Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

James Purefoy

Emily Watson

John Thomson

Sheridan Smith

Philip Jackson

Julia Davis

Peter Temple

Sophie Wright

Gwyneth Powell

Wayne Forester

Ray French

Johnny Vegas

Sally Harrison

Andrew Lynch

David Storey

David Storey - This Sporting Life

Drama

21/04/2018

BBC Radio 4 Extra - David Storey - This Sporting Life

The trapped needs of protagonist Arthur Machin juxtaposed with the aggression of rugby.

4 Extra Debut. The trapped wants and needs of protagonist Arthur Machin juxtaposed with the aggression of rugby. Stars James Purefoy, Sheridan Smith. Directed by Johnny Vegas.

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.

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