The epic conclusion of the classic medical drama set in the Welsh valleys in the days before the NHS

Listen now to a moment in history, brought to life in this full-cast dramatisation of the classic novel. This wonderful and immersive production continues the story of Dr Andrew Manson, an idealistic, newly-trained GP trying to find his place in 1930s Wales. Dramas both big and small play out across Manson's personal and professional life as he battles with the realities of life in a rural mining village. Nye Bevan was so inspired by AJ Cronin’s award-winning 1937 novel The Citadel, that it was part of the inspiration behind his creation of the NHS.

Series 7: It's 1929, and Dr Denny indirectly causes Manson's young daughter Gwyneth to have an accident, leading to drastic action. Meanwhile, Dr Denny believes a young boxer might be his son.

Series 8: It's 1930, Dr. Manson is in London hoping to get the Minister of Health's support for the Welsh Valley. Dr. Denny is shocked to receive a visit from a former soldier from his past, and worries that a potential epidemic is about to strike the valley.

Series 9: It is 1931 and a foundling is left on the doorstep of Dr Manson's house. Christine wants to take care of the baby, but she is heavily pregnant herself. Matters become even more complicated when an aristocratic birth control campaigner breezes into town.

Series 10: The series finale. It’s 1934. Authoritarian nationalists are coming to power all over the world. Democracies are faltering and war looms. The global economy is in trouble, benefits are being cut, and health provision is buckling as needs increase. Is there any hope for Dr Manson and his patients…?

Cast and credits

Written by A. J. Cronin

Adapted by Christopher Reason, Tom Needham and Mike Harris

Directed by Gary Brown (s7-9) and Tracey Neale (s10)

Produced by Pauline Harris, Gary Brown and Tracey Neale

Dr Denny - Matthew Gravelle
Dr Manson - Rupert Hill (S7) / Richard Fleeshman (S8-10)
Christine - Jenny Platt (S7) / Catrin Stewart (S8-10)
Gwyneth - Charlotte Sienna Lee
Ivan Brice - Joe Belham
Returning Officer/Bryn the Book - Gerrard Fletcher
Announcer/Referee/Tom Evans - Jason Done
Aled Evans - James Kelly
Frank Trevithick - Carl Prekopp
Mrs. Trevithick/Mrs. Thomas - Jennie Platt
Dylan Thomas - Luca Rawlinson
Freddy/Policeman - Rupert Hill
Mrs. Roberts /Mrs. Powell/Receptionist - Kath Weare
Arthur Greenwood - Conrad Nelson
Eleanor/Bronwyn/Frances - Emily Pithon
Dai/Father Michael - Stephen Marzella
Olwyn - Sacha Parkinson
Gwynnie - Juno Robinson
Joseph Hofman - Allan Corduner
Maurice Hofman - Joe Coen
Dafyd Jones/Eddie - Ifan Meredith

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4th - 8th May 2020 (series 7), 16th - 17th June 2021 (series 8), 27th July - 3rd August 2023 (series 9), 1st – 2nd April 2026 (series 10)

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