The Beginning of Spring by Penelope Fitzgerald (Omnibus)

Penelope Fitzgerald's novel of an English family in Moscow, first published in 1988.

The winter of 1913 finds Frank Reid, owner of a printing company, abandoned by his wife.

First Nellie takes their three children with her, then she sends them back to Frank.

Frank Reid is not being helped by his accountant, Selwyn.

The English Chaplaincy has a scary resident and now a shop girl has taken on nannying duties.

Eventually, Frank Reid has something to ask beautiful new nanny Lisa.

Omnibus of five parts dramatised by Penny Leicester.

Narrator: Clare Higgins.

Frank ........ Richard McCabe
Selwyn ........ David Bamber
Nellie ........ Jennifer Lee
Jellicorse/ Dolly ........ Charlotte Ellis.

Other parts played by:

Sonia Ritter
Rachel Atkins
Samuel Barnet
Richard Bremmer
David Collins

Producer: Tim Dee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2010.