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 Extra,01 Apr 2006,90 mins

Look Back in Anger by John Osborne

Available for 26 days

*** 4 Extra celebrates the 70th anniversary of London's Royal Court Theatre with a selection of its ground-breaking dramas. John Osborne’s classic realist play follows the life and struggles of an intelligent and educated but disaffected young man. Singled out as the 'best young play of its decade' by critic Kenneth Tynan, 'Look Back In Anger' has claimed its place as a major turning point in British Theatre. Its central character Jimmy Porter first burst across the stage in May 1956, both shocking and charming his audiences - the original incarnation of the angry young man. The play is set in the Midlands, in the mid 1950s and charts the cruel but passionate relationship between Jimmy and his young wife Alison as the pair struggle for survival in a destructive relationship. Jimmy Porter .... Ben Whishaw Cliff Lewis .... Grant O'Rourke Alison Porter .... Samantha Young Helena Charles .... Frances Grey Colonel Redfern .... Gareth Thomas Trumpet played by Colin Steele Director: Lu Kemp First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.

Programme Website