King of Bath

David Bamber stars in this comedy drama about the adventures and misadventures of 18th-century dandy Richard ‘Beau’ Nash In the fashionable spa town of Bath, one man is the arbiter of taste and the epitome of elegance: the self-proclaimed ‘King of Bath’, Beau Nash. In his capacity as Master of Ceremonies, he presides over the city’s social life, arranging balls and concerts for the ‘ton’, keeping a discreet eye on distinguished visitors and smoothing over any quarrels or disagreements. In these six episodes, he has his work cut out for him, as he saves an heiress from her wealthy aunt’s wrath; comes up against a duelling German Count to avert a looming tragedy; and endeavours to hide his Welsh origins to gain royal approval for his cordial. He also helps his nephew Ambrose realise his dream of running a school, does his best to compromise a Methodist minister; and turns detective to track down a highwayman – only to find that all the clues point to him... Full of farcical fun, this entertaining historical sitcom by Arnold Evans stars David Bamber (Pride and Prejudice, Rome) as Beau Nash, with Eiry Thomas (The Pact) as his loyal housemaid Annie. Production credits Written by Arnold Evans Directed by Alison Hindell Composer: John Hardy Cast Beau Nash – David Bamber Annie – Eiry Thomas Lucy – Lynn Seymour Hazlitt – Peter Gunn Fanny – Alice Arnold Dr Cheyne/Count von Richthofen/Sir Percy – Andrew Wincott Mr Trout/Daniel Brewster – Simon Ludders Fintan Fitzgerald – Richard Nichols Poppy – Lesley Rooney Lady Huntingdon – Rosamund Shelley Pryderi – Iestyn Jones Widow Perkins – Stevie Parry Ambrose – James Westaway Mr Whistle – Brendan Charleson Joshua – James Greene Dr Collins – Patrick Collins Mrs Collins – Manon Edwards Ned – Stephen Thorne Sophia – Claire Cage First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 22 February – 29 March 1999 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.