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79 Birthdays

Poet Michael Symmons Roberts tells the story of Jimmy's life through 79 birthdays watched with Leila, his guardian angel. Inspired by the average male lifespan.

One of the first pieces of radio drama was broadcast in 1928 under the title 'Kaleidoscope'. It told the story of one 'ordinary' British man's life - then 70 years - in sound. No recording or script of that original broadcast now exists, but the idea has always intrigued poet Michael Symmons Roberts. Now, as the average male lifespan in Britain reaches 79, this drama takes up the challenge, telling the story of Jimmy through significant birthdays on the road to his 79th.

Jimmy loses his life before it begins when he's being born. A guardian angel, Leila is waiting for him. Jimmy is desperate to know what would have happened to him had he been born . After a lot of persuasion, Leila grants Jimmy his wish, showing him his life as he spools through his birthdays, playing out the key moments in full .

Produced in Salford by Susan Roberts.

45 minutes

Behind the Scenes with 大象传媒 Radio Drama

Behind the Scenes with 大象传媒 Radio Drama
Archive image: 大象传媒 broadcasting a Shakespeare play in a radio studio, 1928

Broadcasting live

Broadcasting live
How things used to be done in 1928 when the Kaleidoscope聽play that inspired 79 Birthdays was broadcast.聽

Credits

Role Contributor
Jimmy Nico Mirallegro
Leila David Calder
Marie Kate Coogan
Helen Emily Pithon
Psychiatrist Russell Dixon
Pit Boss William Ash
Producer Susan Roberts
Writer Michael Symmons Roberts

Broadcast

  • Thu 7 Jan 2016 14:15

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

The Shakespeare Sessions

The Shakespeare Sessions

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare鈥檚 world