Not For Turning. Image shows from L to R: Nate (Ashley Gurlach), Hal (Henry Devas), Cruise (Andrew Bentley). Copyright: Sparklab Productions
Not For Turning

Not For Turning

  • Radio comedy drama
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 2020
  • 1 episode

Comedy drama about a 19-year-old attending his first political party conference. Stars Nicola Holt, Henry Devas, Andrew Bentley, Ashley Gurlach and Toby Hadoke

Not For Turning. Image shows from L to R: Hal (Henry Devas), Cassie (Nicola Holt). Copyright: Sparklab Productions

Key details

Genre
Comedy Drama
Broadcast
2020
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
1
Stars
Nicola Holt, Henry Devas, Andrew Bentley, Ashley Gurlach and Toby Hadoke
Writer
Tim Dawson
Director
Lawrence Till
Producers
Mel Harris and Jeremy Mortimer
Company

19-year-old Bolton lad Hal Phelps is off to his first Conservative Party conference. There, he falls in with a group of fellow young right-wingers, and finds himself experiencing an awakening that is more than simply political.

Hal likes classic sitcoms and Mrs Thatcher, and does not consider himself conventionally attractive, and is therefore shocked to find himself kissing Cruise, Thomas Garnier MP's senior researcher and a committed follower of the Great and Noble Lady. He is even more shocked to find this kiss photographed and spread across social media by vituperative left-wing "journalist" Hughie 'Weasel' Mac.

Hal's best friend, Cassie, a young socialist who he's known since childhood, is worried about him, but not as worried as his dad - and neither are as worried as Hal himself, as he is forced to confront the realities of both politics and sexuality.

After speaking on the panel at a fringe event, Hal finds himself in a hotel bar, and then his world really starts to unravel...

Alongside the farce, the play deals in multiple issues: cross-party friendships, use of language, and the pressure to commit to particular identities.

The Lady wasn't for turning, but is Hal?

Additional details

Production
Studio

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Wednesday 16th September 2020 at 2:15pm on BBC Radio 4
Episode length
45 minutes
All previous repeats
  • Tuesday 17th January 2023 at 2:15pm on Radio 4

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