The Stage

Steadman, Speer and Bond unite in BBC4’s Fanny Hill

Published Friday 13 July 2007 at 11:30 by Matthew Hemley

Alison Steadman will join Hugo Speer and Samantha Bond in a new version of John Cleland’s 18th century novel Fanny Hill for BBC4.

The novel, which was written by Cleland while he served time in prison in 1748, has been adapted by Andrew Davies, the man behind BBC1’s Bleak House serialisation.

It tells the story of a young country girl called Fanny Hill, played by newcomer Rebecca Night, who falls into prostitution.

In the two-part adaptation, Steadman plays Mrs Brown, owner of a brothel, with Bond as rival madam Mrs Coles.

Speer appears as Mr H, one of Fanny Hill’s most demanding clients.

Davies said: “Fanny Hill is a book I have enjoyed a lot over the years but I never thought it would be commissioned.

“I’m delighted we will be able to introduce the audience to the novel’s great literary qualities as well as it’s more erotic elements.”

The drama was commissioned by controller of BBC Fiction Jane Tranter and is being made for BBC4 by Sally Head Productions, whose previous productions include Fingersmith and Tipping The Velvet.

It is directed by James Hawes, whose previous credits include Miss Marie Lloyd: Queen of the Music Hall.