The Chatterleys

A Graeae and Naked Productions collaboration for BBC Radio 4.
Written by Mike Kenny. Directed by Polly Thomas and Jenny Sealey.

The Chatterleys is a vibrant new version of a well- known scandalous novel, a reinterpretation that gets back to the essence of Lawrence’s original – a marriage adapting to one person becoming disabled and the quest to become parents. It is the latest collaboration between award winning audio indie, Naked Productions and Graeae.

Following in our tradition of radically reinventing classic literature and drama for 21st century audiences, this cutting edge interpretation of DH Lawrence’s infamous novel of love, sex and class, is reframed as a 21st century drama about the impact of war, austerity and modern relationships.

The drama was developed by working closely with members of BLESMA (British Limbless E Service Men Association), to inform the story and perform in the production.

The Chatterleys is set in contemporary Redcar, North East England, an area with strong military links, tough economic conditions and spectacular coastal landscape. It offers a dynamic insight into modern life, in particular the challenges of becoming disabled and learning to create a ‘new normal’.  It is also, at heart, a love story.

A transcript of the drama will be available on BBC Radio 4 website on broadcast.

Broadcast Dates

Episode 1: Sunday 29 January 3pm – Now available on BBC Sounds

Episode 2: Sunday 5 February 3pm

Cast
  • Cliff
    David Proud
  • Connie
    Ashleigh Wilder
  • Oliver
    Mark Holgate
  • Ivy
    Melody Brown
  • Hilly
    Claire Morley
  • The Book
    Jonathan Keeble
Credits
  • Directors — Jenny Sealey and Polly Thomas
  • Writer — Mike Kenny
  • Sound Recordist — Louis Blatherwick
  • Sound Design and Executive Producer — Eloise Whitmore
  • Original Music — Megan Steinberg, with additional mastering by Alex Armstrong-Holding
  • Script Consultant — Luke Delahunty
  • BSL interpreters — Faye Alvi and Caroline Ryan
  • Production Manager — Darren Spruce
  • With thanks — to Christine Landess and the team at BLESMA
Performance schedule
Related events
  • A black and white photo of two people riding two horses on the beach with construction/factory work in the background

    The Chatterleys