Specially commissioned stories by outstanding writers to be performed by five actors who have reached 80.
The Saving of Albert Perks
One of our best-loved actors, Bernard Cribbins, will always be remembered for playing Albert Perks in the much-loved film The Railway Children. In this poignant story, which has been specially written for him by Roy Apps, Bernard revisits this popular character.
Now nearing retirement, Perks' life is turned upside down when one of the railway children returns to Oakworth. But why has she come and who are the two children she has brought with her?
They are not hers but refugees from atrocities in Germany.
This story reunites Bernard Cribbins and director, Martin Jenkins, who have worked together many times since Bernard recorded Winnie-the-Pooh for Radio 4 in the early 1970s.
Director: Martin Jenkins
Sound Designer: David Thomas
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4
Sparks Will Fly
This combustible story by Roy Apps is set in post-war Britain, when many towns still supported local repertory theatres, and is specially written for Penelope Keith, one of our best-loved actresses.
Having spent too long as an assistant stage manager, Marjorie Tillingham jumps at the chance when she is offered an acting job at a provincial theatre.
But things start to go wrong almost immediately when she finds herself the victim of some deliberate misinformation perpetrated by another – younger – member of the company which leads to her having to once again accept the detested role of assistant stage manager.
Determined to seek her revenge, Marjorie draws on her earlier experience as a stage electrician and soon sparks are flying – literally.
This story also reunites Penelope Keith and director Martin Jenkins, who first worked together at the RSC.
Director: Martin Jenkins
Sound Designer: David Thomas
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4
Amy
A powerful story by award-winning playwright, David Pownall specially written for Timothy West who, together with his wife Prunella Scales, has made many vivid television programmes about Britain’s canals.
Pownall’s story takes us back to the days when many boats were towed by horses. But what happened to these proud beasts when they were approaching the end of their working lives?
George, who has worked all his life on the canals, is about to retire. He becomes evermore concerned about his horse. He is determined that the horse will survive - but the odds seem stacked against him.
This evocative story reunites Timothy West and David Pownal,l who scored a tremendous stage hit with the play Master Class, and Martin Jenkins, who directed the play for BBC Radio 4.
Director: Martin Jenkins
Sound Designer: David Thomas
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4
Demerara Jazz
At the age of 80, Coral Samuels has written her first play, which she is also directing at the community theatre she has established in order to help disadvantaged people.
The man she has chosen to play American playwright James Baldwin is homeless. She knows he is struggling to find the control to communicate with an audience.
Her determination to help him revives memories of growing up in Guyana and how she tried so hard to help her young nephew to find ways to breathe freely. She also remembers coming to London and hearing the jazz players of the time using every breath in their body.
This story has been specially written by Jacqueline Crooks.
Producer: Martin Jenkins
Director: Marina Caldarone
Sound Designer: David Thomas
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4
The Seven Ages of Woman
Kath has taken a job as a volunteer at her local art gallery. She watches the comings and goings as she sits among the paintings - one of which seems to speak directly to her.
Entitled The Seven Ages of Woman, she becomes obsessed by the women depicted, with one in particular engaging her attention.
Has the painter captured her own fears and doubts? Can she share her thoughts with anyone but herself? Will it help her to deal with a new disappointment?
Siân Phillips reads this heartfelt story by Stephen Wyatt. The story also reunites Siân with director Martin Jenkins, who first worked together some 50 years ago.
Director: Martin Jenkins
Sound Designer: David Thomas
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4
https://1drv.ms/u/s!ArrWZcg2lV80mCpcd2pKy-JQ5Q1t?e=WkyfgS
Each 14 minutes long. Size 12MB. Bitrate 128kbps
Replies
These sound wonderful! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, William.