Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Book at Bedtime

Audiobooks

Podcasts

Drama

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and literature from around the world

BBC Radio 4 FM

Book at Bedtime: The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole

Harry McEntire

Sue Townsend

Sara Davies

Alexa Moore

Book at Bedtime: The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole: Episode 4

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4

Episode 4

The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole

BBC Radio 4 - Book at Bedtime, The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole, Episode 4

Adrian feels ignored by his parents and joins Barry Kent's gang for a taste of nihilism.

Adrian feels increasingly overlooked by his parents and disillusioned by the lack of morals in society. He joins Barry Kent's gang for a taste of nihilism.

The second book in the exquisitely funny Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend, one of our most celebrated comic writers. Read by Harry McEntire.

Adrian continues to battle valiantly against the slings and arrows of growing up and his own family's attempts to scar him for life. Following on from The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4, it is now 1982 and Adrian is 15. 

Adrian's parents are back together and his mother is pregnant, much to Adrian's surprise and embarrassment. As the summer holidays begin, Adrian is still troubled by his spotty skin, but he continues to feel that his intellectual prowess sets him apart from his peers. His aspirations for poetic fame and fortune are undimmed. While his mother heads off with her women's group to Greenham Common, Adrian's own interest in politics starts to grow, alongside his dislike for Margaret Thatcher. As his parents struggle to make ends meet and sort out their differences, Adrian enjoys a more settled relationship with Pandora but is eager to move things on a stage further. 

In this instalment of the diaries, Adrian has his first experiences of birth and death. He soldiers bravely on through the many challenges that life throws at him, and wins a place in our hearts with his charming naivety.

Reader: Harry McEntire 
Abridger: Sara Davies
Producer: Alexa Moore

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

BBC Radio 4

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

Second book in the hilarious Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend. Read by Harry McEntire.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Book at Bedtime

The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole

Episode 4

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4