Heralding the return of Sir Tom Stoppard to British television, BBC Two’s Parade’s End stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall.
Adapted from a quartet of novels by Ford Madox Ford, the epic five-part mini-series is directed by Susanna White (Bleak House).
Parade’s End is set during a formative period of British history – from the twilight years of the Edwardian era to the end of the First World War. At its centre is English aristocrat Christopher Tietjens (Cumberbatch), his beautiful but wilful wife Sylvia (Hall), and Valentine Wannop, a young suffragette, played by Logie-nominated actress Adelaide Clemens.
The supporting cast includes Roger Allam, Anne-Marie Duff, Rupert Everett, Stephen Graham, Clare Higgins, Janet McTeer, Miranda Richardson, Rufus Sewell, Freddie Fox, Jack Huston and Geoffrey Palmer.
Episode 1
Friday 24th August 2012, 9pm
In the dying days of Edwardian England, aristocrat Christopher Tietjens enters into a destructive marriage with the beautiful but cruel socialite Sylvia. Ignoring her overt flirtation with other men, Christopher resolves to remain faithful to her, even when he encounters fearless young suffragette Valentine.
Episode 2
Friday 31st August 2012, 9pm
While Sylvia and Christopher are publicly reunited, their private relationship remains turbulent. In the run up to war Christopher finds himself torn between his marriage vows and his feelings for Valentine.
Episode 3
Friday 7th September 2012, 9.30pm
Vicious rumours about Christopher abound, leading to tragedy at his family estate, Groby. Sylvia finds a new admirer who proves a distraction as the war continues and Valentine moves to London. Meanwhile Edith and MacMaster plan a new life together.
Episode 4
Friday 14th September 2012, 9pm
At Rouen, an exhausted Christopher prepares soldiers for the draft. Back in London Sylvia decides to visit her husband in France, oblivious to the consequences her trip will have for him.
Episode 5
Friday 21st September 2012, 9pm
Christopher is sent to the Front with McKechnie and Perowne. While Valentine waits for news of Christopher, Sylvia – now ensconced at Groby – makes one final, desperate play for him.
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