Stephen Wakelam Lying Low [Samuel Beckett]

SW

(5 stars; 2 reviews)

Afternoon Drama: Lying Low First broadcast: Fri 22nd Sep 2017, 14:15 on BBC Radio 4 FM Stephen Wakelam’s play about Samuel Beckett's mysterious three-week stay in Folkestone in March 1961. The playwright checks deliberately into a quiet hotel under a pseudonym and it's here that he befriends Janet who works part-time at the hotel while studying for her French A-level. They bond over an Agatha Christie novel. This burgeoning friendship tests Janet's loyalties, presenting her with a dilemma she needs to resolve. Pianist ..... Pete Ringrose Produced and directed by Gemma Jenkins Samuel Beckett: Adrian Dunbar Young Janet: Charlotte Beaumont Janet: Susan Brown Billy: Charlie Clements Miss Adams: Clare Corbett Suzanne: Caroline Loncq Roy: Samuel James Librarian: David Sturzaker Timmy: Gary Duncan Registrar: Philip Fox This clever blend of fact and fantasy is inspired by the three weeks Samuel Beckett spent in Folkestone prior to his marrying his long-term partner, Suzanne Deschevaux-Dumesnil. He checked into the Bristol Hotel on Folkestone Leas under the pseudonym, Mr S Barclay, instructing his close friends to keep absolutely quiet about his whereabouts.    ============== On 25 March 1961, following a fortnight of dodging reporters, hiding from the public and generally ‘trying to be invisible’ in Folkestone, Nobel laureate, novelist and playwright Samuel Beckett was married to his long-time partner Suzanne Deschevaux-Dumesnil at a secret ceremony in the town’s Registry Office.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.