Author:Louise Ramsden,Seainin Brennan,Joseph Kloska,Janice Acquah,Toni Midlane,Philip Fox,Full Cast
A BBC Radio 4 drama by Louise Ramsden, based on Seaneen Molloy's blog 'The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive', her account of learning to live and love with bipolar disorder. Originally broadcast as the 'Afternoon Play' on 8 May 2009. Facing life as a newly-diagnosed manic depressive, Seaneen fears that Rob has become more nurse than boyfriend, and begins to wonder if the only way to save a brilliant relationship is to leave it. The play charts her determination to cope with her illness and to live life independently. Starring Séainín Brennan as Seaneen and Joseph Kloska as Rob. Also featured in the cast are Janice Acquah, Toni Midlane and Philip Fox. Comments from the blog are read by members of the Radio Drama Company. Except for Seaneen and Rob, all the characters are fictional. 'The Do's and Don'ts for the Mentally Interesting' was directed by Fiona Kelcher.
Intimate and full of revelations
—— Daily Express"George is a first-class gossip with a stirringly viperish tongue. Straight never fails to entertain or provide food for thought."
—— The Daily Telegraph"The best book I've read in a long while. I read it twice in one sitting - it made me howl with laughter and burst into tears."
—— Paul O'Grady"Such a fun read."
Who wouldn't feel a rush of delight to see the stand-up and perennial panel show host Jason Manford peeking out of their Christmas stocking?
—— Independent on SundayCallow's precise prose and sober judgement make this second volume of biography one to be cherished and leaves one eagerly anticipating volume three
—— Michael Arditti , Daily MailCallow's riveting and superlative biography satisfies at every level, and I for one cannot wait for the next volume
—— Frank McLynn , Literary ReviewA vivid, sympathetic account... provides a definitive explanation of Welles's ultimate, lingering downfall
—— Financial TimesI am already looking forward to [the third volume] such is Callow's sympathetic absorption in the mass of material, which he handles with a light and ironic touch, that I found myself utterly hooked... As an actor himself Callow writes illuminatingly about Welles's performances
—— Mail on SundayCallow's enterprise is one of the rarest in publishing. It leaves the reader dry-mouthed with anticipation for his final, third volume
—— Alan Warner , GuardianThe only biog really worth it's salt this year...reliably entertaining, wise and sane
—— Catherine Shoard , Evening StandardWelles’s packed schedule is rifled through with chatty elegance
—— Catherine Shoard , Sunday Telegraph