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This is a writer's journal of his friendships, encounters and
observations during the 1950s and 60s, describing relationships
with Cork author Frank O'Connor, Patrick Kavanagh, Charles Cape
(onetime governor of Strangeways Prison) and the remarkable
Margaret Radford, baglady and acquaintance of Shaw, Lawrence and
Ford Madox Ford, with her vivid experiences of the Great War.
Peopled by the colourful characters met in his profession, Naughton
also gives an intimate portrait of a marriage and the onset of
death as he survives a coronary thrombosis. Limpid, candid and
tellingly written, it delineates the struggles and triumphs of a
migrant Irish writer living in the English provinces, with sharp
insights into human behaviour.
Rafe Crompton is not a stern man but has such unswerving integrity
that his family is forced to hide slight peccadilloes from him. His
daughter Hilda particularly resents this and her refusal to eat a
herring that is placed before her at dinner makes the situation
explosive. The family is almost broken up before Rafe is made to
see the dangers in his attitudes, and they are reunited in an
atmosphere more progressive and tolerant.4 women, 4 men
June Evening was originally a radio play, broadcast in 1958. It was
televised in July 1960 and proved very influential, causing a
sensation as one of the first 'kitchen sink' TV plays, nine months
before Coronation Street was first aired. Naughton contended that
Granada lifted his idea, the story being set around one Lancashire
Street with a corner shop. Set in Holdsworth Street, Bolton in
1921, we watch the Street's inhabitants argue, love and gossip the
evening away.8 women, 5 men
Just a year into marriage and with a young baby to care for, Joe is
one of three million unemployed looking for work every day - when
he'd much rather be spending time with his young wife, Madge. Both
have secrets from their past that they are reluctant to share with
each other, until an unexpected visitor appears who seems to know
exactly what the future holds. LIGHTHEARTED INTERCOURSE is a
tender, funny and intimate portrayal of a young couple living in
1920s Bolton, adjusting to married life and discussing their fears,
anxieties and conflicting needs. It was unearthed from Bill
Naughton's personal archive and reworked by David Thacker at the
Octagon Theatre, Bolton, where it received its world premiere in
October 2012. A first-rate play, full of rare interest and moments
of sublime comedy and exquisite sadness - almost in equal measure.
- The Stage. First performed at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton,on 4th
October 2012
Set in the early thirties, this excellent story for boys comes from
an author who is better-known as a playwright and deals with the
escapades of Corky and Ginger, two of the scores of Pony Boys
employed to deliver light loads - a common sight in City streets in
those days. In the later chapters the urge takes the boys to see
the world and they head for Liverpool with the idea of getting jobs
on a trawler. Written with humour and understanding, the book is
authentic but never old fashioned.
The Goalkeeper's Revenge is comprised of stories of a Lancashire
childhood: of football on the streets, fishing, fighting and
school, of growing up and looking for work, and of characters such
as Spit Nolan the champion trolley-rider, Sim Dalt the goalkeeper
and Maggie Gregory the amazing reader.
This domestic comedy explores the drama of a teenage marriage and
the effects on a working-class British family. By the author of
Alfie, this 1960's Broadway hit was made into the film The Family
Way which starred John and Hayley Mills.4 women, 7 men
"I???ve got this dark little lump of cold grief or something over
my heart. It could, of course, be wind."And that??'s Alfie really.
Never one to take himself, or anything else for that matter, too
seriously. He???ll never say no to a woman and he???ll even let
them stay the night, as long as they cook breakfast of course and
as long as they never, ever, ask when he???ll be back. But these
things are never that simple, even if Alfie likes to pretend they
are. There??'s meek little Annie, who??'s almost got him
"poncified"; Ruby, a bit old but in fabulous condition and then the
less said about Lily the better. But Alfie doesn???t do
complicated. He loves, he leaves and when he occasionally wrestles
with his conscience, he always wins. Well, almost always. . .With
sales of over a million copies since its first publication in 1966,
Alfie is a controversial modern classic. The inspiration for the
cult film starring Michael Caine and the smash-hit remake with Jude
Law as the eponymous anti-hero, Alfie feels as fresh and relevant
today as when it was first published.
In this collection of stories, Bill Naughton portrays a selection
of characters, including truck drivers, Irish itinerants and lamp
lighters, in his inimitable pithy style. While each tale can be
enjoyed on its own, together they provide a wonderful picture of
post-war and a bygone era. With descriptions so graphic the
characters could be based on real people, the lives, loves, hopes
and disappointments of Naughton's characters will keep you gripped
till the last.
Alfie's not really a bad guy. It's just that he has this
overwhelming desire for the ladies. You might say that 'birds' are
irresistible to him, sort of second nature. There's Ruby - 'A lust
box in beautiful condition' ; Clare - 'You're all lathered in
sweat, Alfie'; Siddie - 'My regular Thursday night bint, a bit
leggy for my fancy, but you make a married woman laugh and you're
halfway home'; and Annie - but who's counting? Certainly not Alfie.
Three in one evening if necessary. And necessary is the right
word...
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