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About Kidnapped and Catriona

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 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd