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