Wasps in a Jam Jar

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Turning Point: Wasps in a Jam Jar by Jonathan Maitland. Elspeth was married to Geoffrey Howe. She was the complete opposite of the other woman in his life, Margaret Thatcher. Elspeth was Chair of the Broadcasting Standards Commission and a vocal supporter of the homeless. She was a feminist, whereas Mrs Thatcher thought a woman's place was in the home. This rivalry played a substantial part in Geoffrey Howe's famous resignation speech in 1990. Arguably the speech was a major turning point in contemporary history. It meant the end of Mrs Thatcher. But most significant of all, the European battle lines in the Conservative Party were indelibly drawn that day. There's a straight line from that speech to the Brexit referendum. This comedy drama by journalist Jonathan Maitland dramatises the events leading up to the speech. Elspeth Howe...................................Penelope Wilton Margaret Thatcher.........................Harriet Walter Geoffrey Howe................................James Fleet Alan Clark/Nigel Lawson.............Jonty Stephens Ian Gow/Brian Walden.................Simon Greenall Journalist...........................................Jonathan Maitland Commons Speaker.........................Hamilton Berstock Production Co-Ordinator - Pippa Day Tech Team - Keith Graham & Jenni Burnett Sound Design - Sue Stonestreet Director/Producer -Gary Brown A BBC Audio Drama North Production. This drama is an adaptation of Jonathan Maitland's stage play 'Dead Sheep'. Jonathan Maitland is a well known broadcast journalist who has worked extensively for BBC, ITV and Radio 4. He is now a playwright with several plays already produced. His new play 'The Interview' will premiere at the Park Theatre in Oct 2023.