Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

Radio 4,26 Sep 2026,87 mins,

The Children

Drama on 4
Contains very strong language.

Available for 28 days

A new audio production of star playwright Lucy Kirkwood's gripping drama, first produced at The Royal Court Theatre. With very strong language. Retired nuclear physicists Hazel and Robin wonder why their former colleague Rose has turned up at their house near the power station where they used to work. Over the course of the play, old alliances and divisions are exposed and it becomes clear that Rose has a challenging proposition for her old friends. Kirkwood delivers her analysis of a global crisis through recognisable characters in an ordinary domestic context. Beautifully observed and unfolding in real time, this entertaining drama is both a picture of the relationship between three people and an exploration of personal and professional responsibility. Multi award winning playwright Lucy Kirkwood is best known for robustly tackling the most pressing issues of our time in darkly funny dramas like Mosquitoes (National) and Chimerica (Almeida then West End). Hooley Productions was commissioned by BBC Radio 4 to make this production of The Children as part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the English Stage Company at the Royal Court Theatre. Cast: Rose ..... Emma Fielding Hazel ..... Anastasia Hille Robin ..... Stanley Townsend Production team: Director ..... Mary Peate Producer ..... Jessica Dromgoole Technical producer ..... Andy Garratt Sound Design ..... Peter Ringrose Orginal music ..... Jon Nicholls Violinist ..... Joni Fuller The Children was first presented by the English Stage Company at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court Theatre in November 2016. The same production was presented by the Manhattan Theatre Club at the Friedman Theatre, Broadway, in November 2017 - Artistic Director Lynne Meadow; Executive Producer Barry Grove.

Programme Website
More episodes