Dennis Potter and the Forest of Dean
It is 20 years since the author and playwright Dennis Potter died. Felicity Evans visits the Forest of Dean, exploring the landscape that shaped his work.
"Strange and beautiful, a heart shaped place between two rivers" is how television playwright and author, Dennis Potter described the Forest of Dean, where he grew up. On the 20th anniversary of his death, Felicity Evans explores the landscape that shaped much of his work.
The Forest has a rich industrial heritage which Forester and Freeminer, Rich Daniels explains at the former site of the New Fancy coal mine. The old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. In the distance, you can see Cannop Ponds and the pit where Dennis' father was a miner.
Then it's to Berry Hill, the place where Potter grew up and visited frequently with his own family. Firstly to "Spion Kop", the Potter family home where artist John Belcher now lives and then onto some of the locations used in Potter's work.
Felicity meets historian and verderer, Ian Standing who talks about his role in upholding Forest law and culture and shows us the oak trees that Lord Nelson planted.
Finally from the ancient forest to the very modern as we visit a nearby caf茅 in Coleford to talk to teenagers from the Forest Youth Forum about what it's like to live in the Forest of Dean today. How does the landscape affect them? Dennis Potter was concerned that the "New Foresters" would have no sense of community and not realise how special and unique it is. Were his fears unfounded?
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Broadcasts
- Thu 11 Sep 2014 15:00成人快手 Radio 4
- Sat 13 Sep 2014 06:07成人快手 Radio 4
Featured in...
Private Spaces
Programmes that explore the relationship between peaceful, private and public worlds.
Podcast
-
Open Country
Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of Britain