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Woman's Hour Drama: The Year They Invented Sex

15 Minute Drama: The Year They Invented Sex: Episode 5

Drama: Classic & Period

Drama: Medical

The Year They Invented Sex

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - 15 Minute Drama, The Year They Invented Sex, Episode 5

Major changes occur in the lives of all three women taking part in the pill trial.

Major changes occur in the lives of all three women taking part in the contraceptive pill trial.

By Caroline and David Stafford. Episode 5.

Major changes occur in the lives of all three women taking part in the contraceptive pill trial 
Cast:

Jeanette- Clare Corbett
Isobel- Naomi Frederick
June- Sarah Smart
Lella Florence- Joanna Monro
Ray- Lloyd Thomas
Lawrence- Henry Devas
Kenneth- Rupert Simonian

Produced by Lucy Collingwood.


It's 1960 in Birmingham and Lella Florence is looking for women to help with trials of the contraceptive pill. Married women in a certain age and weight bracket are required. 

Three very different women decide to take part. Ditsy June's fed up with being under the influence of her overbearing in laws and would rather save up for a new bathroom than for another baby.  Glamorous Jeanette wants to avoid another agonising labour and to keep her wealthy husband happy. And Isobel has her own secret reasons for signing up. 

All three women couldn't guess the ways their lives will be changed by taking part in the trial and meeting each other.

Written with sharp observation and a great sense of the period, this warm witty drama by Caroline and David Stafford shines a light on how iconic and life changing an invention the contraceptive pill was.

15 Minute Drama: The Year They Invented Sex

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Caroline and David Stafford's drama about women taking part in the 1960 trials of the pill

Caroline and David Stafford's drama focusing on three very different women who find their lives transformed by taking part in the 1960 trials of the contraceptive pill

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The Year They Invented Sex

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