Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Drama on 4

Drama

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 LW

Afternoon Drama

Alison Steadman

Nicholas Farrell

Joanna Monro

Mike Bartlett

Claire Grove

Drama on 4: Mike Bartlett - Heart

Heart

18/05/2011

Mike Bartlett - Heart

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Mike Bartlett - Heart

Steve is stressed. His wife barely recognises him. Retirement wasn't meant to be like this

4 Extra Debut. Steve is stressed at work. His wife barely recognises him. Retirement wasn't meant to be like this. Stars Alison Steadman.

by Mike Bartlett. Alison Steadman plays Susan, a recently retired primary school teacher. She sells things on eBay, paints her own version of modern art and grows exotic plants in a poly-tunnel. Her husband Steve is stressed at work and is becoming depressed and increasingly vicious. She hardly recognises him. Even hates him at times. Retirement wasn't meant to be like this.

Directed by Claire Grove

Can love cope with personality change? In Mike Bartlett's play, Steve thinks he is being sidelined by his new young boss. His mounting stress unleashes a ferocity of emotions between him and his wife. Susan tries to be light and funny but it only makes things worse. Mark is actually in a downward spiral into full blown clinical depression. Neither he nor Susan recognise this until it is too late. Alison Steadman and Nicholas Farrell star.

Mike Bartlett is one of the most exciting writers in Britain today. He has worked with Paines Plough, the Royal Court and the National Theatre, where he was writer-in-residence. His play LOVE,LOVE,LOVE won Best New Play in the 2011 Theatre Awards UK and COCK won an Olivier Award in 2010 for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. NOT TALKING for BBC Radio 3 scooped both the Imison Award for Best First Radio Play and The Tinniswood Award for Best Play in 2007. His television series THE TOWN was nominated for a BAFTA for Breakthrough Talent.

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Drama on 4

Mike Bartlett - Heart

Contributors

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4