Main content
This programme is not currently available

David Storey - This Sporting Life

4 Extra Debut. The trapped wants and needs of protagonist Arthur Machin juxtaposed with the aggression of rugby. Stars James Purefoy, Sheridan Smith. Directed by Johnny Vegas.

Beautiful, repressed northern drama - juxtaposing the trapped wants and needs of protagonist Arthur Machin with the stark aggression of the rugby pitch.

The sounds are rich - the rugby scrum, the atmosphere of the match, the changing rooms, the dancehall, struggles in the bedroom, arguments by the kitchen hearth.

David Storey's 1960 novel was adapted into Lindsay Anderson classic 1963 film starring Richard Harris.

Dramatised for radio by Andrew Lynch and directed by Johnny Vegas.

Cast:
Arthur Machin ...........................James Purefoy
Mrs Hammond...........................Emily Watson
Maurice Braithwaite ..................John Thomson
Judith Parkes ........................... Sheridan Smith
Mr Weaver ................................Philip Jackson
Mrs Weaver.............................. Julia Davis
Dai, Slomer and other parts......Peter Temple
Lynda Hammond.......................Sophie Wright
Mam (Machin)........................... Gwyneth Powell
Dad (Machin).............................Wayne Forester

Commentary for the Rugby League game-play is provided by commentator Ray French, who witnessed some of the 1963 filming.

Producer: Sally Harrison
Director: Johnny Vegas

A Woolyback production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 first broadcast in 2013.

1 hour, 30 minutes

Last on

Sun 22 Apr 2018 04:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Arthur Machin James Purefoy
Mrs Hammond Emily Watson
Maurice Braithwaite John Thomson
Judith Parkes Sheridan Smith
Mr Weaver Philip Jackson
Mrs Weaver Julia Davis
Dai Peter Temple
Slomer Peter Temple
Lynda Hammond Sophie Wright
Mam (Machin) Gwyneth Powell
Dad (Machin) Wayne Forester
Commentator Ray French
Director Johnny Vegas
Producer Sally Harrison
Adaptor Andrew Lynch
Author David Storey

Broadcasts

  • Sat 21 Apr 2018 06:00
  • Sat 21 Apr 2018 16:00
  • Sun 22 Apr 2018 04:00