MuellerFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 July 1999The Boarding HouseThe respectability of Mrs Tibbs' residential establishment is threatened by a mysterious new lodger.Cast: Imelda Staunton, Annette Badland, Christopher Hancock, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Stephen Critchlow, Peter Gunn, Jason O'MaraFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 July 1999Horatio SparkinsThe snobbish Maldertons are thrilled when their unmarried daughter receives the attentions of the gentlemanly Mr Sparkins. But who exactly is he?Cast: David Haig, Tessa Worsley, Sarah-Jane Holm, Adrian Schiller, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Patrick BarlowFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2 August 1999