Timothy West takes on the role of Rumpole in these two thrilling dramas featuring the wily magician of the Old Bailey at his implacable best

Rumpole on Trial
Rumpole takes up the cause of young Bertie Timson, whose sole ‘crime’ seems to be playing football in the street. As he endeavours to defend our ancient freedoms, he becomes uneasy about exactly what his wife Hilda is up to in her continuing friendship with a high court judge.

Going for Silk
Having narrowly avoided an ASBO himself, Rumpole hopes to become a QC at last. But first he must turn his attention back to the Timson case, while also preparing to defend a young man charged with the murder of a prostitute.

Timothy West stars as Rumpole and Prunella Scales as Hilda, with Nigel Anthony as Claude Erskine-Brown and Michael Cochrane as ‘Soapy Sam’ Ballard.

Cast and production credits:
Written by John Mortimer
Directed by Marilyn Imrie

Rumpole on Trial
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 May 2008
Horace Rumpole – Timothy West
Hilda Rumpole – Prunella Scales
‘Soapy Sam’ Ballard – Michael Cochrane
Bonny Bernard – Nicholas Le Provost
Prosecutor Parkes – Roger May
Madam Chair of Magistrates – Jillie Mears
Graham Wetherby – David Holt
Lars Bergman – Matthew Morgan
Judge Bullingham – David Shaw-Parker
Fig Newton – Geoffrey Whitehead

Going for Silk
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 May 2008
Horace Rumpole – Timothy West
Hilda Rumpole – Prunella Scales
Bonny Bernard – Nicholas Le Provost
Anna McKinnon – Jillie Mears
Prosecutor Noakes – Matthew Morgan
Police Doctor – Roger May
Judge Barnes – Geoffrey Whitehead
Graham Wetherby – David Holt
Det Insp Belfrage – David Shaw-Parker