The Chatterleys

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

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

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Drama on 4

Drama

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Drama on 4: The Chatterleys (Part 1)

The Chatterleys (Part 1)

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, The Chatterleys (Part 1)

DH Lawrence's classic retold in 21st century Redcar.

DH Lawrence's scandalous classic set in modern Redcar. A marriage must adapt, when the husband returns from Afghanistan, now  disabled and in a wheelchair.

The Chatterleys is a vibrant new version of a well-known scandalous novel,  a reinterpretation that gets back to the essence of DH Lawrence’s original - a marriage adapting to one person becoming disabled and the quest to become parents. 

It's the latest collaboration between award winning audio indie, Naked Productions and Graeae, placing Deaf and disabled actors centre stage to challenge preconceptions and change attitudes towards deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists. 

This cutting edge interpretation of Lawrence’s infamous novel of love, sex and class, is reframed as a 21st century drama about the impact of war, austerity and modern relationships. The drama was developed by working closely with members of  BLESMA (British Limbless E Service Men Association), to inform the story and perform in the production. 

The Chatterleys  is set in contemporary Redcar, North East England, an area with strong military links, tough economic conditions and spectacular coastal landscape. It offers a dynamic insight into modern life, in particular the challenges of becoming disabled and learning to create a ‘new normal’.  It is also, at heart, a love story.

The writer, Mike Kenny, is one of the UK's leading playwrights. He was included in the Independent on Sunday’s list of Top Ten Living UK Playwrights and his plays are performed regularly throughout the UK and all over the world. His adaptation of The Railway Children won an Olivier Award. 

Episode 1
When Cliff comes back from a tour of Afghanistan, now disabled and in a wheelchair, he and his wife Connie move to Redcar to run his family business. As they struggle to adapt to their new life, a chance meeting with Oliver Mellors at the beach, impacts on them both individually and as a couple. 

Cast:
Cliff ..... David Proud
Connie ..... Ashleigh Wilder
Oliver ..... Mark Holgate
Ivy ..... Melody Brown
Hilly ..... Claire Morley
The Book ..... Jonathan Keeble

Directors: Jenny Sealey and Polly Thomas
Sound recordist: Louis Blatherwick
Sound design: Eloise Whitmore
Original music: Megan Steinberg, with additional mastering by Alex Armstrong-Holding
Title track by ANBR
Photograph: Sonya McGhee

With thanks to Christine Landess and the team at BLESMA
Script consultant: Luke Delahunty
Sign language interpreters: Faye Alvi and Caroline Ryan

Production manager: Darren Spruce
Executive producer: Eloise Whitmore

A Naked Productions/Graeae Theatre collaboration for 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.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Drama on 4

The Chatterleys (Part 1)

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4