The Gibson

Summary

Robert Glenister stars in this time-hopping supernatural thriller set in (and under) Bath

1999, and aspiring poet Saul Judd is living quietly in Bath with his wife Elise and son Thomas. But when he wins a competition he never intended to enter, he is drawn into a web of dark forces and mysterious events.

What is the link between leprous Prince Bladud, founder of Bath; a Dark Ages scribe's prophetic chronicle; a geriatric nursing home resident's warnings and a toddler's terror of 'the Gibson room'? Why is someone sending Saul threatening messages attached to assegais? And who are the Guardians - and what do they want?

As Saul struggles to put the pieces together, he unwittingly puts himself and his family in great danger. For unbeknownst to him, an ancient power source is buried under a hill outside Bath, and two rival factions have been battling for millennia to control it. As the city gears up to celebrate the opening of the Bath Festival, Saul must prepare for the endgame - and for the fight of his life...

Created by award-winning scriptwriter Bruce Bedford, this gripping science fiction series stars Robert Glenister as Saul, with Sharon Duce, Freddie Jones, John Telfer and Timothy West.


Directed by Andy Jordan
Original music composed by Thomas Johnson
Music realised by Robin Lever
Special effects: Dick Mills (BBC Radiophonic Workshop)

Cast
Saul Judd - Robert Glenister
Elise Judd - Sharon Duce
Scribe - Freddie Jones
Scribe's Wife/Thomas - Kate Binchy
Haensel Sethria - Constance Chapman
Prince Bladud - John Telfer
Rough Peasant - Trevor Cooper
Karim el Hatel - Sam Dastor
Chairwoman - June Barrie
Northern Man - Geoff Serle
Guardian/Optician/Narrator - Jonathan Adams
Selwyn Fist - Timothy West
Rita - Liz Goulding
Priscus - Gordon Reid
Roman Stranger - Michael Stroud
Landlord/Alan- Jonathan Tafler
Roman Officer - John Abineri
Miss Dewhurst - Zoe Hicks
Martin - Steve Woodward
Tracey - Katy Carmichael
Newsreader/Writer - Cornelius Garrett
Leaflet Man/Guardian - Bill Bellamy
Patricia Gwent/Brownie - Melanie Hudson
Control/Link Man - Geoffrey Collins
Punch/CBS Reporter - Philip Manikum
John/Foil Leader - Paul Cresswell

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2 July-6 August 1992