In 1933, the American writer Lillian Hellman wrote one of the most controversial plays ever to open on Broadway. The Children’s Hour tells the story of two female teachers who are accused of having an affair. The subject matter drew fierce criticism but the play was a huge success. Years later it was made into a film starring Audrey Hepburn and Shirley McLain. And it’s now being revived at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre with Charlotte Emerson and Maxine Peake in the title roles. They join Sheila McClennon along with Viv Gardner, Professor of Theatre Studies at Manchester University, to talk about this important piece of American theatre history.
