We feature the stunning conclusion “The Mumbai Chuzzlewits” by Goldhawk Productions, produced by John Dryden, a Sony and Peabody Award winning radio producer whose work is regularly commissioned for BBC Radio 4. The show, adapted by Ayeesha Menon, transposes Charles Dickens’ satire on the corrosive power of money to the hot, hectic streets of modern-day Mumbai, India.
In it, the miserly old recluse Martin Chuzzlewit adopts an orphan girl, Mary, to be his caregiver. As she will inherit nothing upon his death, he believes she will do her utmost to keep him in good health. But when Chuzzlewit’s grandson Mickey falls in love with Mary, Martin’s plans are thrown into disarray. Disinheriting him, Martin triggers a complex web of deceit, betrayal and manipulation as the extended family and hangers-on close in, in pursuit of his fortune.
This fast-paced drama full of intrigue, romance, suspense and murder is told in three hour-long parts, and you, dear Radio Drama Revival listener, will be able to hear the story in its full, unedited glory, for the first time it’s been heard outside of the BBC.
Today we’ll hear Part 3 of 3 of The Mumbai Chuzzlewits, a shortlist play BBC Audio Drama Awards 2013. John Dryden’s latest “The Reluctant Spy” is available through the BBC Radio 4 iPlayer.
[powerpress]
Check out Goldhawk’s site, where you can find behind the scenes videos of various scenes in the drama – fights, murders, gatherings – you can get a flavor for John’s recording style and again don’t forget we’ve interviewed him in the past and talked about radio drama, field recording, and contemporary art. Producer Fred Greenhalgh worked on U.S. sound for “Severed Threads.”