2. The Undertow

Julie Hesmondhalgh continues Jenn Ashworth's five-part ghost story, written for Radio 4.

Set in the near future, on the shifting sands of Morecambe Bay, old stories face new realities. Britain’s coastline is now at risk, and while the sea takes bites out of the land, and the once prosperous town slowly shuts down, some hang on here in the Bay, clinging to hope, or perhaps to superstitions from the past. Others move inland, to the resettlement areas, fearful of the brutal new tides. Among those stubborn few remaining are cafe-owner Helen, her daughter Ruby and old friend Margery.

Today: it's the day before the King Tide, when the water comes in hard and fast. While the older generation still cling to stories about the mysterious White Lady, the young, including Helen's daughter Ruby, are only interested in the harsh new realities...

Reader: Julie Hesmondhalgh is an acclaimed actor, known best for her award-winning roles in Coronation Street, Broadchurch and Happy Valley. She is a founding member of political theatre collective, Take Back
Writer: Jenn Ashworth is an award-winning writer of short fiction, memoir and novels. Her novel A Kind of Intimacy won the Betty Trask Award, and her work has been shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize, The Portico Prize and the BBC National Short Story Award. She teaches writing at Lancaster University.
Producer: Justine Willett