The Chatterleys

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Drama on 4: The Chatterleys (Part 2)

The Chatterleys (Part 1)

The Chatterleys (Part 2)

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, The Chatterleys (Part 2)

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

DH Lawrence's infamous classic set in modern Redcar. As Cliff and Connie struggle with their new lives, Oliver Mellors makes a big impact on their marriage.

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 2
Cliff finally opens up about the impact of becoming disabled to his veterans group. Connie opens up about her loneliness to Oliver Mellors, leading to a brief affair. 
Despite this, Oliver and Cliff become friends, Cliff allowing his support to help him adapt to his new life.  Will the Chatterley’s marriage fall apart, or can it survive, in a new form? 

Cast:
Cliff ..... David Proud
Connie ..... Ashleigh Wilder
Oliver ..... Mark Holgate
Ivy ..... Melody Brown
Hilly ..... Claire Morley
The Book ..... Jonathan Keeble
Jimmy ..... Jason Burns
Dan ..... Steve Watson
Veteran group member ..... Andy Mudd.

Directors: Jenny Sealey and Polly Thomas
Sound recordist: Louis Blatherwick
Sound design: Eloise Whitmore
Original music: Megan Steinberg, 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

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