Five stories about departure.
Departures
Swans
New Zealand’s first lady of literature, who died in 2003, describes a child’s experience of a trip to the seaside for an almost perfect day.
Writer: Janet Frame
Reader: Sarah Kants
Music: Janets Home Coming by Don McGlashan
Gnomes
A group of friends reunite to send off Robbo who is joining the army.
Writer: Matthew Kneale
Reader: Paul Ritter
Music: Mad World by Roland Orzabal & performed by Michael Andrews/Gary Jules
The Blue Lighthouse
A woman’s world narrows as she experiences old age.
Writer: Janet Frame
Reader: Marcia Warren.
Music: The Winds Of Change by Ray Russell & Freddie Freeloader by Miles Davies
Princess Seraphina and the Cyberlords
A ravaged actor from a cult sci-fi series attends his final convention.
Writer: Laura Wilson
Reader: Leslie Phillips
Music: Star Trek by Alexander Courage & performed by Boston Pops Orchestra
The Bath
A woman’s world narrows as she experiences old age.
Writer: Janet Frame
Reader: Marcia Warren
Music: 12 Dancing Princesses by Don McGlashan
First Broadcast:
Monday - Friday, 15th-19th November 2004 at 15:30 on BBC Radio 4
Production Credits:
Sound Engineer: David Thomas
Producer: Karen Rose