Nicholas Hoult as Ralph Compton - 14 years

Gabriel Byrne as Harry Compton

Emily Watson as Ruby Compton

Julie Walters as Gwen Traherne

Miranda Richardson as Lauren Compton

Celia Imrie as Lady Riva Hardwick

Zac Fox as Ralph Compton - 11 years

Julian Wadham as Charles Bingham

Fenella Woolgar as June Broughton

John Matshikiza as Dr. Zim Mzimba

Sid Mitchell as Vernon

John Carlisle as Sir Giffard Hardwick

Mathokoza Sibiya as Dozen

Sindisiswe Nxumalo as Regina

Michael Richard as Tobias

Caroline Smart as Taj

Ian Roberts as John Traherne

Olivia Grant as Monica

Sibusiso Mamba as Father Ndlovu

Tony Hatton as Mr. Parker

Clare Marshall as Mrs. Malaga

Kim Borrell as Bunny

Angus Imrie as Boy in Crowd