Philip and Sydney

Dec 28, 2024 6:13 PM

Author:Alan Pollock,Tim McInnerny,Pip Carter,Melody Grove,John Rowe,Sam Dale,Gunnar Cauthrey

Philip and Sydney

In 'This be the Verse', the poet Philip Larkin famously bemoans the impact parents have on their children. In ‘Philip and Sydney’, playwright, translator and screenwriter Alan Pollock uncovers some of the reasons why Larkin may have had such a profound sense of anguish. In 1937, Philip Larkin's father, Sydney, took him on holiday to Germany. Sydney was Coventry's City Treasurer and had a keen interest in the Nazi regime. It was a holiday that Philip never spoke of. But, taking inspiration from Sydney's diaries, ‘Philip and Sydney’ imagines what might have happened during their trip. With Pip Carter and Tim McInnerny in the title roles, the cast also stars Melody Grove, John Rowe, Sam Dale and Gunnar Cauthery. Directed by Kirsty Williams. First broadcast as the ‘Afternoon Play’ on 11 June 2010.

Reviews

The most penetrating account of the Rings shoot.

—— Empire

Full of titbits, tales and tantrums from the set, it's a great insight into everything that happened in New Zealand during filming.

—— SFX

Fans... will be spinning like a top to get their paws on this engrossing book... fab stuff!

—— Hot Stars

a highly compelling and involving tale of an actor at work.

—— Film Review

Revealing biography of a multi-talented funnyman by a close friend who helped him in his final years

—— Uncut

An honest and moving account

—— Glasgow Herald

What happened to Moore is all here in harrowing detail

—— Mail on Sunday

There are moments of laugh-out-loud humour

—— Scotland on Sunday

Rena Fruchter reveals the untold story in a loving but unflinching portrait

—— Evening Herald

The generosity of the family, especially Rena's long-suffering husband Brian, is deeply moving

—— Sunday Express

An unabashed eulogy to a man she was evidently devoted to

—— Telegraph

Clearly Fruchter had a huge affection for Moore but she knew his shortcomings

—— Scottish Sunday Herald

An intelligent, honest and moving portrait

—— Songs of Praise Magazine

The answers are all here, neatly scattered through this mercifully mid-sized biog. Rena Fruchter, herself blessed with comedic skills, delivers you the Dud she knew

—— Manchester Evening News

An honest and moving account of his later years

—— Glasgow Herald

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