The Witch Farm

BBC Radio 4

It's 1989, rural Wales, a lonely old farmhouse in the shadow of the imposing Brecon Beacons mountains. Young, pregnant Liz Rich and her artist husband Bill rent an isolated farmhouse in the Welsh countryside, with Bill's teenage son Laurence. They're hoping for a fresh start, but the house holds dark secrets, and the family's new life becomes a terrifying ordeal that will change them forever. Their dream home has become a haunted nightmare - but what is real and what is in their minds? Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 - A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid's Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into the real-life mystery behind what has been called Britain's most haunted house.

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Episodes

Episode 1: Heol Fanog
17-10-2022
Episode 1: Heol Fanog
It’s 1989, rural Wales, a lonely old farmhouse in the shadow of the imposing Brecon Beacons mountains. Young, pregnant Liz Rich and her artist husband Bill rent an isolated farmhouse in the Welsh countryside, with Bill’s teenage son Laurence. They’re hoping for a fresh start, but the house holds dark secrets, and the family’s new life becomes a terrifying ordeal that will change them forever. Their dream home has become a haunted nightmare - but what is real and what is in their minds? Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into the real-life mystery behind what has been called Britain’s most haunted house. Cast: Bill Rich ..... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ..... Alexandra Roach Wyn Thomas ..... Owen Teale Lawrence Rich ..... Jonathan Case Electrician ..... Delme Thomas Written and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon Barnard Consultant was Mark Chadbourn, author of the book on the case, Testimony A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4
Episode 2: The Watcher
24-10-2022
Episode 2: The Watcher
Danny meets our star witness – the real-life Liz Rich, to learn more about the frightening reality of living inside what has been called Britain's most haunted house. Back in 1989, we hear how the haunting intensifies, as Bill and Liz feel a sinister presence that appears to be taking over their lives, but is it real, or is it in their heads?The Witch Farm reinvestigates a real-life haunting – a paranormal cold case that has been unsolved for nearly 30 years - until now. Set in in the beautiful, remote Welsh countryside, this terrifying true story is told through a thrilling blend of drama and documentary. Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into a real-life mystery. Cast: Bill Rich ..... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ..... Alexandra Roach Wyn Thomas ...... Owen Teale Laurence Rich ..... Jonathan Case Mr Jones ..... Ioan Hefin Written and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon Barnard Consultant was Mark Chadbourn, author of the book on the case 'Testimony' A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4
Episode 3: The Old Woman
31-10-2022
Episode 3: The Old Woman
Liz witnesses a terrifying apparition, and suddenly the haunting is no longer invisible. But is seeing believing? As she tries to solve the mystery of the apparition’s identity, Bill is becoming increasingly worried about Laurence. Could he really have become possessed by the sinister presence in the house or is the remote, lonely location playing with all their minds? Danny Robins investigates.The Witch Farm reinvestigates a real-life haunting – a paranormal cold case that has been unsolved for nearly 30 years - until now. Set in in the beautiful, remote Welsh countryside, this terrifying true story is told through a thrilling blend of drama and documentary.Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into a real-life mystery.Cast: Bill Rich ..... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ..... Alexandra Roach Laurence Rich ..... Jonathan Case Bethan Morgan ..... Rhian MorganWritten and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow Sound Design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon BarnardConsultant: Mark Chadbourn, author of the book on the case, TestimonyA Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4
Case Update 1: The First Wave
04-11-2022
Case Update 1: The First Wave
Unexplained power surges, animals going mad and terrifying apparitions… in this bonus case update, Danny discusses your questions and theories after the twists and turns of the first three episodes, talks to a new witness about the electricity drain, and reveals more about the strange events thirty years ago at Heol Fanog.The Witch Farm reinvestigates a real-life haunting – a paranormal cold case that has been unsolved for nearly 30 years - until now. Set in in the beautiful, remote Welsh countryside, this terrifying true story is told through a thrilling blend of drama and documentary.Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into a real-life mystery.Cast: Bill Rich ...... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ...... Alexandra Roach Laurence Rich ..... Jonathan Case Mr Jones ..... Ioan HefinWritten and presented by Danny Robins Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon BarnardConsultant on the show was Mark Chadbourn, whose book on the case, Testimony, was a huge help with research on this series
Episode 4: The Painted Horse
07-11-2022
Episode 4: The Painted Horse
Frightened and desperate, Liz and Bill enlist the help of a psychic medium, who becomes a divisive figure, suggesting that the haunting is the fault of somebody in the house. But, when strange, disturbing problems start affecting local farmers, Bill and Liz wonder if he could be right - are they responsible for all of this?The Witch Farm re-investigates a real-life haunting – a paranormal cold case that has been unsolved for nearly 30 years - until now. Set in in the beautiful, remote Welsh countryside, this terrifying true story is told through a thrilling blend of drama and documentary.Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into a real-life mystery.Cast: Bill Rich ...... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ...... Alexandra Roach Larry Harry …… Tom Price Wyn Thomas ...... Owen Teale Laurence Rich ...... Jonathan Case Marijke …… Laura Dalgleish Jan …… Dan StarkeyWritten and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon BarnardConsultant: Mark Chadbourn, author of the book on the case 'Testimony'A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4
