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.

Cast

Patrick Allen

Thomas Gradgrind

Timothy West

Josiah Bounderby

Jacqueline Tong

Louisa Gradgrind

Richard Wren

Tom Gradgrind

Rosalie Crutchley

Mrs Sparsit

Michelle Dibnah

Sissy Jupe