Nora Webster

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Nora Webster by Colm Toibin: 1. Struggles

1. Struggles

Nora Webster by Colm Toibin

BBC Radio 4 - Nora Webster by Colm Toibin, 1. Struggles

A widow in 1960s Ireland finds hope in her struggles through music and friendship.

A widow in 1960s Ireland finds hope in her struggles through music and friendship. Starring Siobhan McSweeney.

In late ‘60s Ireland, Wexford woman Nora Webster is grieving for her husband Maurice. 

She’s just 40, still wounded by their last weeks in hospital and now a single parent to four children. 

While her girls are away at school and college, Nora and the boys do their best at home, finding it hard to connect to one other. Nora’s world shrinks around her, forcing her back to the job she did as a young woman before marriage and children. 

Gradually, tentatively, through music and friendship, Nora begins to find hope again.

Starring Siobhan McSweeney (Derry Girls) leading a stellar Irish cast.

Colm Tóibín’s powerful bestselling novel - first published in 2014.   

Dramatised in two-parts by BAFTA winning screenwriter Adrian Hodges. 

Nora Webster …… Siobhan McSweeney
Aunt Josie ….. Brid Brennan
Una …… Norma Sheahan
Catherine …… Ruth Bradley
Jim Webster …… Gary Lilburn
Mick Sinnott …… Edward MacLiam
William Jnr …… Paul Reid
Fiona …… Sophie Robinson
Aine …… Lauren Coe
Conor …… Sinead McGee
Donal …… Tommy Harris
Sister Thomas …… Jessica Turner
Peggy Gibney …… Heather Craney

Other parts were played by the cast.

Critically acclaimed Colm Tóibín is perhaps best known for Brooklyn (which became a film starring Saoirse Ronan) and The Master.

Director: Allegra McIlroy

A BBC Northern Ireland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2019.

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

Drama: Relationships & Romance

Colm Toibin's bestselling novel. Dramatised by BAFTA winning screenwriter Adrian Hodges.

Dramatisation of Colm Toibin's bestselling novel Nora Webster, by BAFTA winning screenwriter Adrian Hodges. Starring Siobhan McSweeney.

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1. Struggles

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