Tainted Love: A full-cast reimagining of The Rainbow & Women in Love

Two bold, authentic dramas exploring D.H. Lawrence's extraordinarily modern view of sexuality

Daring, transgressive and controversial, D.H. Lawrence scandalized the literary world with his frank descriptions of sex and desire. He was censored by his own publisher for being too explicit, and several of his most famous works were banned under the Obscene Publications Act. But for Lawrence, a self-described 'priest of love', passion was the stuff of life - and these two dynamic reimaginings celebrate him at his most fearless, pushing the boundaries of sexuality at the dawn of the 20th Century.

The Rainbow is seen through the eyes of Ursula Brangwen, and spans three generations of her family from 1840 to 1905. Unsatisfied with the limited choices open to women, Ursula delves into the histories of her mother, Anna, and grandmother Lydia, in an attempt to find a path to follow as she grapples with the forces of passion and desire. From her first crush to an illicit same-sex love affair, we follow Ursula on her journey of sexual awakening and self-discovery.

In Women in Love, Ursula's younger sister, Gudrun, comes into equal focus, as she and Ursula search for happiness and fulfilment in the Midlands mining town of Beldover. Gudrun, an artist, embarks on an affair with coalmine owner Gerald Crich; while schoolteacher Ursula falls in love with his friend, school inspector Rupert Birkin. But while Ursula and Rupert grow closer, Gudrun and Gerald's relationship is threatened by Gerald's inability to express his emotions - and his tangled feelings for Rupert...

Cassie Bradley stars as Ursula and Katie Redford as Gudrun in these stunning linked dramas about the complexity of human love.

Cast and credits Written by D.H. Lawrence

The Rainbow Ursula - Cassie Bradley Tom - Karl Collins Lydia - Aneta Piotrowska Young Ursula - Florence Hunt Anna - Rosalie Craig Young Anna - Lauren Tanner Will - Lee Ingleby Anton - Nico Mirallegro Winifred - Tala Gouveia Harby - Graeme Hawley

Dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths Directed by Nadia Molinari A BBC Audio Drama North Production With thanks to the Estate of Frieda Lawrence Ravagli First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20-27 June 2021

Women in Love Ursula - Cassie Bradley Gudrun - Katie Redford Rupert - Alexander Arnold Gerald - James Cooney Hermione - Emily Pithon Diana/Pussum - Verity Henry Julius - Rupert Hill Hermione - Emily Pithon Loerke - Ashley Margolis

Dramatised by Ian Kershaw Directed by Gary Brown A BBC Audio Drama North Production With thanks to the Estate of Frieda Lawrence Ravagli First broadcast BBC Radio 4,4-11 July 2021

© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

© 2021 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529141122

Udgivelsesdato

Lydbog: 26. august 2021