Author:D.H. Lawrence,Full Cast,Cassie Bradley,Katie Redford
Two bold, authentic dramas exploring D.H. Lawrence's extraordinarily modern view of sexuality
Daring, transgressive and controversial, D.H. Lawrence scandalized the literary world with his frank descriptions of sex and desire. He was censored by his own publisher for being too explicit, and several of his most famous works were banned under the Obscene Publications Act. But for Lawrence, a self-described 'priest of love', passion was the stuff of life - and these two dynamic reimaginings celebrate him at his most fearless, pushing the boundaries of sexuality at the dawn of the 20th Century.
The Rainbow is seen through the eyes of Ursula Brangwen, and spans three generations of her family from 1840 to 1905. Unsatisfied with the limited choices open to women, Ursula delves into the histories of her mother, Anna, and grandmother Lydia, in an attempt to find a path to follow as she grapples with the forces of passion and desire. From her first crush to an illicit same-sex love affair, we follow Ursula on her journey of sexual awakening and self-discovery.
In Women in Love, Ursula's younger sister, Gudrun, comes into equal focus, as she and Ursula search for happiness and fulfilment in the Midlands mining town of Beldover. Gudrun, an artist, embarks on an affair with coalmine owner Gerald Crich; while schoolteacher Ursula falls in love with his friend, school inspector Rupert Birkin. But while Ursula and Rupert grow closer, Gudrun and Gerald's relationship is threatened by Gerald's inability to express his emotions - and his tangled feelings for Rupert...
Cassie Bradley stars as Ursula andKatie Redford as Gudrun in these stunning linked dramas about the complexity of human love.
Cast and credits
Written by D.H. Lawrence
The Rainbow
Ursula - Cassie Bradley
Tom - Karl Collins
Lydia - Aneta Piotrowska
Young Ursula - Florence Hunt
Anna - Rosalie Craig
Young Anna - Lauren Tanner
Will - Lee Ingleby
Anton - Nico Mirallegro
Winifred - Tala Gouveia
Harby - Graeme Hawley
Dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths
Directed by Nadia Molinari
A BBC Audio Drama North Production
With thanks to the Estate of Frieda Lawrence Ravagli
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20-27 June 2021
Women in Love
Ursula - Cassie Bradley
Gudrun - Katie Redford
Rupert - Alexander Arnold
Gerald - James Cooney
Hermione - Emily Pithon
Diana/Pussum - Verity Henry
Julius - Rupert Hill
Hermione - Emily Pithon
Loerke - Ashley Margolis
Dramatised by Ian Kershaw
Directed by Gary Brown
A BBC Audio Drama North Production
With thanks to the Estate of Frieda Lawrence Ravagli
First broadcast BBC Radio 4,4-11 July 2021
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.
Tremendous fun, with a big heart and gorgeous locations to get lost in - it's the perfect uplifting Christmas read, unashamedly romantic and beautifully written. Emily is this year's Queen of Christmas!
—— Veronica HenryA spur-of-the-moment summer romance in Verona, a snowy Christmas in Dublin, a soundtrack of opera, jazz and Motown . . . For me, this is the perfect festive treat! I really enjoyed Emily Bell's believable, sympathetic characters and her sensitive and wise writing about friendship and bereavement which deliver richness and depth to a charming love story
—— Kate EberlenBaby It's Cold Outside captures the magic of Christmas in Dublin perfectly! A heartfelt and irresistibly romantic read to cosy up with over the festive season
—— Carmel HarringtonA refreshing romance filled with holiday spirit and second chances. The descriptions of Dublin at Christmas time alone will leave you longing for your very own trip . . .
—— Woman & HomeThe most perfect, festive, heartwarming read. Curl up in front of the Christmas tree and get lost in the magic
—— CloserWith gorgeous descriptions of a festive Dublin, this beautifully romantic tale is particularly evocative at this magical time of year
—— My WeeklyA great read that's not just for the holiday season. The descriptions will make you feel as though you're walking down Grafton Street with her
—— Belfast TelegraphCosy up with this fab festive read!
