Sea Longing

As a renowned folklore expert, Robert Whyman has spent his life getting secrets out of other people; and his recordings of selkie stories and folktales are legendary. Now, with time running out for Whyman, the tables are turned as he gives an interview of his own, excavating his own mythology in a journey that takes him to some unexpectedly dark and secret places.

This drama explores the world of selkie and seal stories, and how their engagement with some of the darker sides of love, longing, taboo and conflict, makes them an extraordinary source of strength and insight for the generations of people who have told and listened to them.

First Broadcast:

Sunday 23rd December 2018 at 19:30 on BBC Radio 3

Production Credits:

Writer: Elizabeth Kuti
Cast: Stephen Dillane (Robert Whyman), Jo McInnes (Rachel Whyman), Anastasia Hille (Laura Whyman), Lee Ross (Angus The Fisherman), Kiki May (Young Robert), Mairi Hawthorn (Morag McAllister), Eva Traynor (Margaret), Nicholas Boulton (Father), Anya Ashton (Mother) & Paolo Ashton (Robert aged 4)
Broadcast Assistant: Sarah Tombling
Sound Engineer: David Thomas
Director: Jo McInnes
Producer: Karen Rose
Music by: Philip Selway and performed by Philip Selway, Quinta & Laura Moody
Archive: Brucie Henderson recounts the story of ‘The Strange Selkie Boy of Breckon’; clip supplied by the School of Scottish Studies Archives at the University of Edinburgh. ‘The Crofter’s Mistake’ is adapted from a story by Duncan Williamson.

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