A sprawling multi-generational saga based on Maisie Mosco’s bestselling trilogy about Jewish refugees in northern England

1905. Fleeing the Russian pogroms, the Sandberg clan arrive in the Jewish ghetto of Strangeways, Manchester. Destitute but resilient, they set out to forge a new life in this bleak, bewildering industrial landscape. Avraham, the head of the household, finds work in a garment factory, while his wife Sarah is overjoyed to simply have her own home. But it is their bright son David, who holds the key to their future. When he wins a scholarship to the prestigious Manchester Grammar School, his eyes are opened to a world of glittering opportunity – yet he soon finds himself increasingly torn between his religion and the culture of his adopted country.

Years later, a grown-up David has become the breadwinner, and started a relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Miriam. But troubled times lie ahead – and the Great War and its shattering aftermath will change everything… As David’s professional star rises, he achieves the wealth and status he’d always dreamed of, only to discover that money can’t buy him happiness. And as the first whispers of fascism start to filter through Europe, his younger brother, Nat, embarks on a clandestine romance that will tear the family apart. Decades afterwards, matriarch Sarah gathers her children for her 90th birthday, in a last attempt to heal old wounds. Can she finally bring her divided descendants together?

Starring Emma Leah Golding, Daniel Abelson, Aaron Gelkoff, Ashley Margolis and Lilit Lesser, this riveting drama tells the bittersweet story of one Jewish family living through the changing times of 20th century Britain.

Production credits

Based on the novel by Maisie Mosco

Dramatised by Adam Usden

Produced and directed by Jessica Mitic, Gary Brown and Nadia Molinari

Casting Co-ordinators: Vicky Moseley and Pippa Day

Production Co-ordinators: Lorna Newman and Ben Hollands

Studio Manager: Amy Brennan

Sound Designer: Sharon Hughes

Technical Producers: Andrew Garrett and Sam Dickinson

Assisant Technical Producer: Amritleen Rhandawa

Casting Manager: Alex Curran

Cast

Sarah – Emma Leah Golding

Avraham – Daniel Abelson

David – Aaron Gelkoff/Ashley Margolis

Sammy – Yoni Bronks

Isaac – David Fleeshman/Richard Katz

Rabbi Lensky/Sigmund – Jack Wagman

Malka – Katie Bernstein

Chaim – Lishai Rice

Uncle Mottel/Butcher – Lloyd Peters

Rachel – Leah Marks

Miriam – Severn Seymour/Lilit Lesser

Radinsky – Hamilton Berstock

Jim – Olly Rhodes

Dr Smolensky – Richard Katz

Bessie – Helen Reuben

Harry/Ibrahim – Ashley Margolis

Selima/Clara – Lilit Lesser

The Pharaoh/Lieutenant Abbot/The Doctor – Ziad Abaza

Series 3 cast TBC

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16-18 July 2024 (Series 1), 30 December 2025-13 January 2026 (Series 2), (Series 3)

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