Strangers In The Night

Strangers in the Night

Drama

By Georgia Fitch

It is 1969 and English actress Carol White is trying to make her name in Hollywood. When she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Frank Sinatra, their intense friendship leads her on a journey of self-discovery. Will her career as a Hollywood star take off or will love prove the ultimate distraction?

Directed by Nandita Ghose

STORY:

The play covers an emotional few days in English actress Carol White's life. Fresh from her success as Cathy in Ken Loach's film Cathy Come Home, she comes to Hollywood to try and break into film. Embroiled in a passionate and dysfunctional affair with the actor Paul Burke, she also finds herself drawn to Frank Sinatra. Frank seems to understand Carol as no-one else does, but is what he offers real? Carol must make some decisions about what she really wants in her love and career.

Known as the "The Battersea Bardot", the real life Carol was a feisty woman who enjoyed unprecedented success with her portrayals of London working class women. However, a difficult childhood had left her vulnerable and unconfident in her relationships with men. She died in her forties, having not achieved the height of success she deserved.

WRITER:

Georgia Fitch's plays for the stage include adrenalin ...heart (Bush Theatre, London 2002, 2004 and Tokyo International Theatre Festival), I Like Mine With A Kiss (Bush Theatre, London 2007), Dirty Dirty Princess (National Theatre/Connections 2009), Fit and Proper People (RSC/SOHO), and Blair's Children (National Theatre, Cockpit ).

Credits

Role\tContributor

Carol\tNicola Stapleton

Paul\tPatrick Kennedy

Frank\tBen Crowe

John\tColin McFarlane

Earl\tColin McFarlane

Reece\tCecilia Noble

Director\tNandita Ghose

Writer\tGeorgia Fitch

Broadcast

Thu 17 Jul 2014

14:15

BBC RADIO 4 FM