Victoria Station

Synopsis

The complete Series 1 and 2 of the historical drama set in a bustling Midlands railway station in the Victorian eraIn these two series, set on selected dates in January 1895 and December 1896, we follow the day-to-day shenanigans of Bridgford station master Joe Braddock and his staff, along with a motley crew of passengers and passers-by. Each episode is a self-contained drama, as well as telling the ongoing story of the crises and challenges tackled by the team, and their rivalries, enmities, friendships and burgeoning romances.As Series 1 begins, a goods train is derailed - just as a VIP visitor is about to arrive. As the crew scramble to clear the line, it becomes evident that the accident has damaged the Sherwood Tunnel: and something sinister lurks within. When a man is found dead, a public inquiry is launched - and as a second disaster looms, Signalman Fred Roberts fights to clear his name...In Series 2, newly promoted Regional Superintendent Archibald Cripps is hatching a plot to replace Joe as Station Manager. Adding to Joe's worries are a painful tooth, pickpockets, fare-dodgers and his daughter Josie's relationship with porter Jack Robson. But when a train gets stuck in a snowdrift, with a young pregnant woman on board, it's up to Joe and his rescue party to save the day - even if it means getting fired...Written by Steve Chambers (HighLites), these gentle, engaging plays take us back to a bygone age of travel, when the railways ruled the roost. They star Sean Baker as Joe Braddock, with a full cast including Philip Jackson, Christopher Scott, Julia Ford, Colleen Prendergast, Pauline Letts and John Hartley.First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 January-1 February 1995 (Series 1), 27 November-18 December 1996 (Series 2)CreditsWritten by Steve ChambersDirected by David Hunter, Celia de Wolff and Marion NancarrowTechnical presentation by Richard Beadsmore, Keith Graham, David Blount, Tim Sturgeon, Ian Harker and Hilary CarruthersCastJoe Braddock - Sean BakerTidmarsh - Philip Jackson/Christopher ScottJosie - Julia Ford/Colleen PrendergastAda - Pauline LettsFred Roberts - John HartleyMr Cripps/Moran/Woodcock - Gavin MuirPhoebe - Becky HindleySydney - Tom BevanJackson - Joshua Towb/Chris PavloWheeler - Tom Knight/Keith DrinkelRobson - Lloyd Notice/Robert HarperMrs Brook Hammond - Frances JeaterGeneral Booth/Blind man - Michael Tudor BarnesParkin - Michael Tudor Barnes/Stephen ThorneGirl thief/Sheena - Deborah BerlinProfessor Geider - David CollingsMcCarthy - Ian MastersLydia - Geraldine FitzgeraldHancock - Nicholas Collett/Alex LoweEllen Davison - Annabel MullionSarah - Elizabeth AnsonCrippled John - Ronald HerdmanRussian acrobat - David B MillerReverend Sentence/Dr Keeble - George ParsonsMeat porter - Ian PeckPurvis - Oliver SentonNellie - Jane SlavinHall/Mr Newton - Peter WhitmanSheena MacDonald - Deborah BerlinMrs MacDonald/Miss Walker - Jilly BondMr MacDonald - Peter YappDr Pettigrew - David HoltTuffnell/Mr Alcock - Don McCorkindaleSir James Chettle/Ridley - Stephen ThorneMrs Peabody - Joyce GibbsHickman - Tim SeelyJamie - Ian TaylorCaptain Hargreaves - Mark BonnarBishop - James TaylorBert - Peter GunnColonel Smithers-Jenkins/Holbrook/Farmer White/Mr Jenkins - Ioan MeredithFlorrie - Amanda GordonFlora - Tracy WilesMrs Ellen Scrimshaw - Ann BeachDr Marie Pascal - Alice ArnoldHarry - James DaleyDora - Ashley MoorePaper Seller - Kim WallJanet/Jane Cakebread - Joanna MonroMary - Adjoa AndohMiss Joseph - Mary RoscoeMrs Gunn/Lady Casterton - Shirley Dixon©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd