Claire Grove Radio Plays

THE LITTLE SISTER....2011
15 Oct 11. By Stephen Wyatt. Third in a series of four Chandler adaptations (nos. 2 and 4 were done by Robin Brooks). Marlowe finds himself in a Hollywood film studio when he investigates the disappearance of a client's brother.

Toby Stephens, Kelly Burke, Fenella Woolgar, Peter Polycarpou, Ginita Jimenez, John Guerrasio, Jonathan Forbes. Produced by Claire Grove.

THE LONG GOODBYE....2011
1 Oct 11. First in a new series of Raymond Chandler stories, dram. by Stephen Wyatt. 90 min. Marlowe helps a drunk outside a clubone night and thinks no more about it. But several days later the man finds Marlowe and asks him for a favour.

Cast: Toby Stephens, Trevor White, Saskia Reeves, Peter Polycarpou, James Lailey, Simon Bubb, Alan Raglan. Phery Tom ...... Edmund Davies Mrs Hall ...... Jill Cardo Boy ...... Ceallach Spellman. Directed by Claire Grove.

31 Oct 10 Classic Serial - The Ramayana
1/2. The ancient Indian epic The Ramayana is one of the world's most popular love stories. The separation and reunion of two lovers gives it perennial appeal but Rama's jealousy and Sita 's metamorphosis into a strong independent woman gives the story a contemporary feel. Rama is an interestingly flawed character, driven by powerful emotions in a world where monkeys can be gods, and gods can be as fallible as humans. Amber Lone's modern version dramatisation is scheduled to coincide with Divali, the festival of Lights, which celebrates Rama and Sita's return to their kingdom. Sita...Manjinder Virk, Rama...Lloyd Thomas, Lakshman...Adeel Aktar, Ravan...Paul Bhattacharjee, Surparnaka...Sasha Behar, Dasarath...Jude Akuwudike, Sister...Deeivya Meir, Bharat...Saikat Ahamed. Music composed by Niraj Chag. Directed by Claire Grove.

25 Sep 10 Saturday Play - Walter Now
By David Cook. (R) In November 1982, a Channel 4 launched with "Walter" by David Cook, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Ian McKellen as a man with learning difficulties. 25 years later award-winning writer David Cook brings us up to date with Walter's life in 'Walter Now' and Sir Ian McKellen recreates his extraordinary performance........Walter is now a pensioner. Following the death of his mother Walter spent many years living in a psychiatric hospital. When that was closed down he moved to hostel accommodation where he is isolated and lonely. When his support worker hears of a house share with three others he suggests Walter. But Walter is twice the age of the rest. Will they accept him? Walter.....Ian McKellen, Steph.....Becky Hindley, Mr Herd.....Malcolm Tierney, Mary.....Anna-Marie Heslop, Bernard.....Robert Londsdale, Terry.....Gunnar Cauthery, Tom.....Edmund Davies, Mrs Hall.....Jill Cardo, Boy.....Ceallach Spellman. Director Claire Grove.

16 Aug 10 The Patience of Mr Job
Comedy by Justin Butcher about globalisation and climate change. Mr Job is an African farmer with an unshakeable faith in the benevolence of the West. There's a flurry of excitement in the village. Mr Kismet, from the World Development Agency, has sent a letter offering rich rewards if the region sells its timber and moves to cut-flower production. Mr Job obeys the WDA scrupulously, even when the instructions prove extremely inconvenient, but as they wait for Mr Kismet's arrival, a series of disasters strike. Mr Job...Jude Akuwudike, Mrs Job...Adjoa Andoh, Mr Eliphaz...Danny Sapani, Mr Bildad...Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Mr Achebe...Lloyd Thomas, Mr Lucy...Paul Courtney Hyu. Directed by Claire Grove.

16 Jul 10 SE8
By Janice Okoh. A 17 year old girl is shot in a South London nightclub called SE8. The club is filled with witnesses. Rita is positive that the police will find her daughter's murderer but they are met by a wall of silence. Donna, 17, was there. She saw the shooter. Donna also knows who the gang members are. She went to school with some of them. The drama is intercut with recreated interviews with ex-gang members. SE8 was inspired by the deaths of Birmingham teenagers Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakespeare in 2003 and Magda Pniewskain 2007. Anonymous witnesses were used to secure both convictions. Currently a judge can direct the jury to discount anonymous witness statements if, for example, they have a relationship to the accused e.g,. knew each other at school. SE8 is not only about individual courage but also about the shaky legal framework that is supposed to protect it. The writer, Janice Okoh grew up in South London. She has written two plays for Radio 4: A Short Ride to Dusseldorf and From Lagos with Love. Cast: Rita Hayes - Julia Ford, Donna Brissett - Ashley Madekwe, John Hayes- Tony Bell, Mark Atkinson - Michael Shelford, Tyrell Deakins - Darren Hart, Dave Roberts - Lloyd Thomas. Directed by Claire Grove.

25 Mar 10 Scummow - Things Washed Up by the Sea
By Annamaria Murphy. When a delirious Irishman arrives in a Cornish harbour, baker Mary Kneebone takes him in, and soon the sick and gullible are queuing at her door. Mary Kneebone ...... Mary Woodvine, Edna Lugg ...... Barbara Jefford, Declan Credan ...... Stephen Hogan, Virgin Mary ...... Alison Pettit, Eamon Credan ...... John O'Mahony, Davey Ellis ...... Charles Barnecut. Directed by Claire Grove.

25 7 2009
Saturday Play: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde By Robert Louis Stevenson. When a London lawyer studies the last will of his old friend Dr Jekyll; his suspicions are aroused. Why has respectable Dr Jekyll left everything to sinister Edward Hyde? Dr Jekyll ...... Adam Godley Utterson ...... David Horovitch Enfield ...... Mark Straker Mrs Utterson ...... Christine Kavanagh Lanyon ...... Sam Dale Poole ...... Joseph Kloska Sir Danvers ...... Ian Masters Girl/Maid ...... Emma Noakes Housekeeper ...... Bethan Walker. Directed by Claire Grove.

5 6 2009
On Mardle Fen Series 2 Top Dog
Series of four plays by Nick Warburton; set in an idiosyncratic restaurant in the Fens. A well-dressed stranger turns up with an unusual request. He is a rough diamond; the salt of the earth; but Jack doesn't like the look of him. Warwick ...... Trevor Peacock Jack ...... Sam Dale Marcia ...... Kate Buffery Samuel ...... John Rowe Zofia ...... Helen Longworth Mulloway ...... Malcolm Tierney Bernard ...... Paul Rider. Directed by Claire Grove.

25 3 2009 Wednesday BBC Radio 4 14:15
Afternoon Play Miss St Andrews
By Mike Bartlett. Old grudges resurface as Miss St Andrews 1961 meets her old rival for the university Charities Queen title nearly 50 years later. Young Robert ...... Joe McFadden Jenny ...... Ellie Haddington Young Jenny ...... Tracy Wiles Robert ...... Tom Mannion Judy ...... Sandy Walsh Holly ...... Caroline Guthrie. Directed by Claire Grove.

21 3 2009
Saturday Play: The Boy Who Followed Ripley
:Fourth in a series of five plays based on the novels by Patricia Highsmith about the suave and amoral Tom Ripley. A rich young man arrives at Belle Ombre and he and Tom end up having to fight for their lives in sexually ambiguous; underworld Berlin. Tom Ripley ...... Ian Hart Frank Pierson ...... Nicholas Hoult Heloise ...... Helen Longworth Lily Pierson ...... Janice Acquah Reeves Minot ...... Paul Rider Eric Lanz ...... Jonathan Tafler Ralph Thurlow ...... Philip Fox Max ...... Matt Addis. Directed by Steven Canny and Claire Grove.

7 3 2009
Saturday Play: The Complete Ripley Ripley Under Ground
:Second in a series of five plays based on the novels by Patricia Highsmith about the suave and amoral Tom Ripley. With a dead man's money safely stowed in the bank; Tom is living in luxury in a chateau in France with his beautiful French wife. But the clever art forgery which funds Tom's expensive tastes is about to be uncovered. Tom Ripley ...... Ian Hart Heloise ...... Helen Longworth Bernard Tufts ...... Benedict Sandiford Jeff Constant ...... Stephen Hogan Madame Annette ...... Caroline Guthrie Murchison ...... Malcolm Tierney Webster ...... Stephen Critchlow . Directed by Claire Grove.

28 Feb 2009 Saturday Play: The Talented Mr Ripley
Series of plays based on the novels by Patricia Highsmith about the suave and amoral Tom Ripley. Tom is barely one step ahead of his creditors when a stranger offers him a free trip to Europe and a fresh start. Tom wants money and success and he is willing to kill for it. Tom Ripley ...... Ian Hart Dickie Greenleaf ...... Stephen Hogan Marge Sherwood ...... Barbara Barnes Mr Greenleaf ...... Malcolm Tierney Mrs Greenleaf ...... Janice Acquah Roverini ...... Stephen Critchlow Buffi ...... Matt Addis. Directed by Claire Grove.

26 2 2009 A Short Ride to Dusseldorf
:By Janice Okoh. A chance meeting in a job centre offers Alison some easy money. All she has to do is fly to Germany and marry a complete stranger. Alison ...... Katy Cavanagh Friday ...... Steve Toussaint Cher ...... Nadine Marshall Sarah ...... Ayesha Antoine Frau Nitsche ...... Liza Sadovy Samson ...... Chu Omambala German Official ...... Simon Treves. Directed by Claire Grove.

10 1 2009 Saturday Play: Walter Now Walter Now
:Update on the 1982 by David Cook; starring Ian McKellen as Walter; a man with learning difficulties. Walter is now a pensioner; living alone in a hostel. His support worker puts him forward for a house share with three other people; all of whom are half his age. Will they accept him and will he be able to cope with independent living? Walter ...... Ian McKellen Steph ...... Becky Hindley Mr Herd ...... Maloclm Tierney Mary ...... Anna-Marie Heslop Bernard ...... Robert Lonsdale Terry ...... Gunnar Cauthery Tom ...... Edmund Davies Mrs Hall ...... Jill Cardo Boy ...... Ceallach Spellman. Directed by Claire Grove.

Two Brown Eyes....Delius's love affair....2008
By Angela Turvey. R4,12.2.08. In 1884; before achieving fame as a composer; the young Frederick Delius arrived in Florida from his home in Bradford. During his stay; he allegedly fell in love with a black woman. Frederick Delius ...... Sam Troughton Chloe Baker ...... Syan Blake Esther ...... Claire Benedict Thomas Ward ...... Chris Pavlo Jelke Rosen ...... Liz Sutherland. Producer Claire Grove.

THE WITCHES....2008
Early Jan 08. Classic Serial, by Roald Dahl, 2 x 60m. Dramatised by Lucy Catherine. BBC blurb for ep. 2: Eight-year-old Boy has been turned into a mouse. He discovers that his friend Bruno is also a mouse; but Bruno is more interested in food than outwitting a room full of witches. Narrated by Toby Jones. Boy ...... Ryan Watson Grandmother ...... Margaret Tyzack Bruno ...... Jordan Clarke Grand High Witch ...... Amanda Lawrence Waiter ...... Ben Onwukwe Mr Jenkins ...... Ben Crowe Mrs Jenkins ...... Rachel Atkins Directed by Claire Grove. .....note by ND....entertaining children's tale which works on more than one level. Great for adults too.

DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE....2007
A new dramatisation of Robert Louis Stevenson's DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, by Yvonne Antrobus was broadcast as a recent Saturday Play (R4, 1430, 3 Feb 07). Radio drama has come a long way in the last thirty years -just listen to a 70s Afternoon Theatre if you doubt it - and this is the best version I've heard. We had flashback and letters, much as in the original story, excellent casting, and an imaginative script. Dr. Jekyll (and Hyde) was played by Adam Godley, Utterson was David Horovitch, and Enfield was Mark Straker; Claire Grove was the director. ND, VRPCC newsletter

FRIDAY WHEN IT RAINS....2006
Nick Warburton's play, FRIDAY WHEN IT RAINS (R4, 1415, 20 Oct 06), was in the style of "Fear on Four". It's the age of steam, and a girl on a late-night train journey hears a frightening tale from a fellow passenger. Riveting stuff; Clive Swift and Lyndsey Marshal starred, and Claire Grove directed. (.....N.D., VRPCC newsletter)

18 May: An Interlude of Men
By Lesley Bruce. Bren and Hilly have been lifelong friends, so when Hilly breaks her wrist, Bren comes to help her out. They both anticipate the pleasure of long days together - comfortably trashing the years they were apart, that interlude of men - but their friendship is not that simple. Bren ...... Deborah Findlay, Hilly ...... Barbara Flynn. Director Steven Canny. Producer Claire Grove.

Not Talking by Mike Bartlett,R3....2006
TINNISWOOD AWARD JT WINNER 2006; presented Oct 2007
A powerful, contemporary drama that both shocks and edifies.  The author cleverly weaves together dysfunctional characters and diverging timelines to create a compelling narrative where two different generations of characters seek a dubious and at times dangerous consolation in “not talking”.

....Mike explores the corrosive power of silence through his grandfather's experiences as a "conshie" during World War 2, alongside a contemporary story from the armed forces. With Richards Briars, June Whitfield, Carl Prekopp and Lyndsey Marshal. The director was Steven Canny and the producer Claire Grove. 2 Mar 06, 60m, 10-11pm, "The Wire", Radio 3.

THE FOUNTAIN OVERFLOWS....2006
Jan 2006. By Rebecca West; classic serial. Six 55m episodes, dramatised by Robin Brooks. Producers Cherry Cookson and Claire Grove; director Martin Jenkins. A story of childhood seen through the eyes of Rose, a girl struggling to comprehend life. She has a brilliant father with no sense who gambles his money away on the stock exchange, and a mother who has given up her career to bring up her and her two sisters. With Emma Fielding as Rose, Stella Gonet, Dermot Crowley, Tessa Montague, Clare Corbett, Sophie Roberts, Ayesha Antoine, Liz Sadovy, Sandy Walsh, Crawford Logan, Callum Williams, John Cummins.

Life Assurance....2005
Life Assurance (R4, 1430, 19 Feb 05), by Chrissie Gittins, was the astonishing tale of the "Black Widows" of Liverpool. In 1884, Catherine Flanagan and her sister, Margaret Higgins, were front-page news. The reason - they had been poisoning members of their families, and others, so they could claim on the insurance policies they'd set up. Sorcha Cusack and Gillian Kearney were the infamous pair, and Robert Hastie the Inspector; Claire Grove directed.

VELMA & THERESE....1998
Two elderly ladies steal a car and embark on a crime spree. With Marlene Sidaway, June Barrie, Ann Beach; dir. Claire Grove.


A Grove of Straight Trees....1997
4.6.97.  By Nick Warburton. The owner of a large estate wants wood for his buildings; but his workforce will not set foot in the sacred grove. With Gavin Muir; Richard Pearce; Don McCorkindale; Susannah Corbett and Elaine C....(?)


Scorching Winds....1997
By Deepak Verma. 21.8.97. Two young people fall in love amid the turmoil of the British withdrawal from India. With Akbar Kurtha: Indira Varma and Madhav Sharma. Director Claire Grove.

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Producer's Choice: CLAIRE GROVE, BBC 7, 2004

Monday 9th February 2004 Bawcock's Eve. An old woman, the sea, and the legend of Thomas Bawcock all converge one winter evening. By the Cornish playwright, Nick Darke.

Tuesday 10th February 2004 Contemplating Adultery, by Michael Butt. A married and respectable translator conducts a passionate correspondence with a raffish German prince. Starring Bill Nighy.

Wednesday 11th February 2004 (24th Nov 1999) Vanilla. Wyndham's first love was his mother. As he fed at her breast, he was set on a path to obsession. Lesley Bruce's comic fable about food and love stars Derek Jacobi. With Adjoa Andoh, Gavin Muir, Alison Pettitt and Ben Crowe.

Thursday 12th February 2004 (21 Sept 1999) Altaban the Magnificent. By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. A young British scientist discovers myth and magic in the looking glass world of post-war Berlin. With Nicholas Farrell.

Friday 13th February 2004 (3 Dec 1997) No Joan of Arc by Bryony Lavery. First in a 3-play series called "Who Sings The Hero' about ordinary individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary courage. In 1993, Laurence Dreyfus, a 30-year-old Parisian infant teacher, faced an armed gunman in her classroom. He handed her a note which began, `This is a hostage-taking...' With Adjoa Andoh, Tom Mannon, Sarah Rice and John Rowe.

NOTES ON 'PRODUCERS' CHOICE'

VANILLA....1999
A darkly comic fable full of ice cream, starring Derek Jacobi. The character he plays is strange and hypnotic; he draws you into his story, which is a kind of grotesque fairy tale. The writing leads us to a secret ingredient at the heart of the play. What the ingredient is, is never actually said, but we're invited to imagine it. What we imagine is always more powerful than what we're told. It all starts with a taste of vanilla. Cast: Derek Jacobi, Adjua Andoh, Ben Crowe, Alison Pettitt, Gavin Muir....(taken from Claire's introduction to the BBC repeat)

ALTABAN THE MAGNIFICENT....1999
This is a bold piece of writing from Sebastian Baczkiewicz. The central character is a seven foot mute magician. This was quite a challenge for me as a radio producer. The setting is Berlin, immediately after the second World War. A young British scientist who is very out of his depth in this fractured and threatening world imagines things that aren't there. He's led into an area which is strictly off-limits and is told later that it does not exist. Then he's accused of murder. This is a thriller with a supernatural edge to it. Clive Swift plays the mysterious stranger, Mund. ....(taken from Claire's introduction to the BBC repeat)

NO JOAN OF ARC....1997
This play is based on the story of a French teacher, Laurence Dreyfus. who won the Legion d'Honneur for her bravery. What interested me about her story was not just her courage but the ordinariness of the setting for it. Laurence taught in an infant class in a Paris suburb. There was nothing about that day or that school to suggest why it was a target for the extraordinary events which took place. Laurence and her class of tiny children survived because she was able to draw on her skills as a teacher to negotiate. Bryony Lavery's play is utterly gripping, very moving, and has something to say about the nature of heroism. Adjua Andoh (whom many of you will know from "Casualty") plays Laurence Dreyfus.....(taken from Claire's introduction to the BBC repeat)

Nigel Deacon, Diversity website

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