Hard Times

Hard Times is a four-part British television drama miniseries based on Charles Dickens' 1854 novel of the same name, a survey of English society and a satirisation of 19th century social and economic conditions. Wealthy, retired Coketown merchant Thomas Gradgrind devotes his life to a philosophy of rationalism, self-interest, and fact. He raises his eldest children, Louisa and Tom, according to this philosophy and never allows them to engage in fanciful or imaginative pursuits.

• Malcolm ArnoldOriginal Music Composer
• Arthur HopcraftWriter

• Patrick AllenThomas Gradgrind
• Timothy WestJosiah Bounderby
• Jacqueline TongLouisa Gradgrind
• Richard WrenTom Gradgrind
• Rosalie CrutchleyMrs Sparsit
• Michelle DibnahSissy Jupe