BBC Radio 4 LW

80 Not Out

80 Not Out: Sparks Will Fly

The Iceman Returneth

Sparks Will Fly

BBC Radio 4 - 80 Not Out, Sparks Will Fly

Penelope Keith recounts back stage electrically-charged encounters at a local theatre.

In this short story by Roy Apps, Penelope Keith revives memories of life at a small repertory theatre where naked ambition can backfire and lead to explosive revenge.

This combustible story by Roy Apps is set in post-war Britain, when many towns still supported local repertory theatres, and is specially written for Penelope Keith, one of our best-loved actresses.  

Having spent too long as an assistant stage manager, Marjorie Tillingham jumps at the chance when she is offered an acting job at a provincial theatre. 

But things start to go wrong almost immediately when she finds herself the victim of some deliberate misinformation perpetrated by another – younger – member of the company which leads to her having to once again accept the detested role of assistant stage manager. 

Determined to seek her revenge, Marjorie draws on her earlier experience as a stage electrician and soon sparks are flying – literally. 

This story also reunites Penelope Keith and director Martin Jenkins, who first worked together at the RSC. 


Director:  Martin Jenkins
Sound Designer:  David Thomas
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

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

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

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Specially commissioned stories performed by five actors who have reached 80.

Specially commissioned stories by outstanding writers to be performed by five actors who have reached 80.

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