BBC Radio 4 Extra

The Whitsun Weddings

Drama: Relationships & Romance

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Whitsun Weddings

A verse drama by Kathleen Jamie, based on the poem by Philip Larkin.

4 Extra Debut. Philip Larkin's poem about newly-weds observed on a train is the inspiration for Kathleen Jamie’s drama. Stars Eileen Aitkens.

A verse drama by Kathleen Jamie, based on the poem by Philip Larkin. 

On a Whit weekend at the end of the 1950s, Philip Larkin caught a train from Hull to London which was boarded by a number of newly-wed couples. 

He turned his observations about them into one of his best-known poems. 

40 years later, three of the couples and the daughter of the fourth look back on the day to consider if its promises have been fulfilled. 

Audrey    ......    Dame Eileen Atkins
Paula    ......    Saskia Reeves
Peter    ......    David Haig
George    ......    Jack Shepherd
 
Producer Rob Ketteridge

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in 1999.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Whitsun Weddings

Genres

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra