This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of celebrated English writer Herbert Ernest Bates, who wrote as HE Bates. He is perhaps best-remembered for ‘The Darling Buds of May' that introduced the world to the Larkin family. Few Twentieth Century writers came as close to capturing an authentic portrait of life in the English countryside as Bates. The hardships of rural life were depicted decades earlier by Thomas Hardy, but in the world of HE Bates, the flowers are in bloom and the sun is always shining.
This BBC Radio collection brings together eight hours' worth of audio adaptations of some of Bates' best-known works, as well as some obscure stories. They all feature outstanding actors of past and present. First up is his wartime story, ‘Fair Stood the Wind for France'. This 2009 BBC radio production is based on Bates' 1944 novel, which was written and published before the end of the Second World War.
The action takes place in Nazi-occupied France. Two British pilots, Franklin and O'Connor, are forced to crash land in enemy territory when they are hit. Amongst the French Resistance there are friends to be found, but the country is deeply divided and the route back to England cuts across Vichy-occupied territory. Staying for safety at a remote farmhouse and facing an uncertain future as his badly injured arm becomes infected, Franklin nevertheless falls in love with Francoise, the daughter of the French farmers.
This production features Rory Kinnear as Franklin. Known for his work on the Daniel Craig ‘James Bond' films and for the hit series ‘Penny Dreadful', he demonstrates his versatility by playing a romantic lead in a wartime drama. Tom Goodman-Hill supports as O'Connor and Louise Brealey is Francoise. The production successfully transports the listener to war-torn France and brilliantly brings to life the romance and human drama that is at the heart of the story.
Next up is one of HE Bates' best-known novels, ‘Love For Lydia'. A celebrated TV adaptation in the 1970s introduced it to a wider audience and helped to make stars of Jeremy Irons and Peter Davison. It is a semi-autobiographical work and was first published in 1952, though it is set during the Roaring Twenties. Disaffected journalist Richardson encounters a dazzling young woman called Lydia Aspen, and for one joyful summer, his affections are returned. But he is not the only young man seeking Lydia's attentions, and she is adept at retaining the interest of several potential suitors at once. With high society parties, eccentric aunts and men making fools of themselves with botched marriage proposals, ‘Love For Lydia' comes across in part like a PG Wodehouse story, except there are surprisingly dark undercurrents, not least in a few tragic deaths and prolonged illnesses. This 2008 radio dramatisation stars the late Tim Piggott-Smith. He is the omniscient narrator, playing the older Richardson who reflects upon his youth. Stylistically, the device is similar to Evelyn Waugh's ‘Brideshead Revisited'. Jordan Freida plays the younger Richardson, with Juliet Aubrey as Lydia. Margaret Tyzack (‘I, Claudius') plays Miss Bertie. This radio production is a faithful adaptation of Bates' celebrated novel and effortlessly evokes the period in which it is set.
The third and final dramatisation within this collection is ‘Death of a Huntsman'. It is one from the archives, dating from 1973. As such, the sound quality isn't quite as sharp. It is based on Bates' 1957 short story about a love triangle. When an older man, Harry Barnfield, encounters Edna, with whom he once had a relationship, she hopes to rekindle an old spark. But it is her daughter Valerie that Henry's attentions turn to. When Valerie returns Henry's affections, they risk Edna's wrath the moment news of their romance breaks. ‘Death of a Huntsman' stars Roger Delgado as Henry. Best-remembered as the original Master, the Doctor's nemesis in ‘Doctor Who', his prolific career invariably saw him cast as sinister Spaniards. This radio production enables him to play a caddish romantic lead, and he is excellent as the arrogant Henry. Delgado is ably supported by Pauline Letts as Edna and Jane Knowles as Valerie.
The rest of the collection brings together readings of fourteen short stories from the pen of HE Bates. Most of them are read by David Neal and feature Uncle Silas. The sly old reprobate, full of tales of his trysts with women and fun times enjoying a drop of neck oil, is one of Bates' best-loved characters. The adaptable David Neal does a brilliant job of bringing Bates' creations to life and finding authentic voices for his characters. His readings are immersive, transporting listeners directly into Bates' magical world, and they are invariably very funny. ‘Queenie White' and ‘The Singing Pig' proved to be our favourites from this selection.
Neal also reads a selection of country stories including the thoughtful ‘Time', in which a group of old men reflect on their mortality, and ‘The Maker of Coffins', in which an older lady receives a visit from her eldest son. Individual stories are read by Kim Hicks, John Rowe and Anthony Hyde.
Half a century after his death, and almost a century after he began to make his mark, the writings of HE Bates continue to inspire and find new audiences. Whilst there is something quintessentially English about his prose, his affection for the countryside, for the rural way of life and for flora and fauna shines through in his work. Whereas Dickens was celebrated for his comic grotesques, his stories tended to be placed in the city. Waugh and Woodhouse wrote mostly about the upper echelons of society. Whilst some of Bates' work was comparable to these other celebrated authors, he found his niche in creating loveable and relatable country folk whose dialect, pace of life and desires are intrinsically linked to topography and epoch. All of the productions contained within ‘HE Bates: A BBC Radio Collection’ strike an authentic note and strive to do justice to the author's intentions. The variety of stories, particularly in the dramatisations, showcases HE Bates' versatility as a writer. If you already enjoy Bates' wonderful and wickedly funny tales, or have wanted to discover more after watching TV adaptations of his works, then ‘HE Bates: A BBC Radio Collection’ is a great treasure trove to dive into.
Publisher: Penguin Random House UK audio Publication date: 9th May 2024 Buy ‘HE Bates: A BBC Radio Collection’