—— SunIncluded in 'Best Books'
—— WomanThis uplifting read is full of Christmas magic and perfectly captures the sparkly delights of Dublin in the festive season
—— My WeeklySolomon makes her adult debut with this sizzling rivals-to-lovers romcom, where the heat comes from both precise characterization and a focus on direct communication. Bursting with zest and deep emotion, this one's a winner
—— Booklist (starred review)Smart, spirited and thoroughly entertaining . . . set against the backdrop of the toxic music industry, Dolly's fury at the way women are treated blazes off the page. A wish fulfilment fairytale grounded in grit . . . deserves to be a runaway success
—— Daily ExpressAn iconic singer and a master storyteller make for a sublime partnership in this fun and fast tale.
—— SunAll the great country songs are about heartbreak, about gittin' back on your feet and startin' over. Ultimately, that is where this book scores. AnnieLee is an adorable firecracker of a heroine . . . Run Rose Run has a sweet moreishness that will keep millions happily turning its 409 pages (plus lyrics at the back). Parton and Patterson may have invented a new style; let's call it Dolly Mixtures . . . Seriously, is there anything this phenomenal 76-year-old cannot do?
—— Daily TelegraphThe likable trio will have you rooting for them all the way
—— GuardianIf you love Dolly (and let's be honest, who doesn't?), you'll enjoy the ride.
—— Woman's WeeklyA deliciously hokey yarn about a young singer-songwriter (AnnieLee) struggling to shake off her murky past and make a career in Nashville.
—— IndependentDreams, drama and danger, with a generous sprinkling of magic and wisdom at every turn, it makes for a super holiday or bedtime read
—— HeraldA perfect daily serving of soapy escapism
—— Guardian WeeklyA big-hearted tale of music and perseverance from a living country legend is our top literary pick this month . . . Along the way, we get plenty of genuinely interesting information about the country-music world . . . Frankly bonkers fun
—— Reader's DigestSassy AnnieLee and the Nashville music scene come across as authentic, and the plot speeds along with good humour and energy
—— Irish IndependentJames Patterson is promiscuous with his charms. He has co-written thrillers with Bill Clinton, now he has snuggled up to another Southern institution, Dolly Parton. In this thriller a young singer-songwriter in Nashville is determined to make it big, but - surprise, surprise - she's on the run from her deadly past . . . It's going to be big.
—— The TimesAmerica's master storyteller and much-loved performer join forces
—— SunTells the story of a down-on-her-luck singer songwriter whose career is turbo-charged by a country music legend bearing more than a passing resemblance to the legendary Parton herself
—— Sunday ExpressWho doesn't love Dolly Parton? As well as being a wonderful singer, songwriter and actor, she has created a remarkable legacy as a philanthropist for children's literacy. Parton has now joined forces for a writing duet with bestselling author James Patterson.
—— IndependentWe always knew Dolly Parton was a wit. ("It costs me a lot of money to look this cheap.") In Covid, funding vaccine research, she became a hero. For her next trick, she unveils herself as a novelist, co-writing her debut with prolific hit-machine James Patterson
—— Daily TelegraphIt could be the literary year's shining jewel. Or more surely, simply sell by the shedload
—— RTESuch a page-turner
—— CloserDolly doesn't miss!
—— Buzz MagazineI'd love to have been a fly on the wall when this was being written. There must have been such extraordinary energy and excitement in that room; the resulting thriller certainly suggests as much
—— PlatinumRun Rose Run captivated me from the Prologue, you find yourself holding your breath as you get closer to untangling the web of secrets that each character holds . . . Whilst Patterson undoubtedly brings that suspense and mystery, Parton sets the scene well, the landscape is so beautifully painted. Her knowledge of the music industry really brings the characters and story to life as she references real musicians, events and controversies.
—— Maverick MagazineRun Rose Run is a story glittering with danger and desire
—— Press Association