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...