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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 1
When Cliff comes back from a tour of Afghanistan, now disabled and in a wheelchair, he and his wife Connie move to Redcar to run his family business. As they struggle to adapt to their new life, a chance meeting with Oliver Mellors at the beach, impacts on them both individually and as a couple.

Cast:
Cliff ..... David Proud
Connie ..... Ashleigh Wilder
Oliver ..... Mark Holgate
Ivy ..... Melody Brown
Hilly ..... Claire Morley
The Book ..... Jonathan Keeble

Directors: Jenny Sealey and Polly Thomas
Sound recordist: Louis Blatherwick
Sound design: Eloise Whitmore
Original music: Megan Steinberg, with 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 ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4

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