Thomas Hardy - A Pair Of Blue Eyes

THOMAS HARDY - A PAIR OF BLUE EYES (320kbs-m4a/379mb/2hrs45mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 18th to 20th August 2026

The autobiographical nature of Thomas Hardy's early novel caused much intrigue when it was first published.

Set on the wild Cornish coast (where Hardy courted his first wife), it tells the story of Elfride.

She is the beautiful daughter of a local parson, whose fate it is to be loved by two very different men.

Starring Janet Maw and Michael Maloney.

Thomas Hardy's novel, first published in 1873.

Dramatised in three parts by Jane Beeson.

Pianist: Stuart Hutchinson

Director: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1982

THOMAS HARDY - A PAIR OF BLUE EYES - 1. THE ARCHITECT (320kbs-m4a/124mb/54mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 18th August 2026

Her first suitor is a young architect working on her father's church, but a mystery surrounds his past which - when revealed - is to cause her much anguish.

Elfride Swancourt .... Janet Maw
Stephen Smith .... Michael Maloney
Parson Swancourt .... Nigel Stock
John Smith .... Alan Dudley
Mrs Smith .... Katherine Parr
Martin/Driver .... Sean Arnold
Postman .... Michael Tudor Barnes
Kate .... Jill Lidstone
Polly .... Patience Tomlinson

THOMAS HARDY - A PAIR OF BLUE EYES - 2. THE MAN OF LETTERS (320kbs-m4a/127mb/55mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 19th August 2026

Stephen Smith writes again to Elfride Swancourt, saying he can't wait for them to get married.

However, Elfride can't imagine being married to him now.

Having met Mr Knight, she thinks Stephen is more like a brother....

Henry Knight .... Jeremy Irons
Elfride Swancourt .... Janet Maw
Stephen Smith .... Michael Maloney
Parson Swancourt .... Nigel Stock
Mrs Swancourt .... Vivian Pickles
Mrs Jethway .... Anna Wing
Lord Luxellian .... Christopher Scott
Unity .... Sheila Grant
John Smith .... Alan Dudley

THOMAS HARDY - A PAIR OF BLUE EYES - 3. ELFRIDE DECIDES (320kbs-m4a/127mb/55mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 20th August 2026

Since their accidental encounter with her old love Stephen in the church, Elfride is painfully resolved to tell Henry Knight the truth about her past.

Yet she cannot bring herself to do so - frightened by what she expects his reaction to be and desperate for just one more day's happiness.

But too much procrastinating could be her downfall...

Henry Knight .... Jeremy Irons
Elfride .... Janet Maw
Stephen Smith .... Michael Maloney
Parson Swancourt .... Nigel Stock
Mrs Swancourt .... Vivian Pickles
Lord Luxellian .... Christopher Scott
Unity .... Sheila Grant
Mrs Jethway .... Anna Wing
Blacksmith .... George Parsons
Jack .... John Livesey