Plot Synopsis

Based on Jo Bloom's 2014 book of the same name and inspired by a true story, RIDLEY ROAD is a four-episode thriller set against the backdrop of a swinging '60s London in an East End world where far right fascism is on the rise. When Vivien Epstein follows her lover into danger and he is caught between life and death, she finds herself going undercover with the fascists, not only for him but for the sake of her country.

In 1962 Vivien Epstein, a Jewish hairdresser from Manchester, runs away from her protective parents David and Liza Epstein and her upcoming marriage, and heads to London in pursuit of her true love, Jack Morris. She follows Jack to his last known address on the iconic Ridley Road, but she is warned off by her uncle, the gruff Soly Malinovsky and Soly's wife Nancy. Determined to stay on in London, Vivien takes up lodgings with the very traditional Nettie Jones and finds a job at a trendy Soho hair salon run by Barbara. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers that Jack has gone missing while working undercover to infiltrate the neo-Nazi National Socialist Movement, led by Colin Jordan. With the backing of the anti-fascist 62 Group led by Soly and Nancy, Vivien decides to go undercover herself to discover what happened to Jack. Will she have the courage to do what is necessary to save Jack and protect her community?

Vivien, now undercover as Jane Carpenter, must convince Colin Jordan of her fascist sympathies in order to find out what happened to her true love Jack Morris, known as Peter Fox to the National Socialist Movement (NSM). As she is welcomed deeper into the heart of the organization, Vivien meets fellow NSM girlfriend Elise and Colin Jordan's young son, who take a liking to her. But Vivien's undercover work hasn't gone unnoticed at her day job at the salon, and Barbara's activist son Stevie starts asking questions about her involvement with the NSM after he sees her enter their headquarters. Will Vivien be able to maintain her cover and find out what happened to Jack? And can any information she overhears help Soly and the 62 Group stop any further attacks? Vivien must consider how far she is willing to go to find out.

Vivien is introduced to Colin Jordan's wife, dedicated Nazi occultist Francoise Dior. The fascists plan a deadly attack, and the 62 Group do everything they can to stop them. Vivien is trapped amongst the National Socialists. With time running out Vivien risks everything to make one last attempt to sabotage the fascists without being caught.

About the characters:

Vivien Epstein is a young Jewish woman who, after falling in love with a member of the 62 Group, rejects her comfortable middle-class life in Manchester, and joins the fight against fascism in London, risking everything for her beliefs and for the man she loves.

Jack Morris is a young Jewish man who has devoted his life to fighting fascism with the 62 Group. He loves Vivien very much, and seeks to protect her from the dangers of the secretive way of life he has chosen.

Colin Jordan is the leader of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Movement (NSM). He is an imposing and forthright activist, who through his fanatical and passionate speeches incites racism and rioting.

Soly Malinovsky is a hot headed, sharp-witted cab driver - and leader of the Jewish-led, anti-fascist organization the 62 Group. Along with his wife and son, and though sometimes at odds with community leaders, his philosophy is to meet the violence of the neo-Nazis with violence of his own - especially as the police refuse to protect the Jewish community.

Nancy Malinovsky is Soly's glamorous wife, a smooth operator who plays a crucial role in the 62 Group operations, and takes Vivien under her wing.

Ronnie is Soly and Nancy's son -- clever and committed, he enjoys debating politics with his father.

Liza Epstein is Vivien's mother, a housewife and traditional woman who wants the best for her daughter. Her life is about to dramatically change when Vivien runs away.

David is Vivien's father, a stern man who goes to great lengths to protect his family from the truth of his work.

Roza is Liza and David's niece, Vivien's cousin, and a survivor of the Holocaust. She stays with her aunt and uncle, and pushes her aunt to become more politically engaged.

Barbara is the owner of a Soho hair salon called Oscar's where Vivien gets a job. She has witnessed racism first-hand towards her mixed-race son.

Stevie is Barbara's son, a student and anti-racist activist, who is keen to get new hire Vivien involved in his activism. He is often hassled by police due to his own race.

Nettie is Vivien's landlady in London. Although self-sufficient, she is lonely after her three sons were killed in WWII and is afraid of the pace of the changes happening around her.

Chrissy is a fashionable young woman who works in Oscar's salon with Vivien. She always has a kind word, and a bit of gossip, to cheer up colleagues and customers alike.

Lee is a member of the NSM, close to Colin Jordan. The NSM is family to him, and he is loyal to Colin even though the feeling might not be mutual.

Elise is Lee's pregnant girlfriend, who is as committed to the cause as him. She befriends Vivien, but she may be more insightful than she appears.

RIDLEY ROAD made its U.S. debut on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 9pm on PBS (check local listings).
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On Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 9pm (check local listings), PBS premiered the season finale of RIDLEY ROAD. As Vivien's deception starts to crumble, she races to secure incriminating evidence against Jordan. Meanwhile, Jack faces mortal danger.