The Pursuits of Darleen Fyles: Series 1-10: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama

All ten series of the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 sitcom

'A warm, menacing, funny must-listen' - The Guardian

This rom-com with a difference follows the challenges and aspirations of Darleen Fyles and her partner Jamie, a young couple with learning disabilities. Over the course of 50 episodes, they struggle with the problems and frustrations of everyday life, overcome prejudice and bullying, and forge a stable relationship.

High-spirited and determined, Darleen refuses to let obstacles stand in her way. She and Jamie have more than their fair share of setbacks, including financial crises, difficulties with sex, health worries and a serious row about living arrangements: but their love for each other endures.

Donna Lavin and Edmund Davies, who have learning disabilities themselves, star as Darleen and Jamie, and the supporting cast includes Denise Welch, Rob Pickavance and Olwen May. We are also introduced to 17-year-old Alex Huntesmith, who plays himself, and whose parents both have learning disabilities. Through him and his real mum, Jill, a mother of four, we are given an insight into their extraordinary real-life family.

The Pursuits of Darleen Fyles was shortlisted for a BBC Audio Drama Award, and transferred to BBC TV as part of Jimmy McGovern's Moving On strand. Based on true stories and created in part through improvisation, this tough, feelgood series is at once humorous, heartfelt and poignant.

Written by Esther Wilson Produced and directed by Pauline Harris

Cast Darleen - Donna Lavin Jamie - Edmund Davies Treena - Siobhan Finneran/Lorraine Ashbourne/Lesley Nicol/Denise Welch/Sally Lindsay Tony - Rob Pickavance/Roger Morlidge Fran - Olwen May Colin - Lee Boardman Chelsea - Vicky Binns Becca - Victoria Connett Sarah - Deborah McAndrew Nick - Greg Wood Leonard - Steve Evets Ben - Wyllie Longmore Marie - Emma Hartley-Miller Bob - Stephen Chapman/Carl Cockram/Andrew Dunn Vicar/Kenny - Declan Wilson Marie - Emma Hartley Miller Bob/Jeweller - Stephen Chapman Stacey - Niamh Clarke/Olivia Cosgrove/Ashley Ogden/Millie Rose Kinsey Elsa -Judith Barker Pat - Janice McKenzie Jay - Andrew Schofield Mohammad - Sushil Chudasama/Peter Singh Woman in street/Girl on bus - Hollie-Jay Bowes Alex Huntesmith - Himself Jill Huntesmith - Herself Romana/Doctor/Jill/Josie/Ann/Midwife/Teacher - Ruth Worth Tony - Roger Morlidge Scott - Byron Konizi Jilly - Ruth Piggott Ged - Neil Bell Chemba - Dan Poyser Job centre advisor - Barnaby Gordon David/Doctor/Shop assistant - John Catterall Sal - Eileen O'Brien Karen - Kate Coogan Doctor Stevens - Ben Worth

© 2021 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529126778

Udgivelsesdato

Lydbog: 15. juli 2021