Kavanagh QC

Plot

The series starred John Thaw as barrister James Kavanagh QC, who comes from a working-class upbringing in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Although having been alluded to in Series 1 Episode 1, this is only revealed in later episodes as his parents' health deteriorates and through an exchange with a colleague who presumed that Kavanagh was actually a Yorkshireman. Plus, on one occasion Kavanagh dashes off to catch Bolton Wanderers play in a televised football match. The series deals 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.

Cast

• John Thaw as James Kavanagh, Q.C. (Series 1–5)
• Oliver Ford Davies as Peter Foxcott, Q.C. (Series 1–5)
• Nicholas Jones as Jeremy Aldermarten, Q.C. (Series 1–5)
• Cliff Parisi as Tom Buckley (Series 1–5)
• Lisa Harrow as Lizzie Kavanagh (Series 1–3)
• Tom Brodie as Matt Kavanagh (Series 1–5)
• Daisy Bates as Kate Kavanagh (Series 1–5)
• Anna Chancellor as Julia Piper (Series 1–3)
• Jenny Jules as Alex Wilson (Series 1–4)
• Valerie Edmond as Emma Taylor (Series 4)
• Arkie Whiteley as Helen Ames (Series 2–3)
• Geraldine James as Eleanor Harker, Q.C. (Series 1–5)

Episode list

Several online sources list two additional episodes in series four: 7. "Ceremony of Innocence" (28 April 1998) and 8. "Seasons of Mist" (5 May 1998), the plot descriptions of which are identical to two episodes broadcast in series five: 3. "Time of Need" (22 March 1999) and 4. "End Games" (29 March 1999). This was due to a scheduling change which prevented these two episodes from airing at their scheduled time. Later broadcast as part of series five, they were re-titled to avoid confusion.

Series overview

Series 1 (1995)

Series 2 (1996)

Guest: David Schneider as Martin Haslam

Series 3 (1997)

Series 4 (1998)

Series 5 (1999)

Special (2001)

Note: This was the last regular TV appearance of John Thaw in Kavanagh QC as he would later appear in the final two TV roles in The Glass as Jim Proctor and Hidden Treasure as Harry Jenkins prior to his death on 21 February 2002 aged 60.

Influence

Labour MP and Lord Chancellor since 2024, Shabana Mahmood, has credited the example of the programme for encouraging her to enter the legal profession.

References

References

1. (26 January 2009). "BFI | Film & TV Database | KAVANAGH Q.C.".
2. "Top 30 Programmes – BARB". barb.co.uk.
3. "Weekly top 30 programmes on TV sets (July 1998 – Sept 2018) | BARB".
4. (10 February 2024). "Political Thinking with Nick Robinson: Series 1:67. The Shabana Mahmood one". BBC iPlayer.