Kavanagh QC

Kavanagh QC
Format	Drama
Created by	Carlton Television
Starring	John Thaw Daisy Bates Cliff Parisi Oliver Ford Davies Nicholas Jones Lisa Harrow Tom Brodie
Theme music composer	Anne Dudley John E. Keane
Country of origin	UK
Language(s)	English
No. of series	6
No. of episodes	27
Production
Executive producer(s)	Ted Childs
Producer(s)	Chris Kelly
Production company(s)	Carlton Television
Broadcast
Original channel	ITV
Picture format	4:3 (1995-1998) 16:9 (1999-2001)
Original run	1995 – 2001

Kavanagh QC is a British television series made by Carlton Television for ITV between 1995 and 2001. It has been shown on ITV3 as recently as August 2011; series 1–6 are available on Region 2 DVDs.

The series starred John Thaw as barrister James Kavanagh QC who comes from a working-class upbringing in Bolton, Lancashire. This is only discovered in later episodes as his parents' health deteriorates and through an exchange with a colleague who presumed that Kavanagh was actually a Yorkshireman. The series dealt with his battles in the courtroom as well as his domestic dramas which include the death of his devoted and affectionate wife. Later he begins dating a fellow barrister.

In court Kavanagh is usually seen to be defending a client who seems likely to be convicted until a twist in the case occurs, but occasionally Kavanagh is seen in a prosecuting role. The main plot often features Kavanagh confronting cases with a subtext of racism, sexism or other prejudice. In sub-plots comedy came from the pomposity and self-absorption of Jeremy, a posh barrister in chambers. Kavanagh will not stand for injustice and is never bullied by threats or bribes from those whom he is up against in the courtroom.

In cameos and regular roles, it included Daisy Bates, Cliff Parisi, Oliver Ford Davies, Nicholas Jones, Lisa Harrow and Tom Brodie.

Episodes

The series comprised 25 x 90 minute episodes and 2 x 2 hour episodes. See list of Kavanagh QC episodes.

Cast

Character	Actor
James Kavanagh QC	John Thaw
Lizzie Kavanagh	Lisa Harrow
Julia Piper	Anna Chancellor
Peter Foxcott QC	Oliver Ford Davis
Jeremy Aldermarten QC	Nicholas Jones
Tom Buckley	Cliff Parisi
Adam Kavanagh	Alan Grace
Kate Kavanagh	Daisy Bates
Matt Kavanagh	Tom Brodie
Alex Wilson	Jenny Jules
Helen Ames	Arkie Whiteley
Emma Taylow	Valerie Redmond
Eleanor Harker QC	Geraldine James

References

• Evans, Jeff (2001). The Penguin TV Companion. Harmondsworth, England: Penguin Books. ISBN 0 140 51467 8. 
• "Kavanagh Q.C. (1995-2001)". BFI Screenonline. http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/1201633/index.html. Retrieved 19 May 2011. 

External links

• Kavanagh QC at the Internet Movie Database