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Celia de Wolff

Drama on 4: Jennifer Howarth - Lord Behold Us

Lord Behold Us

27/06/2012

Jennifer Howarth - Lord Behold Us

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Jennifer Howarth - Lord Behold Us

A headmaster boldly stands by an inspirational member of staff, against the odds.

4 Extra Debut. 1958: A boys' grammar school headmaster boldly decides to stand by an inspirational teacher, against the odds. Stars Tom Riley.

Written by Jennifer Howarth.

Set in Birmingham 1958. Michael Cooper is 12 and it is the first assembly of a new school term. Amid hearty cheers, the headmaster Mr Gardner announces there will be a school play this term - The Merchant of Venice directed by charismatic English teacher Mr Dawson.

Michael accompanies his friend Grayling to the auditions and lands himself a small acting role as well as singing a song.

Michael's sister Pat goes to a different school but wishes she was at Michael's school. She loves the theatre but her school doesn't do proper plays.

Their father is a lawyer in the Courts service - a successful, handsome man, who is dismissive of Michael's abilities and ridicules his ideas and interests. He is also a governor at Michael's school.

One evening Michael's father is visited by the headmaster and a fellow governor and some shocking news about Mr Dawson is revealed. Mr Cooper wants him sacked with immediate effect but the headmaster wants to stand by him - an extraordinary Headmaster for such bigoted times.


Cast:
Pat ....... Bryony Hannah
Michael ....... George Hill
Mr Dawson ....... Tom Riley
Father ....... Peter Wight
Mother ....... Jenny Funnell
Mr Gardner/Robert ...... Nicholas Boulton
Frank ....... Kim Wall 
Grayling ....... Nicholas West
Janet ...... Cara Baker
Anderson ...... James Anderson


Director: Celia De Wolff
A Pier Production For BBC Radio 4.

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