Episode 5: The Poisoned Land
14-11-2022
Episode 5: The Poisoned Land
Does the answer to the haunting lie in the land that Bill and Liz's farmhouse is built on? Dowser Dickie Dodds investigates a theory that there are powerful ley lines under the house, while Danny gets a modern-day lesson in dowsing from a real-life druid. What will they discover? The Witch Farm reinvestigates a real-life haunting – a paranormal cold case that has been unsolved for nearly 30 years - until now. Set in the beautiful, remote Welsh countryside, this terrifying true story is told through a thrilling blend of drama and documentary. Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into a real-life mystery. Cast: Bill Rich ...... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ...... Alexandra Roach Dickie Dodds …… Reece Shearsmith Bethan Morgan ...... Rhian Morgan Written and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon Barnard Consultant: Mark Chadbourn, author of the book on the case 'Testimony'A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4
Episode 6: The Devil Rides Out
21-11-2022
Episode 6: The Devil Rides Out
The haunting steps up another terrifying gear as another apparition appears, and Bill and Liz are forced to flee Heol Fanog. Desperate, they turn to a new exorcist – the Reverend David Holmwood, who is convinced that the paranormal activity is caused by something truly evil. Have their prayers finally been answered? The Witch Farm reinvestigates a real-life haunting – a paranormal cold case that has been unsolved for nearly 30 years - until now. Set in the beautiful, remote Welsh countryside, this terrifying true story is told through a thrilling blend of drama and documentary. Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into a real-life mystery. Cast: Bill Rich ...... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ...... Alexandra Roach David Holmwood ...... Guy Henry Anita Dick …… Laura Dalgleish Bethan Morgan ...... Rhian Morgan Ben Rich …… Tom Barnard Becca Rich ….. Isabelle Hall Written and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon Barnard Consultant was Mark Chadbourn, author of the book on the case 'Testimony' A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4
Episode 7: A Dark Place
28-11-2022
Episode 7: A Dark Place
As the terrifying phenomena reach extreme heights, Bill and Liz are at their most desperate and scared. David Holmwood has convinced them it is the work of the Devil, but do the answers lie in the mysteries of the past? Danny learns about a violent murder that occurred 150 years ago – could it be linked to the events at Heol Fanog? The Witch Farm reinvestigates a real-life haunting – a paranormal cold case that has been unsolved for nearly 30 years - until now. Set in the beautiful, remote Welsh countryside, this terrifying true story is told through a thrilling blend of drama and documentary. Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into a real-life mystery. Cast: Bill Rich ...... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ...... Alexandra Roach David Holmwood …… Guy Henry Liz Jones ..... Laura Dagleish Laurence Rich ...... Jonathan Case Ben Rich ...... Tom BarnardWritten and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon Barnard Consultant: Mark Chadbourn, author of the book on the case 'Testimony' A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4
Episode 8: The Final Battle
05-12-2022
Episode 8: The Final Battle
The series builds to a shocking climax as Liz and Bill prepare for the exorcism to end all exorcisms, with celebrated ghost hunter Eddie Burks. But can even Eddie help them? And as Bill finally reveals the secrets he’s been hiding, does a dark moment in his past hold the key to solving the mystery? As Danny uncovers incredible new revelations about the possible causes of the haunting, could this be the case that finally proves ghosts exist? The Witch Farm reinvestigates a real-life haunting – a paranormal cold case that has been unsolved for nearly 30 years - until now. Set in the beautiful, remote Welsh countryside, this terrifying true story is told through a thrilling blend of drama and documentary. Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into a real-life mystery. Cast: Bill Rich ...... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ...... Alexandra Roach Eddie Burks ...... David Shaw-Parker Written and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon Barnard Consultant: Mark Chadbourn, author of the book on the case 'Testimony' A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4
Episode 9: An Ancient Evil
06-02-2023
Episode 9: An Ancient Evil
In this exciting bonus episode of his hit Radio 4 series, Danny Robins presents a one-hour special of The Witch Farm recorded in front of a live audience at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Danny is joined by paranormal experts Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow to reveal startling new evidence and talk to incredible new witnesses. Can he solve some of the remaining mysteries and get to the bottom of this strange, chilling case?The Witch Farm reinvestigates a real-life haunting – a paranormal cold case that has been unsolved for nearly 30 years - until now. Set in the beautiful, remote Welsh countryside, this terrifying true story is told through a thrilling blend of drama and documentary.Written and presented by Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, Uncanny and West End hit 2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Witch Farm stars Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alexandra Roach (No Offence), with original theme music by Mercury Prize-nominated Gwenno. This 8-part series interweaves a terrifying supernatural thriller set in the wild Welsh countryside with a fascinating modern-day investigation into a real-life mystery.Cast: Bill Rich ...... Joseph Fiennes Liz Rich ...... Alexandra Roach Laurence Rich ..... Jonathan Case Eddie Burks ...... David Shaw-ParkerWritten and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow Sound design by Charlie Brandon-King and Richard Fox Music by Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Gwenno Researcher: Nancy Bottomley Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard Directed by Simon BarnardRecorded at the Wales Millennium Centre Engineered by Dave Battcock and Mark HarrisonConsultant: Mark Chadbourn, author of the book on the case 'Testimony'A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4