A classic BBC Radio adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novels of adventure and romance

First published in 1886, Robert Louis Stevenson's rollicking historical novel Kidnapped was an instant bestseller. It was followed by an 1893 sequel, Catriona, which Stevenson regarded as his 'high water mark', declaring that he would 'never do a better book'. Included here is the epic 10-part BBC radio dramatisation of both action-packed tales.

Narrated by the central character, David Balfour, this riveting retelling sees him looking back over his eventful life and recalling his escapades as a young man. It begins in 1751, with Scotland in turmoil in the aftermath of the Jacobite rebellion. Newly orphaned, 17-year-old David sets out for Edinburgh and the House of Shaws, to meet his rich Uncle Ebenezer. Betrayed by his scheming relative and kidnapped, he finds himself aboard the brig Covenant, to be sold into slavery in America - but the ship has a castaway on board, a certain Alan Breck...

Though David is a Lowlander and Alan a Highland Jacobite, the two become fast friends. Together they face danger on the high seas and in the Scottish wilderness, as they head south to confront the treacherous Ebenezer and claim David's fortune. But even with his inheritance secured, our hero's adventures are not over. He must find safe passage to France for Alan, endeavour to prove a man's innocence - and win the heart of Catriona, the feisty granddaughter of infamous outlaw Rob Roy McGregor.

David Rintoul stars as David Balfour, with Paul Young as Alan Breck and Gerda Stevenson as Catriona. Among the distinguished cast are Rikki Fulton, Sandy Neilson, Rose McBain, Iain Cuthbertson and Siobhan Redmond.

First published 1886 (Kidnapped) and 1893 (Catriona)

Production credits

Written by Robert Louis Stevenson

Dramatised by Catherine L. Czerkawska

Directed by Marilyn Imrie

Cast

David Balfour - David Rintoul

Alan Breck - Paul Young

Ebenezer Balfour - Rikki Fulton

Hoseason - Jonathan Battersby

Campbell - John Shedden

Ransome/Seaman - Ray Dunsire

Jennet - Marilyn Gray

Landlord/Seaman - Tam Dean Burn

Riach - Billy Riddoch

Shuan/Seaman - Stuart Bishop

Gaelic fisherman/Highland gillie/Gaelic servant/Neil - John Carmichael

Mr Henderland - Henry Stamper

Crofter - Ian Stewart

Neil Roy - Iain Agnew

Mungo - Brown Derby

Colin Campbell - Sandy Neilson

James of the Glens - Bob Docherty

Mistress Stewart - Rose McBain

Cluny Macpherson - David McKail

John Breck MacColl - Finlay McLean

Mistress McLaren - Ann Louise Ross

Alison Hastie - Terry Cavers

Mistress Rankeillor - Harriet Buchan

Rankeillor - Gerard Slevin

Torrance - Iain Wotherspoon

Stewart the Writer - Iain Cuthbertson

Catriona - Gerda Stevenson

The Lord Advocate Prestongrange - Russell Hunter

James More - Alec Heggie

Balfour of Pilrig - Michael Elder

Simon Fraser - John McGlynn

Barbara Grant - Siobhan Redmond

Isabella Grant - Ann Lannan

Jean Grant - Hilary Lyon

Woman/Goodwife - Ann Scott Jones

Porter/Robin Oig - John Buick

Servant - Simon Donald

Mistress Ogilvy - Edith MacArthur

Duncansby - Ian Briggs

Robert Macintosh - Leon Sinden

Andy Dale - Tony Roper

Sheriff - Paul Kermack

Duke of Argyle - Charles Kearney

Duncan Dhu McLaren - Simon Donald

Doig - John Shedden

Capt Sang - Don Gallagher

Sprott - Finlay Welsh

First broadcast BBC Radio 4 16th June - 25th August 1985