Description
Join us for this special online talk with iconic screenwriter Andrew Davies, who brought us the much-loved adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters (1999) alongside some of the best-loved film and TV of the last forty years, including the legendary BBC series of Pride and Prejudice (1995) starring Colin Firth.
His adaptation of Wives and Daughters was a delightful interpretation, perfectly bringing to life ‘the most underrated novel in English’. The story centres on young Molly’s response to her father’s new marriage and its impact on those around her.
Set in a small English country town, Andrew Davies’ screenplay peeled back the layers of Elizabeth Gaskell’s final work to reflect the book’s comedy and the pathos of provincial life. The series brought out the story’s wit and charm, encouraged new readers and created new fans of Elizabeth Gaskell.
Andrew Davies is in conversation with writer Caroline Malcolm-Boulton as they consider his prolific career. How did he interpret Elizabeth Gaskell for the small screen? What challenges are there for a writer working with classic novels? Why do these stories continue to hold such appeal?
Emmy award-winning Andrew Davies is responsible for a host of classic adaptations including Middlemarch (1994), Emma (1996), Vanity Fair (1998), Bleak House (2005), Sense and Sensibility (2008) and Sanditon (2019) alongside modern adaptations such as Bridget Jones’ Diary and Bridget Jones – The Edge of Reason.
Caroline Malcolm-Boulton, also known as The Scribbler CMB, has always cherished the classics and is now a fanfic writer and journalist, striving to introduce as many people as possible to Elizabeth Gaskell’s work.
Recorded December 2025.
On purchase, you will be sent a link to this talk. Please note, due to the file size it may take a few minutes for the talk to load.
Celebrating the life and literature of Elizabeth Gaskell, Manchester’s most famous Victorian writer. A restored Victorian middle-class house in the heart of a UNESCO City of Literature.
House, Garden and Tea Room open every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11am-4.30pm (last entry 3pm). Second-hand books also on sale from the House.
Pre-booking advised via the website.
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