The Gibson

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