BBC Radio 4 adaptations of James Hogg’s classic psychological thriller and one of his best-known stories of suspense – plus a bonus docudrama about his life
James Hogg was a farmer, poet, novelist and self-educated genius. A friend of Sir Walter Scott, he is recognised today as one of Scotland’s great writers. His masterpiece, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, has influenced authors from Robert Louis Stevenson to Irvine Welsh, and remains relevant today. Re-envisioned for radio, it is included here, alongside a chilling supernatural tale and a drama-documentary exploring his remarkable life.
Confessions of a Justified Sinner – Believing he is predestined to go to heaven, Robert Colwan has committed terrible crimes without fear of reprisal. But now, two women are determined to hold him to account. Held captive, Robert begins his confession – but the words that come out of his mouth shock Bell and Arabella to their very core. Lorn Macdonald, Shauna Macdonald and Wendy Seager star in this electrifying reimagining of James Hogg’s seminal novel about a young man radicalised by religious fervour.
The Brownie of the Black Haggs – Lady Wheelhope has a reputation as a violent and tyrannical mistress. Her servants are her pawns, to do with what she will – until the mysterious Merodach arrives, and she falls prey to a dangerous obsession… This macabre drama stars Irene Macdougall and James Chisholm.
James Hogg: Portrait of a Justified Sinner – James Hogg was patronised by Edinburgh society and disregarded by the literati of the time. Yet now he is seen in some quarters as the finest of his contemporaries. John Shedden stars as Hogg and Iain Cuthbertson as Walter Scott in this fascinating docudrama, written and presented by Hugh Douglas and with contributions from historians, literary critics and admirers of the author.
First published 1824 (The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner), 1828 (‘The Brownie of Black Haggs’)
Cast and credits
Written by James Hogg
Confessions of a Justified Sinner
Robert – Lorn Macdonald
Arabella – Shauna Macdonald
Bella – Wendy Seager
Dramatised by Robert Forrest
Directed by Kirsty Williams
Studio Recordings by Niall Young
Sound Design and Original Music by Fraser Jackson
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 Mar 2023
The Brownie of the Black Haggs
Lady Wheelhope – Irene MacDougall
The Laird – Paul Young
Merodach – James Chisholm
Bessie – Mary Riggans
Wattie – James Bryce
Adam – Alec Heggie
Dramatised by Marty Ross
Directed/produced by Bruce Young
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8 May 2003
James Hogg: Portrait of a Justified Sinner
James Hogg – John Shedden
Walter Scott – Iain Cuthbertson
Charlotte Scott – Joyce Deans
Wordsworth – Anthony Hyde
Dorothy Wordsworth – Judy Cornwell
Tibbie Shiels – Mary Riggans
Written and presented by Hugh Douglas
With Professor David Daiches, Professor Douglas Gifford, Dr David Groves, Douglas Mack, Walter Barrie, James and Doreen Mitchell, Margaret Laverick
Directed by Alec Reid
Singer: Geoffrey Davidson
Violinist: Bill McNab
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 Jan 1985
© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
- ISBN10 1529947154
- ISBN13 9781529947151
- Publish Date 5 December 2024
- Publish Status Forthcoming
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher BBC Audio, A Division Of Random House
- Imprint BBC Digital Audio
- Format Audiobook (WAV)
- Duration 2 hours and 9 minutes
- Language English