Beautiful, repressed northern drama - juxtaposing the trapped wants and needs of protagonist Arthur Machin with the stark aggression of the rugby pitch.

The sounds are rich - the rugby scrum, the atmosphere of the match, the changing rooms, the dancehall, struggles in the bedroom, arguments by the kitchen hearth.

David Storey's 1960 novel was adapted into Lindsay Anderson classic 1963 film starring Richard Harris.

Dramatised for radio by Andrew Lynch and directed by Johnny Vegas.

Cast:
Arthur Machin ...........................James Purefoy
Mrs Hammond...........................Emily Watson
Maurice Braithwaite ..................John Thomson
Judith Parkes ........................... Sheridan Smith
Mr Weaver ................................Philip Jackson
Mrs Weaver.............................. Julia Davis
Dai, Slomer and other parts......Peter Temple
Lynda Hammond.......................Sophie Wright
Mam (Machin)........................... Gwyneth Powell
Dad (Machin).............................Wayne Forester

Commentary for the Rugby League game-play is provided by commentator Ray French, who witnessed some of the 1963 filming.

Producer: Sally Harrison
Director: Johnny Vegas

A Woolyback production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2013. Show less